Talk me out of a Benz...
 

Our c320 had been a great car, possibly the best used car I've ever bought. It's fantastic for around town, but just a bit tight for weekend trips with kids + loot.

We were going to upgrade next year, my wife loves volvos, but I was disappointed in the fit and quality in our last one (albeit, a 1999). Decent 5-8 year old awd volvos are 12-15k. I've been keeping an eye open, but again, haven't been in a rush.

So, over the weekend my mommy's car gives up the ghost. Going to need 2k, on what is at best a 2k car (2001 chev tracker 4 dr). I'd like to give her the c320 and upgrade.

So I'm looking at wagons, and see a couple '04/05 e500 wagons. hummmm.... v8, awd, lots of room. And I love the way they drive. I called a guy tonight about a 2005 e500 wagon, 4matic. 65k miles, good price.

I can't really come up with a good reason to NOT buy it. am I missing something?

here is some research material that I've diligently reviewed, while weighing my choices:

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My wife's 2006 c230 just went through a total overhaul under warranty, transmission, motor and full suspension. All at cost to the dealer, 11K USD. Still it shouldn't have needed any of that work with Less than 90K miles. All of it went within 5k of our warranty expiring. If we hadn't purchased an extended warranty we would be in a very bad situation.

Based upon my experience I do not recommend a Benz, but I highly recommend an extended warranty.

A few reasons:

They are not the built with the same quality as the older cars were.
Over engineered to a laughable extent.
Lots of expensive special tools needed to work on them.
"lifetime" fluid. Yeah, sure..
In Germany, a Benz is a Chevy.

Get the Volvo, seriously.

I'll never have another Benz until they do something about the transmissions. Other than that, the expense of repairs would keep me away. I'm pretty down on luxury sedans/wagons anymore anyway. Too many bells and whistles, not enough substance to justify the price.

I had a CLK 500. I loved the 5 liter. I had tranny problems, lucky for me covered under warranty. I will probably never own one again. Out of warranty, they are expensive to maintain.

i have a 2000 e320 wagon. by far best car i have ever driven or owned. (the 930 is in a different catagory). if someone has servived the "non-service" tranny from the begining they are fine. DO NOT do a flush on a hi mileage car. i dropped my pan on mine,replaced the filter and the oil that acme out and its been fine. thats with 150k miles on it.

What about a Lexus?

Anyone who thinks the newer (or Daimler-era) MBs are bad cars is simply wrong. I've owned my 2001 since 2005 and it has been wonderful - everything I wanted in a daily driver that has occasional "fun car" duty. Since I bought it I've bad to replace a pneumatic hood shock, crank position sensor, O2 sensor and a battery. I think that's it other than consumable items like oil, tires, brake pads, etc. I have 108k miles on he original clutch (6-speed manual) and it has a lot of life left. Very solid and stable.

I wouldn't talk anyone out of a Benz. They're fantastic. My next car will likely be an "A" class (they're going to call it the "CLA" in the US I think). Probably won't need one for another year or two and I only will because of changing family needs demanding something a bit more practical on occasion.

Don't avoid them. They're good cars. The only weak points are the emissions-related sensors and related government-mandated crap (like on any modern car). Good luck!

I've owned a bunch of the things and won't buy another. The one most applicable to your situation was an '00 E320 wagon 4matic. The engine was burning a decent amount of oil by 60k. The rear suspension was stiffer than my '00 Ford F250 SD 4x4, so the ride was worse than any othe car I've owned. The 4matic was so slow to engage that you could spin the car 180 degrees before the front wheels were doing anything useful. Then, there is the exhorbitant cost of service and repair, if you choose to use MB parts and service, as I did.

I'll never own another Benz and I wouldn't touch a Volvo, either. In your area, I'd suggest an Audi.

JR

Love wagons. Have a bmw wagon myself. Problem with wagons is there are very few you can find that you can't also find horror stories about. Benz, Bimmer, Audi, Volvo etc. Common thread seems to be Germans suck at electrical systems. I know whoever at BMW was responsible for sourcing window regulators on the E46 should be fired.

Will look at CTS when the time comes for another car. Will also drive an E class.

Check out the Jag X Type wagons. People love to harp on poor reliability in jags, but modern ones are solid I've put 50k on my 04 XJ (from 80k to 130k) eith nothing more than oil changes, air filters, brake pads and a coolant flush done at home for $40

And there's a source for the nav discs at ~$50 for current release and the disc will work in any jag with touchscreen nav

Jake,

Although I hesitate to mention the word VW in your hearing, this sucker would not only haul your family, but pull a boat as well.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg Comfortline TDI DIESEL SUV - Nova Scotia Cars For Sale - Kijiji Nova Scotia Canada.

Have fun whatever you do!

Best
Les

Yep. On my trips to Europe, I usually end up in w211 wagon taxi at some point. Quiet, comfortable ride. Seem to be screwed together pretty well. Maybe a little too sedate, but I'm sure the E55 would change that.
How about this one, Jake:
Wagon Week: 2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 Estate | German Cars For Sale Blog

(sorry for the sidebar) Any opinions on the 3.0 engine in the C5 Avants (and C5s in general)? We’ve been looking at C5s and the 3.0 seems like a nice blend of economy and durability, yet the 3.0 doesn’t seem to get much love on the forums.

I'm sure a 3.0 will get you across town but at this point in my life, all my Audis will have a V8. Not coincidently, they will also be an A8 platform. I prefer the short wheelbase A8 over any A6.

JR

@ Les.... a VW?!?!? Ha!
wait, a 45k VW?!? BWAhahAHhahahHAHahhHAhahahahHAhahahhaha

that e55 wagon is nice but I really need awd. plus, it's 35k. My brain won't allow me to pay more than 20k for anything that's going to depreciate. I *could* spend the $$$, but I'm a lot more likely to buy a 15k car, and then get a Pietenpol and a steamboat. It's somehow a lot more sensible and satisfying, in my twisted way of seeing things

So with that in mind, the wagons I'm looking at all sub 15k, and the e500 is the only one in the bunch that's a v8. My doctor told me I need to drink more water, and I ought to get a v8. He's a Dr of philosophy, but I take his advice very seriously.

My experience with MBs has been fantastic, I guess I was thinking I might get feedback on the e500 wagon in particular, but youze all have a hate on for MB in general. Yikes. Probablyt what I sound like when I talk about VWs

I had an overall excellent experience with my car. The best part about it was the engine and transmission, so smooth and powerful. The interior fit and finish and quality of leather was really nice and held up like new until I sold it. I had a few issues that shouldn't happen, like a fuel leak inside the car under the rear seat, had a puddle of gasoline there - fuel sender was cracked or something. $1800, half of which was covered by warranty. In fact I think MB finally acknowledged this as a problem on the E55 cars. Other issues too that were costly, but not that bad considering warranty. I figured I'd sell the car while it was still running great and give the next owner some fun before the headaches begin. I wouldn't want to own one without a warranty though, unless you have an extra grand to spend every 6 months or so, just keep it handy. My dealer treated me really well, was always a pleasure to take it in for service - I know it's stupid, but with my schedule, I totally appreciated it and you always get a nice loaner.

Also remember, MB's are made on the othe side of town in Stuttgart.

I've owned a few new Benzs and would NEVER own one out of warranty. Couple data points:

I was at the dealer a couple months ago and they were telling an older gent in a 2000ish E class that a new battery was $450 installed.

Our 2012 C250 just went in for squeaky brakes. Dealer wanted $600 to install new rotors. It has 11,000 miles on it! LOL.

Lots of niggling problems with all our new cars. Always in the shop getting fixed.

They are fine if they're under warranty!

The secret to replacing a battery cheaply on the MB, whether it is still under warranty or not, you can call 1800 FOR MERCEDES and they will come out and replace the battery for $180. My battery never needed replacing even a year or so after they recommended changing it, my neighbor's E lasted 11 years on his.