Self Service 1999 E430
Buying used and doing the normal service items yourself makes this car an absolute bargain. Driving a really comfortable, solid, capable car for the price of a 5 year old Malibu. Watch out for leaking cam covers, worn suspension components (ball joints) and collapsed engine mountings. I drive 40 miles each way to work on the freeway and get average 23mpg. Much less in town
my 11th benz
This was my first ill experience with a benz diesel. I purchased this car in 2003 with 41,000 miles from the original owner with all up to date services and records. At 68,000 miles I had to replace the belt. At, 73,000 miles, the fuel injector lines had to be replaced. they changed these lines from steel to plastic..what were they thinking. At 84,000 miles there were a/c repairs. At 100,000 miles the transmission went out. My last diesel went for 387,000 miles with anly an a/c repair (85 300td). The performance of the engine is great, the turning radius is unbelievable. the cabin is very roomy. This car is equiped with orthorpedic seats. A really nice feature. While this car really handles well, looks good. The idea that all these repairs were required before their time is unsettling. The transmission thing really takes the cake. $2,800, plus labor. This is just over the top and unfortunately will be my last Benz.
Bullet Proof Car
We bought this car new and never intended selling until the snow storm in Seattle on XMAS 2008. We decided to get an AWD drive wagon again but did not like the new E-class wagon because of the smaller jumper seat and hatch area. In addition, our 2003 sedan has been problematic. FOr this reason we bought a used 2001 E320 wagon that was all wheel drive. We think this vehicle design is one of the best all round vehicles to own. Loved it so much that we bought another.