[janos_z]

hi all,

i usually hang out on the w126 and w124 forums, but need your input. my parents were in a pretty bad accident about 2 weeks ago that totaled their '01 toyota camry (taxi ran a red light and t-boned them) and now they're looking for a replacement car.

i posted this in the CLK forum too, but wanted your input on the E430 as well, because they're eying an '01 CLK430 and an '01 E430 that a local dealership is selling. i used to have a 400E that my dad drove a few times and fell in love with, and i think they want a V8 benz now...

i'm familiar with the w124, having owned a 400E and an E320 in the past; how is the w210 E430 from a reliability and overall ownership perspective? i know corrosion was a problem on the w210, at least in the early years -- would a 2001 model have that issue? also, how maintenance-intensive is the V8 in this car? any weak spots i should know about? would this be a reasonable choice for my parents (in their late 50s/early 60s), even though they're not the DIY type?

thanks!