I am in the market for a used Mercedes. I found a few in my price range that look nice. But I would like to get some feedback as far as gas mileage, reliability, general mechanics, and just general things I should know. The ones I can afford and am going to test drive Saturday are as follows:
03' C240 - 58k miles.
03' CLK320 - 63k miles.
00' CLK430 cabriolet - 68k miles.
00' ML320 4x4 - 61k miles.
03' C240 - 39k miles.**
01' CLK320 - 42k miles.
01' CLK320 - 46k miles.
00' E320 - 38k miles.
02' C230 Kompressor - 60k miles.**
01' C320 - 46k miles. **
The 3 with *'s next to them are the 3 that I'm very serious about. Those are the ones I like the best (price-wise). The 01' C320 with 46k miles is the one I would prefer to buy because the price is the best for the mileage.
Reliability is the easier answer, since it always ranges in the fair to poor range for these cars.
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None are great picks. I would steer clear of the 01-03 C class. First gen ML is to be avoided at all costs. 01 was the first model year for the C class and was not a very reliable year (poor at best). The best vehicle there is clearly the 00 E320 with only 38k miles. That car included all of the final revisions to the W210 and was one of the strongest model years for the W210 body style. This car also has VERY low mileage. I would start looking at an older S class if I were you. 97-99 S. Should be around the price range and its a whole lot better of a car then anything you have posted here.
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With practically any used Benz, especially since you are buying from a dealer, go with a CPO. The extra money I paid for mine has come back to me about double. Some 2002 and I think all 2003 should qualify. If the dealer is unwilling to certify a car, I would avoid it, or try and get a good honest answer why they won't. Good luck!
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I know this is probably the wrong forum to say this on...but I'm also going to test drive an 01' S-Type Jaguar v8 with 38,000 miles and a 00' S-Type Jaguar v6 with 40,200 miles. The 00' is actually $1,500 more expensive and they're in about the same condition..Hmmmm?
I definitely prefer a v6 over the v8.
None are great picks. I would steer clear of the 01-03 C class. First gen ML is to be avoided at all costs. 01 was the first model year for the C class and was not a very reliable year (poor at best). The best vehicle there is clearly the 00 E320 with only 38k miles. That car included all of the final revisions to the W210 and was one of the strongest model years for the W210 body style. This car also has VERY low mileage. I would start looking at an older S class if I were you. 97-99 S. Should be around the price range and its a whole lot better of a car then anything you have posted here.
With practically any used Benz, especially since you are buying from a dealer, go with a CPO. The extra money I paid for mine has come back to me about double. Some 2002 and I think all 2003 should qualify. If the dealer is unwilling to certify a car, I would avoid it, or try and get a good honest answer why they won't. Good luck!
The CPO program and related warranty is really necessary with these used MB's. Consider extending the warranty by 1 or 2 years depending on how long you realistically plan to keep the car.
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