FS: 1998 E320 4Matic sedan, black/tan, NY area

[Van's benz]

Hi there, I'm new to the Mercedes forum, but thought I'd try it as a venue to sell my car...

It's a beautiful, wonderful car, but of course, it requires a special buyer to understand how a 10 year old car has more value than, say, a new Chevy Aveo.

I'm hoping this forum will have some exposure to people that "get" Mercedes! So, here goes:

It's a '98 4-matic that's black over tan leather with the burl walnut trim. It has 106k miles (for 3 years I was commuting 90 miles per day on the highway). It comes with snow tires on the E class rims and summer tires on S class rims. I have all documentation, including the window sticker and all maintenance records. The car has never been smoked in, eaten in or had any beverage other than water consumed in it (much to my wife's annoyance, I'm a little anal about that...)

I bought this car 4 years ago from the original owner, the proverbial little old lady, with the intention of keeping it forever. My plan (goal) was to put 300,000 miles on it and then let my son drive it as his first car (he’s 3 now – so that would be 2020). Of course, the only thing predictable in life is that nothing is predictable… due to some recent changes, I’m now offering this car for sale.

Because I intended to keep the car for the long haul, I’ve been absolutely fastidious with the maintenance and upkeep. For example, the check engine light recently came on. The shop told me 2 of the 4 oxygen sensors needed to be replaced, but I opted to replace all 4 – surely the remaining 2 would need replacement before long.

Not only have I followed all of the recommended maintenance procedures, but I’ve gone beyond that to keep the car in as-close-to-new condition. For example, in just the last year, I’ve done the following: new summer tires; replaced the rear shocks and front struts; replaced the front wheel bearings (since it was all taken apart, it seemed like a good idea while doing the struts); new brake pads and rotors all around; performed an engine tune-up which includes new spark plugs, air cleaner, fuel filter and serpentine belt; replaced A/C condenser, receiver dryer and a new refrigerant charge; replaced the particulate and activated charcoal cabin filters and replaced all four oxygen sensors plus the air flow sensor.

This car needs nothing and will provide a new owner with many, many trouble-free and pleasurable miles. It's located in Hyde Park, NY (about 75 miles north of NYC) and is, of course, available for personal inspection or for inspection by a mechanic.

My asking price is $11,000 - at the top end of KBB's, Edmond's & NADA's valuation for an excellent private party sale - but again, I reiterate, this car is nicer than any other 100k mile/10 year old car you'll find! And, in the last year, I've done several thousand bucks worth of preventative maintenance - work you don't have to do!

Send me a PM or email if you have any questions or if you want to see more pictures - and don't send me a low ball offer... I've had several people do that, but I'm not that desperate to sell the car.

[94Wagenmeister]

She's a nice example, that's for sure. Made even nicer by your records and your desire to hang on to it. I know full well how life sometimes gets in the way of even the best plans... Would you consider driving it into NYC for a personal inspection if a very serious offeror were to come up on the train?

[Van's benz]

Hi Scott, Yes, I could drive it to NYC some time if you'd like to see it in person.

I usually travel to the city 3 days a week via train, so it wouldn't be dificult for me to take the car in. We would just have to coordinate our efforts. My email is vsvenson(at)gmail(dot)com, if you'd like to talk about it more.

Thanks for your interest!

[Van's benz]

I can't seem to generate any interest with this car at $11k... Anyone interested in it for $10k?

This is just a spectacular car - great to drive, great to look at and super reliable! 100k mile service has been done.

As people with Mercedes, you guys should be able to realize a) the quality; b) the importance of up-keep and preventative maintenance; c) the value of a complete maintenance history.

What will it take to sell this car!?!? So far I've discovered people who want to spend less than $1k on a beater, people who'd rather buy a new one at $1000/month, people who think that ANY car over 100k miles is junk, and people who'd rather drive around in a Daewoo or Kia or Aveo for more money.

I just don't get it - if someone appreciates value, how can you go wrong with this luxury tank that will go practically forever?! It's done most of its depreciating! It was over $50k new. I paid the book value of $19k 4 years ago when I bought it. It is now in BETTER shape than when I bought it! It has fresh brakes, new tires, new shocks and struts, many other new parts, and I replaced the trunk lid that was rusty.

Simple math: the car is better than it was 4 years ago at 50k miles - at almost half the cost!!

[slybydesignw210]

Hello to a fellow New Yorker now on the West Coast. If your inquire on hard sale, I can only think its because for 3 grand more, people can find a much desirable AMG or a 00-02 with the face lift. The market is tight right now and people no longer understand long term value of a healthy deal, but don't stop here, I would post on Ebay and stick to a firm price. Unfortunately people will bring up all kinds of crap to get you to reduce the price including location, and mileage, but I wouldn't sell for anything less then 10k, because its such a deal. If I had the money I'd get it, but I don't so I can only wish you luck on the sale.

[Van's benz]

Thanks for the encouragement, Sly!

[slybydesignw210]

your welcome

[Van's benz]

Bump!

Still available - treat yourself with your tax return! A steal at $9,995!