I am shopping for a 2001/2003 e320 wagon, would you recommend the 4matic over a RWD or not. Do the 4 matics feel different. please let me know.
I do occasionally need an AWD mode when we go skiing in the winter. but I could put chains on if I have to for a couple of weeks a year.
Thanks for your input.
I tried to test drive an RWD 2002 wagon before buying my AWD 2002 wagon, but I didn't get the chance. I can comment that the AWD can *JUMP* off the red light. If it's also good in the snow (I haven't tested that yet), then I vote that AWD has value in all seasons.
I wonder about the gas mileage though. My AWD mileage seems low: average mpg of ~23 with average mph of ~37 (pulled from my poor memory). Keep the commuter car for the boring trips, I guess.
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FireFox31
28k miles of happy motoring in my Benz
If you're going for a wagon and need the additional grip that a 4wd offers then there id no other choice, but do remember that on a current road and track test it was found that snow tires on a RWD perforn almost as well as all weather tyres on a 4wd. The 4wd has worse milage and sometime feels a little sluggish (at slow starts), but the grip in the slippery stuff (ice/snow/rain) is much better than a RWD.
Personally i think the ultimate wagon (not including audis) is the E55 4matic wagon which is very rare, but it makes sense. The E320 4 matic wagon can hold it''s own against the competition and next time it snows you'll be happy you opted for the 4wd. Since price is almost the same for both the 4wd and rwd, the choice is down to personal preference. Best advie it to go and test both back to back if possible.
I am shopping for a 2001/2003 e320 wagon, would you recommend the 4matic over a RWD or not. Do the 4 matics feel different. please let me know.
I do occasionally need an AWD mode when we go skiing in the winter. but I could put chains on if I have to for a couple of weeks a year.
Thanks for your input.
buy a lexus. i have a 2001 4matic, it's fine for the time being, but it's being traded in for a lexus at first opportunity.
Go for the rear wheel drive wagon..since that you live in California...Chains will work for the few times that you will need the extra grip...I Love My Wagon
Also the rwd will save you $$$..as the 4matic parts are $$$$$$
buy a lexus. i have a 2001 4matic, it's fine for the time being, but it's being traded in for a lexus at first opportunity.
My wife already drives a GS, which is very nice and has been quite reliable, however it doesn't feel like a German car and it dosen't come in a wagon. I have seen the IS wagon which is way too small.
Thanks for the reply guys.
During my search, I found resale price on RWD wagons was much cheaper than on AWD wagons. Though, I was searching in NJ, where snow would make AWD more attractive and costly. Maybe RWD in CA is not much cheaper. But must be cheaper to maintain.
For the snow use you mention, I would recommend just getting a RWD car and throw some good snows on it for when you go skiing. My AWD wagon is awesome for long, bad winters, but I would normally just recommend the RWD.
I live in California, but here in the mountains (18 miles from San Francisco) lot of driveways on the approach have your car on 3 wheels.
With lot of leaves and some rain the 4 WD is necessity to get into the garage.
This is not necessity for everyone, but convenience for those, that have it.
My 4-Matic seldom reaches 20 MPG on diluted Californian fuel, but gives me confidence.
2 WD with traction control will do for the occasion most of the drivers will ever face.
E320 wagon, 4matic or Not. 
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