It was a nice comfy 2 weeks of daily driving my e320 before I was involved in a 6 car pileup wednesday morning. I just got word that they quit estimating the damages once they hit 10k and the car was totalled. I am driving my father's garage queen clk500 while I figure out what to do next.
My dilema- which requires your help. I need a car that fits these requirements. I have a 6 month old, so I need a car with easy enough rear seat access. We use my wife's car when possible for family outings but once a week or so we pile up into my daily driver so a coupe is "ok," but not ideal. After driving the clk, I want a little more performance than the 3.2... but not too much so that it will ruin my gas mileage. I want to stay in the ~10k range and I do an 80 mile per day commute.
Options:
1. Another w210 E320 or e430
2. An older clk 1999-2003
3. 2000+ BMW 3 series with a lot of miles
4. Lexus GS - - high mileage but it is a toyota!
5. your suggestion here
and lastly:
6. Screw the attempt at saving money and go for the 2000+S or CL class with relatively high mileage.
I know the S/CL class are considered a maintenace nightmare so I will probably stay away from the rediculously plush car. How are BMWs for maintenance?
... I want to stay in the ~10k range and I do an 80 mile per day commute.
Options:
1. Another w210 E320 or e430
2. An older clk 1999-2003
3. 2000+ BMW 3 series with a lot of miles
4. Lexus GS - - high mileage but it is a toyota!
5. your suggestion here
and lastly:
...
Hello Whalermax,
Sorry to ear this...I would personnaly go with your suggestion 1 because you still need a sedan, that has room, etc. You are already used to the e class and I am sure that at 10K's you would find a decent low milage and more recent one. With the gaz pricing keeping going up, I would stay with an E320.
Concerning BMW's my mechanic hate to serve these. He like better working in benz. And concerning CLK, well, this is a nice car but meant for more sporty ride than confort. Also a coupe when you have a 6 month child is pretty hard on your back. I know what I am talking, I have 3 kids...
Well the first one was bought from family, so I knew the whole history of the car.. including the oil drips on my driveway... I felt comfy with the deal based solely on the fact that I needed a 4-5 seater and this one was available.
Now that it is gone and I am starting from scratch, I can venture towards other options since I would have to do history reports and inspections no matter which label I choose. I did enjoy the car a lot, but I have to always wonder if I am missing something on the other side of the fence.
I understand Whalermax. I bought my E320 from my best friend and it din't void me doing some repairs and maintenance even if he took care of it.
I suggest you to have a complete professional inspection prior of buying any cars. You'll have a thru picture in what condition is the car and how much money you'll have to put in a short or long term. It is worth the investment for sure and you'll buy with more confident.
If you can, keep us posted on your decision and choice !! I am really curious in what you'll end in.
My dilema- which requires your help. I need a car that fits these requirements. I have a 6 month old, so I need a car with easy enough rear seat access. We use my wife's car when possible for family outings but once a week or so we pile up into my daily driver so a coupe is "ok," but not ideal. After driving the clk, I want a little more performance than the 3.2... but not too much so that it will ruin my gas mileage. I want to stay in the ~10k range and I do an 80 mile per day commute.
Hey Whalermax,
Sorry to hear about your accident, glad no one was hurt!
I have/had basically the same requirements as you for a car. Have two young boys (under 5) and need some space, also want performance though without bad mileage. My E430 has fitted the bill nicely. It gets excellent highway mileage, almost the same as an E320, and the city mileage is good as well - though it will really vary by how you drive. Pound the throttle and brake hard and it will get thirsty. Drive moderately, and again, it will be close to the V6 in terms of mileage. However, the difference in acceleration and torque is significant.
I'd easily recommend one as a daily driver.
Definitely and thoroughly inspect whatever you buy. Pay close attention to oil change history - was synthetic used and what intervals. Pull any codes and check service history for spring perch inspection, tranny fluid changes, check frame and door frame sills for rust, emissions test should show very low values (mine had all 0's last test), listen to cats for rattling, etc.
Well I loved our W210, but being fresh owner of W211 have to admit that the car is at least 2 categories higher in ergonomics, quietness and wind resistance. Also engines are several categories above.
10k limit might be the only problem here.
When it comes to 2-door, this is personal choice. Having 3 sons I had short period in my life when 2-door cars worked.
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