[johnmj1]

I'm looking at a '01 E430 with 67K miles for about $12k....it looks perfect, but this will be my first MB. Any thoughts on what I can expect for the next 25000 miles or so? Any thoughts on gas mileage? Comments on price? Other suggestions, since I'm a MB newbie? Many thanks,
John:bowdown:

 

[iluvjesus]

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1247237-advice-buying-2001-e430.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1430681-advice-potential-w210-owner.html

hope these helps

 

[texholdem]

looks like a good deal here, 2002 E430 for under or around $10K

eBay Motors: Mercedes-Benz : E-Class (item 140307149886 end time Mar-18-09 19:00:00 PDT)

 

[Cbus_E430]

I'm looking at a '01 E430 with 67K miles for about $12k....it looks perfect, but this will be my first MB. Any thoughts on what I can expect for the next 25000 miles or so? Any thoughts on gas mileage? Comments on price? Other suggestions, since I'm a MB newbie? Many thanks,
John:bowdown:

Find the most thorough pre-purchase inspection possible in your area. Have the entire suspension inspected up and down inside and out. Shocks, balljoints, sway bar links, and the RWD's may have spring perch rust issues. Have the A/C inspected thoroughly, look for maintenance records for all fluid changes, including trans fluid and filter. Any non-smoothness felt during its shifting? Expect that it will get worse. Take the car on the highway and brake hard at 75mph, does it feel smooth? or is there mush/fading/squeaking going on? I did not do that and surprise, I needed new brakes...
I didn't inspect well and my E430 was a nightmare that I endured for a year and ended up burning $7k on repairs plus taking a loss selling it. The gas mileage was horrible, mine was a 4matic, and I think 15-16 mpg was the average around town. It is a huge gas tank, and it is thirsty for 93 octane.
I would not own this car unless you are a capable DIY'er/ MB tech-savy. Since it is your first MB, I would be very cautious and look for something cheaper to maintain. Unless $12k for a car, and then further $$thousands on maintenance is okay with you. Or you don't mind if things don't work on your car. I'm obsessive about everything needing to work on my car, like A/C blowing where I want it to blow and not hearing any noises driving over bumpy roads. Unless you're a DIY'er it will become a money pit.

 

[texholdem]

... Take the car on the highway and brake hard at 75mph, does it feel smooth? or is there mush/fading/squeaking going on? I did not do that and surprise, I needed new brakes...

I did it once with a car I wanted to buy, the owner sitting on passenger seat was very angry although I warned him just before I braked. You can guess, we had no deal

 

[[email protected]]

Disagree with previous post my car has been super reliable

98 E430. Drives great and pleases me every-time I open the door. Just make sure the owner has taken car of it and if you cannot verify - assume all maintenance has not been done and expect to spend 600 - 1000 getting it up to speed.

Good luck - you will love the car.:thumbsup:

 

[fosmith]

I'm looking at a '01 E430 with 67K miles for about $12k....it looks perfect, but this will be my first MB. Any thoughts on what I can expect for the next 25000 miles or so? Any thoughts on gas mileage? Comments on price? Other suggestions, since I'm a MB newbie? Many thanks,
John:bowdown:

John, as others have suggested, get a thorough inspection of the car. Are you buying from a private party and does it come with all the service records and maintenance history? I don't want to reignite the debate about dealers but most cars on dealers lots have been bought at auction and you will know noting about how well the car has been cared for.

Don't let the seller tell you that you can go to a Mercedes dealer and they can pull up the service history. They can't unless you know go to the actual dealer where the work was done and sometimes they won't do it even then.

If you can't get the records, assume nothing and be prepared for some expensive repair bills. If it's been well maintained and you continue that, it could be a great car to own. Unless it needs nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, the price seem a bit high. If it passes inspection, I'd offer no more than $10K.

Don't get attached to this car. There's lots of E430s out there and it's a buyer's market. If you're patient, the right one will come along at the right price.

Fred

 

[E430SportMB]

I guess seeing the actual 3 basic fluids being drained out will make you decide if whether this car is good or not. 3 meaning , the Engine , tranny and differential fluids.
I bet you, they won't go through the hassle. That is if, no maintenance record to show.