[blk281gt]

Hi everyone, not a Mercedes owner yet but i want to be and need your input please. I am looking to buy a used Mercedes for the wife. Rather than lease a new , i figured i can get a Mercedes with 60-80 thousand miles and still have a reliable car for a few years.
So ...can you please advise me on what to stay away from, possible issues with certain models , repair costs( i am very mechanically inclined so i could do minor repairs). I am open to all models and it seems that i can get a nice used one in the $18,000 price range.Must have an auto 4 passenger car.
Thanks in advance for any input you may have.

 

[Kajtek1]

More info please?
How "big" is your family? If you are small folks you will fit in C class what is cheaper model.
If you are average build, you need E class what is probably the most popular in US model.
If you guys are well over 200 lb, you need S class or Sprinter.
Also what is planned annual mileage? Your price range can buy you higher mileage 2005-6 E320cdi -the car that not only offers over 36mpg on cheaper fuel, but will last for next 20 years even with lot of driving.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[sd300td]

More info please?
How "big" is your family? If you are small folks you will fit in C class what is cheaper model.
If you are average build, you need E class what is probably the most popular in US model.
If you guys are well over 200 lb, you need S class or Sprinter.
Also what is planned annual mileage? Your price range can buy you higher mileage 2005-6 E320cdi -the car that not only offers over 36mpg on cheaper fuel, but will last for next 20 years even with lot of driving.
Welcome to the forum.

This isn't accurate advice. Plenty of 6' 200lb folks fit fine in C class vehicles. For your budget a nice 2005-2007 C class with low mileage and a CPO warranty can be found. Or an E class with higher mileage, but still should be under 70K miles. C class have plenty of room for 6' foot folks. The only consideration is for rear passengers, still, it can be comfortable for six footers.

If you want to wrench your own cars look at low mileage 94-95 w124 sedans. They'll keep you busy but will also last a good while and be comfortable. Just make sure the big items have been fixed and documented if you go this route.

The later models aren't as DIY friendly.

 

[nhmercracer]

If you want to wrench your own cars look at low mileage 94-95 w124 sedans.The later models aren't as DIY friendly.

Seconded!

Just be advised, the W124 can have serious rust issues in the "salt belt" states. Check carefully.

 

[blk281gt]

Thanks so far...but i might have mislead some with my question. I really was not asking for advise on what car i should choose regarding my size, family size, etc. I can go look and test drive along with my wife (car will be hers) and we can decide on the make and model. My concern was problems with some models and which ones may not be best. I realize that this is Mercedes forum and some may not like what others say about certain models and do not want to be responsible for starting a thread to get people upset. However, we all know there certain flaws with all makes and just wanted to uncover a few before purchasing. Thanks again.

 

[sd300td]

Thanks so far...but i might have mislead some with my question. I really was not asking for advise on what car i should choose regarding my size, family size, etc. I can go look and test drive along with my wife (car will be hers) and we can decide on the make and model. My concern was problems with some models and which ones may not be best. I realize that this is Mercedes forum and some may not like what others say about certain models and do not want to be responsible for starting a thread to get people upset. However, we all know there certain flaws with all makes and just wanted to uncover a few before purchasing. Thanks again.

To answer your question stay away from w211 models with SBC brake systems. They were installed on e class cars in the early 2000's and abandoned a few years later...not sure of the exact model years but a quick search should get you an answer. Troublesome and difficult to do a DIY brake job.

 

[DrJfrmLA]

You started in the right place, but let me suggest you scroll through the other forums on this site. Each chassis has a designation--for example a W220 is the S-class chassis that was made from '00-'06. There are a number of engine and transmission combinations in that model run, but the body style and interiors are fundamentally the same. In this site, there is a forum for every modern chassis. You can find several versions of the C-class, the E-class, and the S-class, as well as roadsters and coupes. There are also forums for AMG versions of various chassis designations. This is where you will learn details (such as reliability and known faults as well as desirable engine/transmission combinations and desirable options to look for). Most also have a "buyers guide" in the stickies at the top of the forum.

Once you have settled on a likely body style, or even if you're still looking, go to the individual chassis forums where you will find a group of people who own those cars. They are usually helpful and knowledgeable and will be quite willing to tell you what models to consider and which ones to avoid.

This is a great place to do what you are doing. Be nice, and everyone will be willing to offer their opinions and help.

Good luck on your search.

 

[blk281gt]

You started in the right place, but let me suggest you scroll through the other forums on this site. Each chassis has a designation--for example a W220 is the S-class chassis that was made from '00-'06. There are a number of engine and transmission combinations in that model run, but the body style and interiors are fundamentally the same. In this site, there is a forum for every modern chassis. You can find several versions of the C-class, the E-class, and the S-class, as well as roadsters and coupes. There are also forums for AMG versions of various chassis designations. This is where you will learn details (such as reliability and known faults as well as desirable engine/transmission combinations and desirable options to look for). Most also have a "buyers guide" in the stickies at the top of the forum.

Once you have settled on a likely body style, or even if you're still looking, go to the individual chassis forums where you will find a group of people who own those cars. They are usually helpful and knowledgeable and will be quite willing to tell you what models to consider and which ones to avoid.

This is a great place to do what you are doing. Be nice, and everyone will be willing to offer their opinions and help.

Good luck on your search.

Good point and great advice. Thanks:thumbsup:

 

[Kajtek1]

So we narrowed the search to 297 possible models
BTW I am 210 lb and I was pretty uncomfortable in older C, but didn't have a chance to drive a newer one. Than with my pretty long legs I was uncomfortable in W124.
Than nothing wrong with SBC system after they reinforce the plug. How many parts on your car have 10 years factory warranty?

 

[Musikmann]

Several good points have been made here. Unless your wife is a large woman I would begin looking at a C-Class. I say this because they are small and easier to park. In your $18,000 range you should be able to find a newer W203. I think the engines ranged like 230, 240, 320, and a couple of AMG variants (C32, C55).

 

[mr.xpowerseller]

Thanks so far...but i might have mislead some with my question. I really was not asking for advise on what car i should choose regarding my size, family size, etc. I can go look and test drive along with my wife (car will be hers) and we can decide on the make and model. My concern was problems with some models and which ones may not be best. I realize that this is Mercedes forum and some may not like what others say about certain models and do not want to be responsible for starting a thread to get people upset. However, we all know there certain flaws with all makes and just wanted to uncover a few before purchasing. Thanks again.

You need to narrow down what you are looking at. Simply coming on here and asking people to list every single problematic Mercedes made to date is completely unrealistic. It would take several hours.

You need to tell us that you have narrowed it down to a C or E class or a ML or GL, then ask us what models/years to avoid or get.

 

[blk281gt]

You need to narrow down what you are looking at. Simply coming on here and asking people to list every single problematic Mercedes made to date is completely unrealistic. It would take several hours.

You need to tell us that you have narrowed it down to a C or E class or a ML or GL, then ask us what models/years to avoid or get.

Thanks, once i find one locally, i will let you guys know and we can take it from there. Thanks again.