[Daimler888]

I'm searching for a daily short distance driver for my wife. However I do want size for some additional safety. Please rank the following models based solely on RELIABILITY.

THANK YOU EVERYBODY!

2003 E320
2004 E320
2003 E500
2004 E500
2001 S430
2002 S430
2001 S500
2002 S500
2002 BMW X5

 

[nlehre]

You are requesting an impossible task. All you are going to get are various pasionate, conflicting opinions. You need to research reliability issues on Edmunds or MSN Autos. Even if you find the most 'reliable' car, there's still no guarantee you won't have problems. If it's rock solid reliability you're going for, get a Toyota/Lexus.

Oh, and you will get diesel owners telling you you should buy a diesel.

 

[mbkomfort]

Get a well mantained and low mileage car, good luck

 

[PLeeson]

But, I think many would agree that the ones you have listed aren't the tops in reliability that certain other years are...
I'd pick the E320, but a 2002

 

[Jeffrey Rupp]

I asked the same question of my Benz tech, who ran the service department at a MB dealership for many years before starting his own shop. He didn't hesitate...an '01 or '02 E320. He says they're relatively cheap and easy to maintain. The key is staying on top of the maintenance.

On his advice I recently picked up an '01 with 62K. I'm looking forward to having him give the once over on my next visit. He's done a great job babying my 1986 560sl and there is nothing like the peace of mind knowing you're motoring down the road in a well kept, well made work of art.

 

[GogglesPisano764]

I would make sure to do your research on the vehicle you plan on buying. Be thorough, and do a carfax so at least you get some background on it. Ask for service records if available. By the way, I own a diesel and I love mine, but your choice is personal preference. My other daily drivers are gassers, and I ow the 300D for fun.

 

[Marsden]

I'm searching for a daily short distance driver for my wife. However I do want size for some additional safety. Please rank the following models based solely on RELIABILITY.

THANK YOU EVERYBODY!

2003 E320
2004 E320
2003 E500
2004 E500
2001 S430
2002 S430
2001 S500
2002 S500
2002 BMW X5

None of those is terribly good. Try a Honda or Toyota

 

[Mike Wevrick]

^^:lol: I've never seen that quote.

Forget about these:
2001 S430
2002 S430
2001 S500
2002 S500

(unless you think your wife needs more exercise)

 

[PLeeson]

^^:lol: I've never seen that quote.

Forget about these:
2001 S430
2002 S430
2001 S500
2002 S500

(unless you think your wife needs more exercise)

How's your 2003 S500 been?
Most of the glitches worked out by then?

 

[Mike Wevrick]

^^No. I had to deal with a few issues the previous owner never got solved, then new ones keep popping up. The 1995 Subaru Legacy I just sold was more reliable with 170,000 miles on it than my S is with 45,000.

 

[mr.xpowerseller]

You have picked just about the worst list possible. They all tie for the most unreliable cars made in the given time period. You could get a Range Rover and be even more unreliable if that is what you are trying to achieve.

 

[Sportstick]

If you are seeking mostly optimal reliability and safety in a sedan about the size of a E Class, (not passion, joy of driving, status, etc.) all the data I have seen says one thing: Honda Accord. IIHS Top Pick for crash test ratings, Consumer Reports fave, more interior space than you might imagine....so on and so on. There is an 08 in our family and the owner is not a driving enthusiast, but is delighted because it does all the basics very well and nothing ever goes wrong with it.......EVER........so far. And, to be honest, it drives pretty well.....no thrills, but very competent.

 

[Mike Wevrick]

^^Or in a similar vein check out the 2010 Subaru Legacy which was just unveiled. It's quite a bit larger than the old Legacy but should still be pretty sporty.

 

[TeamWenz]

Hmm One Man's is another's

I have a completely different opinion than all of the negative views towards Mercedes Benz. This is a Benz forum not a let's bash Benz forum as much as we can. I have owned Toyota's, Honda's, and Subaru's. If you want a reliable car with no personality or passionate driving experience Japanese cars are fine. However nothing drives like a German car. The feel of the road and ride just can't be copied from any Japanese auto's. I just got rid of a 2005 Lexus RX 350. One year after I had it the front sway bar just snapped at the link. I did not hit anything it just broke. Lexus did replace it but even Lexus has some faults. Pick the best car you can afford and if it is a CPO Mercedes with a warranty all the better. Use Carfax and your Mercedes Service department for information about the car you are interested in with a VIN check. Enough of me ranting. Enjoy whatever you buy, just make sure it's what you want and not what someone tells you to buy.

 

[Sportstick]

Hi TeamWenz.....I think we all agree with you about how great MBs are...and no bashing here at all!! But, the original request was to help pick a daily driver for short distances based solely on reliability. Anecdotes aside, data from a variety of large-sample sources have been pretty clear for years ....if this is not about all the great aspects of MBs we both love, and its just pure reliability, the numbers send one to look over a different ocean...Ford seems to be the only non-Japanese player with any data showing they closed the gap, but that's only at the 3 month point (JDPower IQS Study) for some models...BUT, their long-term results are still out...every other European brand is trailing ON PURE RELIABILITY based on data...but, I would accept some more Things Gone Wrong for more personally important Things Gone Right, like passion, style, fun to drive, etc. I think we're all together on that!!:thumbsup:

 

[TeamWenz]

Thanks Sportstick for the clarifiaction . One thing is pretty funny with the JD Power ratings. How did Jaguar get ranked so high. What was the joke if you wanted a running Jaguar buy two

 

[Sportstick]

Interesting story about Jaguar....your comment certainly used to be true! But, recall that Ford bought them! The blue oval guys got their hands on the cat, and brought about some of the same improvements they made domestically. But, keep in mind, the Ford improvements are based on the JDP IQS data, which means they are bolting them together better, as the data is after 3 months of ownership. We need to hang on and see how they do on Power's VDS (Vehicle Dependability Study) data, which is at the 3 YEAR point. IQS really tells us more about assembly and design fit, while VDS lets engineering/durability issues come through, although for Ford to make this much IQS improvement is a good showing for them and may bode well!

 

[Markinct]

Jags suck

I had a 2000 S-Type and it had five (count 'em 5) trasnsmissions put in since I bought the car new. And I only drove it in the summer (have SUV for CT winters). Passenger window fell into door, AC compresser went. They are expensive CRAP!!! PLEASE DON"T EVER BUY A JAG FOR YOUR WIFE (unless you can't stand her!) The Jag dealer in Hartford just went out of business a month ago. Some other idiot bought the franchise( in the middle of the worst recession since the Great Depression )...go figure ....probably got it for a song.

 

[vandy07]

Which models of Mercedes Benz are more reliable? I want to buy a new Benz so kindly reply me.

 

[mr.xpowerseller]

Which models of Mercedes Benz are more reliable? I want to buy a new Benz so kindly reply me.

Tell us what you want. Sedan, couple, rag top, wagon, SUV, ect.... and what your budget is.