Old Merc Estate

[Human Dog]

Hi all,

I'm a new Dad and finding myself wanting a proper "family car" - an estate basically.

I have a very limited budget, but noticed on auto trader, that i could get an old C-Class estate for about £3K. There are even E-Class estates from the early 90's that are much cheaper than that. Of course, the mileages are high (very high in some cases) and there is a reason for anything to be cheap, but I was tempted as I always think of an MB as a car that is likely to be pretty reliable, even if it is ageing.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice/experience of these sort of cars and whether buying a cheap old Merc estate is likely to be a wise choice, or a basic error!

Any help/thoughts greatly appreciated.

Toby

 

[Ade W124]

to quote the oft stated phrase "there is no such thing as a cheap mercedes",

I would add to this that there is no such thing as a reliable car - they all need something or other doing at them at some point its just that some are more reliable than others.

the biggest problem with MB is that basic maintenance can cost a lot. They are easy to work on yourself (particularly the older cars - less electronics) and there is a lot on offer from forums like this one.

trawl through this forum and you'll be able to make your own mind up regarding reliability of early c class cars.

If you want a cheap, practical car then I'd perhaps consider something a bit lighter on the wallet - £3k will give you a lot of scope.

If you really want an MB then go for it, I really enjoy owning mine - even though it has just cost me a fair bit (new head gasket, 72k service, new ATF and filters, new discs and pads all round) - its my only car and its costing me a fair bit to run which will hopefully be offset over the years I intend to own it against low depreciation and of course the pleasure of owning a nice piece of german engineering..

head says no, heart says yes

Ade

 

[Bolide]

I was wondering... whether buying a cheap old Merc estate is likely to be a wise choice, or a basic error!

There are plenty around and many are cheap. But you won't find a really good, cheap one without quite a lot of legwork

If you have the time, look at lots of cars and decide what spec you want then keep looking till the right one turns up. It's still possible to get a decent 300TE for £1500 - they may be a little thirsty but a good one will be great to drive

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[joem]

I have a 2001 'old shape' w202 estate and it has been brilliant. Now on 118k almost and the only non service items I have replaced are a battery (or is that a service item?) and a valve in the windscreen washer system which was about £6.

Inside is like new and the whole car feels like it would never let me down. Ride is excellent - it is one of the most refined cars I have ever had and I would whole heartedly recommend one.

My only gripe is a bit of rust on the tailgate and alloys which would benefit from a refurb.

Buy the newest you can afford - I would probably avoid the 'Classic' - the 'Sport' looks best but it is the Elegance which is chosen by older drivers and has probably seen the least abuse. Some about with full MB history and one owner.

 

[tintin]

Joem - I'm interested to see that you have a Saab 9-5 Aero. We have a 2001 9-5 estate (not Aero). How does the Saab compare to the MB?

 

[joem]

Interesting question.

Saab is much much quicker but like you say, it is an Aero. Generally the Saab feels lighter and more agile. Build is good, I would not expect it to fall apart this side of 200,000 miles but somehow it is not the Mercedes. This is all very subjective obviously but the Mercedes somehow feels better engineered, more substantial - even though older and with more miles it never rattles or shudders and nothing rubs together to make a squeak, there is barely any road noise or wind noise - don't tell the chaps on the Saab forums but I actually think the Mercedes the better car overall. I wouldn't be without either of them though. My wife generously takes the one I don't want each day to work - never complains - I think though because she can't really choose between them either..

 

[Schtum]

If a Merc can't be found on your budget? You could get a nice MK3 Mondeo Estate like this.

May not be an MB but it drives just as well and is cheap to fix, not that anything goes wrong with them, normally.

 

[tintin]

Thanks for that, Joem. Of course, the Saab forums are full of people saying that although they love their 93/95 they are not the same as the old pre-GM Saabs. I do think the trim etc on the 9-5 seems less substantial than on our old 9000, or even our c900 turbo's, but 9-5 Aeros are fantastic value for money at the moment. We have had the turbo and DI cassette replaced (free), which seems par for the course on 9-5's, so there are certainly reliability issues, but I still think it is a fine looking car, saloon or estate.

 

[television]

The SAAB Aero is a great car, like all cars some have problems, some do not, the diesel is a super engine and the seats the best in their class