Views on this possible purchase welcome...

[Hotdatum]

All,

Amongst two other cars I'm hoping to take a look at is this E320 Sport Estate on Monday:

http://www.carstable.co.uk/used_car_mercedes-benz_e_class_estate_198.htm

I'd welcome you collective insights:

Price? Seems high for a 2006 car???

What should I check when I look it over / drive it?

Thanks in anticipation

 

[Remenham]

It looks a nice car on screen with not a bad spec. I'm aware its been for sale for a few weeks, maybe something will be apparent when you look at it. The 7 seats are a key option for some and this doesn't have them, but then most examples don't. Price seems in line with market.

 

[Merc-Man24]

Lovely choice of car, I've to see a couple of e-class' there was one which caught my eye it had slightly 'high mileage' 104K but it was immaculate I didn't get a chance to see it but the guy sounded genuine it had an Immaculate interior, I'll send you the link if your interested.

 

[roofless]

Beautiful car with full MB history only thing missing is the 1 year MB warranty you would have if bought from the main dealer.

 

[st4]

Beautiful car with full MB history only thing missing is the 1 year MB warranty you would have if bought from the main dealer.

But it might be cheaper than a dealer car. A decent inspection from a respected specialist and all could be fine.

I used to be starry eyed about MB dealers keeping "good cars".

Well they sold me a right shed that they bodged a respray on, that subsequently corroded (again my back pocket fixed that), broke down twice and has a glitch in the transmission that two dealers couldn't fix.

Between me and the warranty, its cost over £3000 in repairs.

 

[roofless]

But it might be cheaper than a dealer car. A decent inspection from a respected specialist and all could be fine.

I used to be starry eyed about MB dealers keeping "good cars".

Well they sold me a right shed that they bodged a respray on, that subsequently corroded (again my back pocket fixed that), broke down twice and has a glitch in the transmission that two dealers couldn't fix.

Between me and the warranty, its cost over £3000 in repairs.[/QUOTE

I've read the posts mate not having much luck with that one.
my point on this one is it's in the main dealer price range so personally I'd prefer the warranty

 

[Developer]

It's pricey, but if it's as good as it looks then I'd go for it. The options like auto tailgate and memory seats all add to the appeal. Memory seats are great if you lower the rear seats regularly. As you pull the rear backrest lever the front seats move up and forward to allow the rears to drop. When you've put the rears back up you just press the relevant seat memory button and seat and steering column positions are returned to where you started - great stuff.

 

[Hotdatum]

Thanks for the wisdom guys - ref a 104k car - a little too high for me as I like to run my cars for a long time so I need to start low!!!

I thought the price seemed a little steep, I also have no faith in Main Dealers (of any persuasion!). I'll take a look and see...

Thanks Guys.

 

[Benz17]

That is a great example of a nice looked after, and a fully loaded spec wise car. From the pictures it looks very appealing, but yes a touch pricey for a 2006 model, but it has only done 54k, so its swings and roundabouts really, if I was in your shoes, I would seriously consider this car.

 

[Benz17]

Sorry forgot to mention, this is a very immaculate car, and has every extra, so this will be reflected in the price, once this type of car comes on the market, one has to move swiftly, as they don't come along too often.

Good luck with it.

 

[Hotdatum]

Thanks Shahid, I'll take a good look at it.

 

[Remenham]

Whilst in the area you might like top pop down to Greenoak's Ascot who have just listed an 09 320cdi Sport with 36k at 22,450. Probably one of the latest and most expensive diesel 211s in the country, but an interesting comparison with the subject car.

 

[Benz17]

The only downside on that car is that it does not have parktronic. For some that may not be a problem, for others it makes life much easier parking, but you can retro fit them. I find parktronic a god send

 

[Remenham]

The only downside on that car is that it does not have parktronic. For some that may not be a problem, for others it makes life much easier parking, but you can retro fit them. I find parktronic a god send

I agree the spec on the car is a bit thin, also doesn't have a memory seat which I regard as desirable (wife is thankfully smaller than me). Flint grey a nice colour though.

 

[Developer]

I agree the spec on the car is a bit thin, also doesn't have a memory seat which I regard as desirable (wife is thankfully smaller than me). Flint grey a nice colour though.

Memory seats (IMO) are essential on an estate, hence my comments at post #7.

 

[Remenham]

Memory seats (IMO) are essential on an estate, hence my comments at post #7.

I have re-read your post and am looking forward to testing this feature when I use the 211 for a trip to the tip etc and lower the back seats. Didn't know it existed as was not on my 210 although that had a memory seat. I noticed when looking for my car that quite a lot of otherwise good cars without memory did not seem to be selling quickly and agree it is probably the most valuable extra.

 

[Hotdatum]

Guys,

Great point on memory seats. It's now an essential on my list with full leather, heated seats and COMAND (which I'd never use but just looks quite cool). I do covet the auto power tailgate though..... Hmmmm.

 

[Cardinal Biggles]

Sorry forgot to mention, this is a very immaculate car, and has every extra, so this will be reflected in the price, once this type of car comes on the market, one has to move swiftly, as they don't come along too often.

Good luck with it.

Too right! Id be down there straight away if I were you - you dont know who else has been reading this thread! If its as good as it reads, it's a car that wll last you for some considerable time.

Im sure there is £1,000 or so that the dealer will haggle off the price for you.

 

[Remenham]

Too right! Id be down there straight away if I were you - you dont know who else has been reading this thread! If its as good as it reads, it's a car that wll last you for some considerable time.

Im sure there is £1,000 or so that the dealer will haggle off the price for you.

If you look at the car on Autotrader all the photos have deciduous trees in the background with green leaves on them suggesting the car has been for sale since the summer.

How did the inspection go?