Which is Best???

[JonGM]

I am a G wagen owner, sorry!!

but now I also want a sensible sized car for my family, I have been thinking on 124's and spken to several people as I may consider an estate.

I hear so many negatives over post 96 Mercedes cars in general, is there a quality problem??

I want comfort , size as I do a lot of long runs, fuel bills are not amajor player.

I am prepared to spend up to 5k, not a lot but I do not like to loose too much money on depreciation.

Over to you guys

 

[andy_k]

with up to 5K to spend and you not wanting to lose much I'd got for the very best late model W124 estate you can find. If you value economy over performance then buy a 300 multi valve diesel, if performance is more important to you the petrol 320 is a lovely egine

I don't think there's ever been a better estate car built (O.K. - maybe the old Citroen DS21 but they are like rocking horse poo these days) but then again I'm a bit biased

Andy

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Totally agree with Andy!

The 124 series saloon and estate have deservedly a very good reputation, which i can testify to, as I owned a 300TE for 12 yearrs. The bigger petrol engines are rather heavy on fuel, circ 20-27 mpg, but estate load carrying ability immense. I have 3 children and I was never caught out for space.

You can still find some good, 'lowish mileage', 124 series, 320s and 280s if you take your time and look nationally. The 200 and 230 engines are fairly gutless and with a fully laden car you will struggle to achieve decent performance.

You can have your pick of the best 1995 cars with the money you have available but insist on a decent recorded history. They are good cars but the major items are still expensive to repair, any hint of abuse and walk away.

Your budget will take you into the early W210 series price range and by studying a search on rust in 210s (I think a lot of the problems on the earlier cars will have been sorted by now, but be wary) you will be forewarned before viewing. I like the 210 range because of the diesel engines especially the CDi. Although the earlier 300TD has a very good reputation.

I would imagine a C class would not give you the space you require, but again earlier cars better than current model. Although I did once consider a C240 estate as being a reasonable performer.

Hope this helps! i'm sure others will add their preferences and hopefully give you a good overview of whats out there.

 

[Speedmaster]

My father had 3 W124 estates when I was young (230te and two 300tes) and they were the most reliable, comfortable and effortless cars he has owned to date. They dont make cars like that anymore and they still look v classy today

 

[andy_k]

I'll just add that our E320 does a lot better than 20-27 mpg. Around town it's about 25, at legal speeds (give or take a few mph) on motorways it does anything up to 35mpg. The old 300 petrol engines are very thirsty however and I'm guessing that's where the 20mpg figure came from.

 

[television]

My 1999 300TE was one of the nicest cars I had ever owned (435) had the seat squabs been longer, it would be first as an all round car.

Malcolm