which one of these cheap older German sedans would you have?

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by Crimson92

i used to work for mercedes...first hand i cant tell you that the w210 is one of the best cars merc has ever put out.


i know people who have these cars for over 200k miles and the worst thing theyve replaced was the spark plugs

I'm in agreement with Crimson. Although I still prefer the W124. It's the 2003-2005 that are most problematic. The nagging wife in the bedroom (Chrysler) probably kept MB up at night.

After the last facelift, the current (and last) of the W211s are also airtight. I have a 2009 W211 and so far it's been flawless (time will tell, of course.) But the new E Klasse is definitely closer to the great older products.

And safety has always been the big thing with MB but they just don't market that so much (as Volvo does.)

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by Crimson92

i used to work for mercedes...first hand i cant tell you that the w210 is one of the best cars merc has ever put out.

Sorry...you mean that you can't tell us enough?

Hmmm...well fair enough.

Still...seems like an awfully alot of feedback out there saying MB products from the 1996-2005 era was kinda shoddy as they stepped down on overengineering because they wanted to up profits. This was the same era where their reliability rating went from near first place to near the bottom. Yes I know...can't just rely on JD Powers reliablity ratings cuz it's non-technical people being polled, yada yada. But still...

[Crimson92]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

I'm in agreement with Crimson. Although I still prefer the W124. It's the 2003-2005 that are most problematic. The nagging wife in the bedroom (Chrysler) probably kept MB up at night.

After the last facelift, the current (and last) of the W211s are also airtight. I have a 2009 W211 and so far it's been flawless (time will tell, of course.) But the new E Klasse is definitely closer to the great older products.

And safety has always been the big thing with MB but they just don't market that so much (as Volvo does.)

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Sorry...you mean that you can't tell us enough?

Hmmm...well fair enough.

Still...seems like an awfully alot of feedback out there saying MB products from the 1996-2005 era was kinda shoddy as they stepped down on overengineering because they wanted to up profits. This was the same era where their reliability rating went from near first place to near the bottom. Yes I know...can't just rely on JD Powers reliablity ratings cuz it's non-technical people being polled, yada yada. But still...

typos man..typos haha...my iphone hates me

anyways
i always found the 210 to be very reliable

not going to lie the e class 2003-2005/6 were uber crab....tons of problems

my 2007 has been great over the last 2 years and i kinda feel bad giving it up at the end of the lease but oh well.

the w202 was a great chassis

the w 203 was ok....the superchaged engines were problematic

the w220 sclass was great

in terms of safety....if im ever in a major accident(knock on wood) i would want to be in a benz...i feel very safe in a benz

[stickypaws]

I should clarify: I agree with Crimson that the W210 is a reliable car, but I disagree that it's MB's best effort. The W124 is by far a better product. But buying a used W210 with records is a perfectly reasonable choice. Everything will have been addressed. And the 4Matics tended to be even better.

But if you live in rust prone cliimates, the W210 might not be a good idea.

Stick with a well-serviced W124. Safe, and also now very hip and retro. Your son will be the cool guy.

[Crimson92]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

I should clarify: I agree with Crimson that the W210 is a reliable car, but I disagree that it's MB's best effort. The W124 is by far a better product. But buying a used W210 with records is a perfectly reasonable choice. Everything will have been addressed. And the 4Matics tended to be even better.

But if you live in rust prone cliimates, the W210 might not be a good idea.

Stick with a well-serviced W124. Safe, and also now very hip and retro. Your son will be the cool guy.

oh no, i wouldnt say it was their best effort , but i will say that it was one of their best

[jetblk328i]

interesting, budget is <10K. Interesting info on the e classes.

[kpcoupe]

Definitely the C Class

[dillon733]

definately e46

[audiprotein]

well ))
2002 a4 (b6) is pretty nice and mod friendly if u get 1.8T ))
a6 would prolly be the safest one though

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by jetblk328i

interesting, budget is <10K. Interesting info on the e classes.

Jetblack, if you are seriously considering a MB for your son, then this would be an absolutely great ride. Hard to find but the prices are now in your budget. It's a safe, built-like-a-tank, incredibly fun, super comfortable sedan. And your son would be Mr. Uber-Cool in front of all his peers.

Do some google searching and you'll find that people covet these vehicles. The best of all worlds wrapped up into one car, imho. You can rack up the miles and they keep on running.

http://www.edmunds.com/mercedesbenz/...merreview.html

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/Overvie...9-C43-AMG.html

And here's one on Craigslist (maybe close to you?) http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ctd/1022341280.html

[jetblk328i]

Hey stickypaws, i did some small searches on autotrader, cars.com, craigslist to no avail. However, 1999 C classes could be found, just not in 43 amg form.

Is the 230 better or the 280?

[blue2fire]

E36 M3

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by jetblk328i

Hey stickypaws, i did some small searches on autotrader, cars.com, craigslist to no avail. However, 1999 C classes could be found, just not in 43 amg form.

Is the 230 better or the 280?

I don't think there's really a better or worse, it's pretty subjective. Do you want a FI (230 Kompressor) or a NA motor (280)? A comfort car, or a little bit more "edgy" (280 versus 230)

He might prefer the 230 as something to mod, etc. Either way get the sport model version.

Here's a good thread with loads of info on the 230 vs the 280:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202...0-vs-c280.html

If you can hold out for a good specimen of a C43, then that would be a find. One of the forum members on Rennlist (Porsche owners) just picked one up with 72k on the odo in Connecticut. Took him a while to find it. Check out the story (it's in today's 993 sub forum.)

Here's a great review of the 1999 C43 from a Porsche owner:
http://www0.epinions.com/review/auto...3940C5A7-prod6

[jetblk328i]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

I don't think there's really a better or worse, it's pretty subjective. Do you want a FI (230 Kompressor) or a NA motor (280)? A comfort car, or a little bit more "edgy" (280 versus 230)

He might prefer the 230 as something to mod, etc. Either way get the sport model version.

Here's a good thread with loads of info on the 230 vs the 280:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w202...0-vs-c280.html

If you can hold out for a good specimen of a C43, then that would be a find. One of the forum members on Rennlist (Porsche owners) just picked one up with 72k on the odo in Connecticut. Took him a while to find it. Check out the story (it's in today's 993 sub forum.)

Here's a great review of the 1999 C43 from a Porsche owner:
http://www0.epinions.com/review/auto...3940C5A7-prod6

Would one of them be more reliable? I am guessing 280 since it is NA.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by jetblk328i

Would one of them be more reliable? I am guessing 280 since it is NA.

I dunno. I think "reliability" is somewhat subjective. These are older Euro cars and all parts and service is expensive. The trick is to find one with all records, one owner, etc.. That's one plus with the MB since you can find more mature owners who have been fanatic about service and records, and usually keep the mileage down, too. Buy one from the "grampa MB enthusiast type."

The V6s in the 280s are solid motors. It's the other stuff that nickel and dimes you just like in older BMWs, Audis, etc.. (Except Porsche; solid as a rock! )

How about the 190 "Baby Benz" with the IL6? The W201. Get a 190E. Now that's a solid car. Or the diesel turbo version.

Or for kicks, the legendary 2.3 16V http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/cap...nz-190e-23-16/

W201s are older, yes, but from the days of MB's famous "over-engineering."

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by audiprotein

well ))
2002 a4 (b6) is pretty nice and mod friendly if u get 1.8T ))
a6 would prolly be the safest one though

+1. B6 A4's are cheap, look nice, great interior, very mod friendly. My second choice would be the E46 3.

[holson]

I had a 190E and my biggest gripe about it is how sluggish it is compared to modern cars, especially the clunky (but strong) automatic transmission. Other than that, it was awesome.

I recommend the later (93+) cars with the multi-valve engine - those drive a whole lot like a newer car...a properly maintained 1994 E320 is a VERY nice car for a few thousand dollars.. beware again, maintenance can be expensive, especially with their ac

On the W124
if the ac evaporator core leaks, you're looking at a repair bill of a few thousand (3-5k depending on who does it). The head gasket/engine wiring harness is a solid $1k-2k job