2000 E-Class estate

[dern]

The wife's car has been written off and rather forced our hand in to buying a new car. She wants a big estate and looking through the autotrader there seems to be several e-class estates for around 5k or so for a 1999/2000 car. I don't know very much about these cars but are they any good, reliable etc? Which engine is the one to go for? We're not bothered about fuel economy but we also don't want a particularly sporty model because it just won't get used that way.

Thanks,

Mark

[Parrot of Doom]

The 320cdi is the engine to go for. Well over 40mpg on the motorway, and very powerful. Extremely reliable engine too.

Try and ensure the car has a full MB service history - in the event of a warranty claim for rust, you'll have much greater chances of success.

[Egbert Nobacon]

If your not bothered about economy, why not go for a E320 petrol.

Will be cheaper than a comparable diesel model and you won't have to worry about turbo's and glow plugs going which do cost alot.

Don't overlook the rust issue though - it comes through from the inside on most panels. Also check the front suspension top mounts as they can and do collapse due to rust.

[tali1]

yes agree with above ,diesel will have high price so you can go for cheaper ignored 320 petrol

[steve-p]

tali1 said:

yes agree with above ,diesel will have high price so you can go for cheaper ignored 320 petrol

E320 does 25-35 mpg depending on usage so it's not bad on fuel considering it's quite nippy.

[dern]

Thanks for the advice. I phoned up after a couple and was astonished to be told of small rust spots here and there. Put me right off to be honest. Shouldn't happen to a relatively modern car and certainly not a prestige car like this.