It is the most effective way to avoid buying a used car with problems that will cost you time and money for years to come. As the buyer, you need to choose the mechanic who does the inspection. That means you pay for the inspection, not the seller. The cost of a pre-purchase inspection is a very minor expense in comparison. Find an independent mechanic experienced with European cars, and more specifically, the Mercedes line.
Ask him to give you a list of problems that need fixing now or in the near future, with a quote for the cost of each item. Are they hiding something? Pre-purchase inspections are standard. Any reputable dealer will expect it. If the seller resists an inspection, ask them why. In some cases, particularly if dealing with private sellers, they may be worried about the car being stolen or damaged and these are legitimate worries.
Or have them meet you there with the car. You can always tell them that you will share the report with them so they get the benefit of this info too. Expect some issues with the engine or the exterior. Most Mercedes Benz models are good but not all of the engines are good. Certain engines in certain years were problems and should be avoided. It will take a little more research to know which. M V6 engine was very reliable but a M and M had timing chain problems and was used from to According to U.
News , the Mercedes-Benz E-class is an excellent investment. It offers superior handling. The steering is highly responsive and the car accelerates quickly. It scores high in safety rankings. This model gets high marks for its luxurious passenger and driver area. However, it gets low marks for the backseat arrangement, which is cramped. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a four-door, mid-size luxury sedan. It offers lots of power, a big selling point for drivers focusing on performance.
The model received high safety scores. News gave it perfect scores for both reliability and safety. It has a sophisticated interior, roomy and comfortable even in the rear. For example, it has heated front seats and dual-zone climate control.
For the U. Each model had its charms, but our favorite was the SL a. Sold between and , this DOHC 5. It even had variable intake-valve timing.
Special editions and ultralow-mileage examples can fetch considerably more. Don't be tempted by the less expensive SL unless it's one of the five-speed-manual examples sold in the U. We'd also advise against the V models; the R wasn't originally designed for the cylinder, and the big 6. And it may well overwhelm your bank account with maintenance expenses. The R was an expensive car when it was new, and parts are expensive today. The engine harness will need to be replaced on most —98 cars, which used biodegradable wire insulation.
More on this topic. Andrew Newton. Reach for the Star rion s Andrew Newton. Share Leave comment. Full service history is vital. The V8 engines will go on for ever if serviced, but listen out for rattly cams and lifters.
Check for oil leaks, especially on V12 units. Look for smooth automatic gearchanges, without delays, slipping or jerkiness, and check the fluid is clean and not burnt.
Watch for fading soft-top deck covers. A neglected interior indicates a neglected car, though Nappa leather wears quickly. Check all electrics work, and for cracked sunvisors or a faded heater panel display. Automatic roll-over protection can also be raised on a button. A failed condenser is the most common cause of ineffective air-con. All Rs should feel lively and under-stressed on the road, especially V8s and V12s.
The sturdy V8s are the most dependable, usually suffering only minor ailments. The suspension and steering should operate quietly and comfortably, with no knocks or sloppiness.
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