I'm interested in buying a used mercedes benz e class wagon with awd. So far I've seen the E320 in person but I've read about the E500. Any recommendations for year or which e class model would be best? Are these hard cars to maintain?

I would be driving the car to work and around town. The farthest road trips would be 6 hours a couple times a year. I was looking at anything newer than a 2000 and all the ones I've seen that I liked so far have been less than $12,000. Thanks for your help in advance!

assuming you know the difference in 320 and 500 (engine and options), as far as climates, is the awd a necessity? the v-6 definitely 01 or newer, anything prior had engine wiring harness issues (very common), the 500 make sure it is not air bag suspension it is also common to fail. other than that car fax, and when you pick some shoot me a message...

I don't really know the difference between the two. AWD because when we travel we're in areas with lots of snow&my husband thinks it's safer for me to have a car with AWD. If I look at a 500 will it be obvious whether it has air bag suspension or not? Thanks for your help!

320, and 500 (numbers) is the first letter/digit in Mercedes/Audi/Bmw is the chassis size, equilivent to compact/economy/ full size etc...the second refer to the size engine, so it is a v-6 in the 320 or the v-8 in a 500, (significant power increase :). as well as luxury options on the inside, memory seats /navigation/ for examples..so E will be the same size, in either model as far as interior , but engine is different, and not knowing your personal experience/ability in car part identification, it is easier to ask the seller..but i assure you they almost always go bad in the rear, and not cheap :(...please feel free to drop me a message if i can ever help further, or ideas when you narrowed down your search :)

http://cargur.us/d6CC Here is one of the mercedes wagon's that I was looking at. My husband says that for this price it would be better to consider a used Audi A6 wagon because they will last longer. Something like this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml? zip=40299&endYear=2010&fuelCodes=GSL&keywordPhrases=wagon&photo sOnly=true&driveCodes=4WD%7CAWD&transmissionCode=AUT&sellerTypes =b&transmissionCodes=AUT&maxPrice=12000&mmt=%5BAUDI%5BA6%5B %5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&featureCodes=2&modelCode1=A6&driveCode=4WD %7CAWD&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=0☆tYear=2001&m akeCode1=AUDI#Records=100&searchRadius=0&bodyStyleCodes=WAG ON&listingId=335452491&listingIndex=13&Log=0 Any opinions?

when i tried to open the bottom one, it said already removed, no worries....I do Love my Audis' but which engine, I can tell you the 2.8 engine by far is the most reliable one produced...1.8 and 2.7 are wonderful when modifying or tuning...3.0, and 3.2 were well known for leaking engine oil..but yes, timing belts are crucial at the recommended times, and keep it full of oil, many peers had Audi's with over 3,400,000 miles on them. The difference is appeal, Mercedes was designed to sell to older white males, very laid back relaxed feel, clean interior...Audi more for the son of the Benz driver lol, sporty feel, more buttons, so pending engine and maintenance records and style..Another BONUS with Audi, is (even though the dealer won't tell you) but every Volkswagen made today is made with the technology and parts of Audi from 3 years prior.meaning when you need parts most are interchangable, I rebuilt my personal Audi 2.8 engine with the same 2.8 engine parts from the VW, they are identical and considerable less expensive, where as Mercedes other than prestige you will pay Mercedes prices..just a thought..if you want any other questions/opinions, I am here. hope i am helping (as unbiased as possible) in your decision.

This is the autotrader ID number for the audi link I tried to copy: AT-13E6DDE5 If you enter it, it will bring up the car. First of all, your responses are EXTREMELY helpful. I really appreciate the guidance. I was initially looking at a volvo v70 but then this summer I saw an Audi A6 3.0 pass by on the road and I fell in love. While researching Audi's many of the searches would bring up comparable options. So after a month or two I saw the Mercedes in person and it kept popping up in searches. I figured Mercedes is well known & more expensive so thus better quality. However, I started to wonder about maintenance and if the quality was really better than the Audi. I love the look of Mercedes 320 and the fact that it stands for quality but if the Audi was less expensive to repair&as good of quality I'd probably go for that. This is my first "big girl" car that wasn't a parent hand me down or a car bought of necessity due to another car failing. So I want to make a good decision that will last and will be safe since I have children in my car on a regular basis.

i see, well I personally owned almost every make car there is out there, I do love audi, miss mine very much...I recommend in either case, a carfax, and to spend the 125. or so dollars in a unaffiliated but qualified dealership doing a unbias pre-purchase inspection, it is common and they will look it over and inspect everything they can for wear and tear,previous or potential future issues...other than that aspect run the vin with insurance and consider if applicable land vehicle tax, my land rover discovery was considerably cheaper on taxes than my Audi was...it is a beautiful car, but common engine issues are valve cover leaks, and (pucks) on the back of the engine plugs if you will, they commonly leak and always timing belt/water pump (usually done together) service detrimental to Audi/VW. Also the mention of children the reason I upgraded from my Audi was due to discomfort when seating 4, or 2 and a car seat, so let them try it out comfortably...or consider something with 3rd seat options...don't let mileage scare you either will be a nice choice oh, I noticed the cup holder panel missing on the dash, make sure every single electrical option works yourself (on both cars)...Where about are you located? I am in ct.

I'm located in Louisville, KY. Now you have me really thinking. I'm so torn! This is my first big buy and I want it to be durable¬ need to be fixed every few months(other than normal maintenance) but I would like to have something nice that will last. Id been reconsidering an audi again and yesterday I saw a Mercedes e350 4matic w/new tags & my heart stopped it was so pretty. I looked online&i'm guessing it must have been 2012/2013 which obviously is out of my price range but it made me think Mercedes again. All my friends said I shouldn't get anything with more than 100,000 miles but my little car has 250+ and is still running so what would be a reasonable number of miles for a 2000 or newer car? If I was buying the car tomorrow would you tell me to get an Audi 2.8(i think u said that was the better engine) or Mercedes?

as far as mileage, past history (which is the unknown factor in buying used) is the catch...the more miles the more possibility of mis-use, however, the old 100,000 mile rule, applied before modern day technology...before plastics and rubber refinement..in the 50's 60's the tires were made completely different, and 100,000 miles killed the car, now my personal opinion the 200,000 mile mark is equilivent....FOR either model, proper maintenance, ( personally maintained, or garage) either car can potentially exceed 300,400,000 miles on the engine and transmission when driven unabused!!! If your heart says Mercedes, my unbias sales pitch: "If you work hard, deserve it, and want to enjoy something, go with what your heart desires" it is that easy, which one can you look out the window and smile and all effort be worth it...both are respectable, As far as maintenance, will it be done personally (family) or shop? I am excited as to see which one you choose...Do you have a European Specialized mechanic in the area/Dealership to refer to, (Geographically Ky. though a beautiful state, is more prone to Chevy,Ford, Dodge, no??) I feel your pain as I am of no help on a decision, I loved my Benz (had 2) and they make 3 that all happen to be on my bucket list to own :), pending body styles, the Benz is prettier, I'd go that way...no more re-thinking, you will spend days debating, and one will sell, and you will be disappointed, :) go for it, make sure it is checked out by a reputable as in real European dealership....:)send pics lol

Okay. I agree. Even though I fell in love w/the Audi every time I see the Mercedes I'll be like man I really loved that one. And there's no guarantee that one particular car will last longer than another individual car. I just graduated nursing school(that's hard work) and I've worked all throughout so I'd like to drive a car that I like for once. It would be mainly shop maintenance with possibly the exception of easy things like fuses, batteries, minor structural fixes because I have friends who can do all that. I'm not a KY native so I'm not really sure but I do see lots of Ford around here. There is a Mercedes dealership (http://www.tafelmotors.com/) here in town and a fine motor car shop (http://www.lfmservice.com/main.aspx) that aren't far from my house. However, if I purchase the car from another city would I just ask to have it taken to a local Mercedes dealership to be inspected before purchase? Is that a common practice that a seller would agree to?

yes, a pre-purchase inspection, you are responsible to call the dealership you want the vehicle inspected by, speak to a service writer, and inform them of your purchase at a different location, and are interested in a pre-purchase inspection, and does their facility accomodate...I am sure they will, and they will inform you of whether or not an appointment is necessary (this time of year i think not), and the fees incorporated with the inspection, (I ball park $150.) again just throwing a possible number out there that is acceptable...and they will tell you everything that the inspection will cover, if that dealership finds anything, or things wrong, you take the list back to the original dealer, where car is being purchased, and state: You will buy the car, only when these concerns are addressed, they then will decide whether or not they will abide or pick and choose, never agree with out consulting (atleast this forum, or myself), with the outcome, however, if no appointment is necessary you have to inform the car salesman to bring the car over, and make sure he knows when and where...congrats on nursing school!!!!! let me know progress :)

just following up, how did the purchase go, or did it not??

Nope, no purchase has been made yet. My husband is making me wait a few more weeks and keep looking to be sure I won't change my mind. Though my heart is now officially set on a mercedes wagon. I definitely will get your opinion on the results from a pre-purchase inspection before we purchase anything!!

2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 4MATIC found on Cars.com http://soc.li/StCwMjC Look at this one. Doesn't $6,792 sound a little low? Or is this a great deal?

trying to pull it up now, and Merry Christmas, lol

the black one out of fort meyers fl?

Yep, that's the one! I looked at the KBB and it showed a higher price.

i checked the consumer carfax, it was ok, but there is a second one for dealers, I could not access from home, lol, however, in the pics, with the dew, or moisture on the car, I couldn't see any repaint marks :( kbb is a general guide to cars, as it was traded in, they may just be trying to "move it"...not sure about that...mine said it has over 106,000 miles on it, not the 105, maybe a typo...ok NO, read enough on that one, WALK AWAY, bad wiring harnesses on that model, :( Though I am a stranger, never buy a European with Electrical issues :( probably so low, because no one can figure out the problem in the ac or wiring :(....

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory/p/Report.cfx?vin=WDBJH82J41X050828∂ner=CDM_0#DetailSection scroll through the bottom half :(

Hello again! Check out this car. I think it's really pretty. What do you think? http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp? tab=summary&recnum=&actLog=&listingId=107448396&paId=495885300&lis tingRecNum=5&criteria=prMx%3d13000%26fuelTypeId%3d31763%26sf1Dir% 3dDESC%26drvTrnId%3d27102%26prMn%3d0%26alMdId%3d21014%26mkI d%3d20028%26stkTyp%3dU%26bsId%3d20216%26mdId%3d21014%26rd% 3d500%26crSrtFlds%3dstkTypId-feedSegId-bsId-mkId-mdId-pseudoPrice- pseudoYear-fuelTypeId-drvTrnId- transTypeId%26zc%3d40299%26rn%3d0%26PMmt%3d1-1- 0%26stkTypId%3d28881%26sf2Dir%3dASC%26sf1Nm%3dprice%26yrMn%3 d2003%26sf2Nm%3dmiles%26isDealerGrouping%3dfalse%26alMkId%3d20 028%26transTypeId%3d28113%26rpp%3d250%26feedSegId%3d28705&trac ktype=usedcc&pageNumber=&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPe rPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE&certifiedOnly=false&&aff=m obsite VIN: WDBUH83J05X167596

Get over it

Bought an Audi A6 3.0 wagon & 3 mo.later the check engine light came on showing a cat. converter issue. (1K repair bill) Changed the O2 sensor to no avail. Nice wagon but inherent mechanical issues.