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If you don't do any wrenching a Benz can eat you alive but there are lot of resources available to help reduce cost of ownership. They're actually a very good value on the used market. Not too much more than a Subaru of similar era/mileage, I bet a 2015 Subaru wagon with under 75K miles is around $18-$20K right now.Quote:
Originally Posted by ::: :::
that's as far as i got, thx...!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
alright, loose next vehicle search continues
Have you considered the benefits of fractional ownership?
DEFINITELY the plan since it's long since out of warranty. Already I can tell the layout seems much easier than my fleet of Volvos I've done tons of work on. Plus that basket case of an Audi I used to have and got fully sorted out. I'm not scared. Parts seem to be plentiful, many are actually surprisingly cheap, and there is a way larger community out there. TONS of resources available compared to Volvos. Trim parts are way cheaper too. Which is good, because that's the downside to them. Cupholders are flimsy crap, but at least they're only $20. A whopping $30 from my local dealer. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
And you're right. They really are a great value used compared to the competition, which is what steered me toward them. It's likely due to exactly what you said, though. If you went through the dealer for everything, these cars could cripple you. But same goes for Volvo too, for which my dealer had ludicrously high prices on everything.
Perhaps this may persuade you? Snapped this on my recent road trip with it:Quote:
Originally Posted by ::: :::
Attachment 468784
I am shocked by the mileage I'm getting out of this thing. I know it's rated for 28 hwy, but still. Not bad for such a heavy, big wagon.
Just join us in the Wrenching thread! We got your back, homey. Nothing to be scared of. Besides, it's not like they're blowing head gaskets every 2 seconds like Subarus or anything. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by ::: :::
can you source STAR clone somewhere for a decent price ?Quote:
Originally Posted by MontuckyFried
Tell me you didn't drive 67 from Florida to Texas..... I would think you have been shot at multiple times at that rate of travel.Quote:
Originally Posted by MontuckyFried
LMAO no. Was cruising about 80, err correction, "Posted legal limit" most the way. Got stuck in Houston traffic forever tho which skewed my average speed. Before I hit Houston, I actually saw my mpg state 30.0! Not too shabby!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
I’ve owned Benz’s for 30 years and that’s not my experience. What makes you say that? My sedan has ABC. My wagon with 200k has airmatic. The sedan needed an alternator that was $1k installed and the wagon has needed various airmatic parts but I can tell you for certain that’s it’s a lot less troublesome than my friends multiple Subarus.Quote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
My gf has 2012 S550 bought in 2015. Nothing consequential has gone wrong with that car in 8 years. One door handle keyless entry sensor went bad so the mech swapped it with the rear.
That said, I wouldn’t own an AMG or an early Bama Benz. Probably still wouldn’t own any Bama Benz.
Man, even if that's the god's truth you should have NEVER typed this out. Now you are guaranteed weird issues with BOTH systems as a humbling reminder from the euro car gods.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
My point is the cost of routine maintenance will be higher in a Euro luxury car compared to a Japanese and paying for 20/30/60/90K service alone can be very expensive VS. handling most of it DIY. IF one of your ABC systems were to start failing or behave erratically the diagnostics are generally expensive since most mechanics won't have required software to trouble shoot accurately and replace items that require special programming requiring a visit to a specialty shop.
I'm late to this, but nice wagon, Montucky Fried! I love E Class wagons and stalk them online pretty regularly, even if one wouldn't necessarily solve any of my current unmet needs. I just think they're cool.
Enjoy!
Most of this is not true. Any decent shop has software for most problem’s. My current Indy shares license with another shop on top of the line STAR.Quote:
Originally Posted by fatnslow
Routine dealer service is expensive in all cars. If $100 or 2 more “eats you alive” well then that’s a problem.
I know it’s not if but when my ABC pump fails and it will be expensive but I know that and planned for it. It’s not a difficult job really but requires a special tool to evacuate the system.
I’ve owned one Porsche and those can definitely test your patience. Lots of little, expensive problems. Not to mention the water leaks.
I will read along as it seems folks are nevertheless enthusiastic about the mercQuote:
Originally Posted by MontuckyFried
(my truck has been trouble free for 10yrs & i do like that kind of reliability even in a used vehicle)
Username checks out.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Been using that since no one knew what it meant. I had a 92 300e 4matic. It didn’t become a standard till a decade later. Now it’s kinda pretentious but wtf.Quote:
Originally Posted by riser4
That original 4matic was a genius piece of engineering but sadly had limited service life. The w124 chassis was terrific.
You were a large part of my inspiration for taking the plunge on the brand. Seeing yours make 200K without too much trouble was all the proof I needed. :yourock:Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Thanks! I'm really enjoying mine so far. It's such a relaxing ride. I take out the C30 when I wanna drive like a beat up Altima in Atlanta. I take the E wagon when I just wanna pop it into D and chilllllllll. Right tool for the job and all that. ^_^Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcusBrody
Thanks man. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do. The luxury side of sport. I can’t see myself not owning a Benz wagon. Gonna keep the e500 for a while with two sets of tires to burn.
You can flog that wagon pretty hard in sport mode if you want. It’s a good handling car.Quote:
Originally Posted by MontuckyFried
I'm sure I'll love it. It really is a spoiler. Especially with the cavernous cargo space which is entirely why I gave up on Volvo since they shrunk the newer ones so much compared to my old XC70 or all of their older wagons for that matter. They sure do LOOK great, though. I just had a hard time bringing myself to lose so much room back their with my tall dog and occasional travel needs. Esp on long ski trips.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
Oh yeah? Sport mode actually has surprised me. I won't say I've come close to flogging it or anything, but it really does feel quite competent for what it is. Even if it's a way more relaxed car than an AMG or RS6, I can appreciate it for what it is. I like that the luxury trim isn't trying too hard to be "sporty." No fake exhaust tips, giant rims, and other such nonsense. It has a mission, makes no apologies about it, and it does it brilliantly. Sort of the antithesis of the modern SUV.Quote:
Originally Posted by 4matic
have i got deal for you! and for only a measly $9500... such a deal!
https://images.craigslist.org/00y0y_...7_1200x900.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00m0m_...M_1200x900.jpg
https://images.craigslist.org/00U0U_...M_1200x900.jpg
https://syracuse.craigslist.org/sear...=1~gallery~0~0
Nah, they were surprisingly reliable for a 70s American car. Well, at least until they got rear-ended.