Laid up E300TD?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Sat 22 Feb 2003 22:22
Laid up E300TD? - NWS
Looked at a E300TD Estate Elegance today. May 99, 21,500 miles, been largely undriven the past year as owner had died and the family are only now selling. Pristine in and out, drove fresh, a lot of extras. It's pretty top end price wise at £19k. Would you?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 24 Feb 2003 12:49
Laid up E300TD? - daryld
No I would not.

I know I'm going to sound snobby, but I am buying my wife and kids the new E270 Cdi elegance saloon later this year. I looked at an old-style E-class but was put off by the awful interior and dashboard, complete with cheapo-looking switches. Also, the history of rust with earlier-build cars just underlined the quality issues MB were having in the late 1990's: even the whiff of a suggestion of rust on a car costing £25,000+ is wholly unacceptable-warranty or not.

My wife and children were almost killed on the A428 in a head-on collision involving an idiot overtaking on a blind bend. She was shaking and crying afterwards and could not drive her VW Golf for almost 20 minutes. So I have put my money were my mouth is: I have ordered the new E-class for them since it is, in my opinion, the only really safe family car. I view it as an insurance policy for my family. And yes, I do not mind driving to work in the Seat Arosa diesel!!
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 24 Feb 2003 14:54
Laid up E300TD? - Dave_TD
But at the money, the old E-class is about as safe as you're going to get...
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 24 Feb 2003 16:21
Laid up E300TD? - blank
Would I?

No.
If (and only if) I had decided that this was the model and specification I wanted to spend my money on, I would buy one with a sensible mileage(at least 15k per year and preferably more) from a Mercedes dealer. That way I would avoid any worry of low mileage associated problems, any problems caused by standing for 12 months problems and get a proper warranty. I would also avoid paying a ridiculous premium for a car which has spent most of its life either unused or abused on short journeys.

My opinion only!

Andy
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 24 Feb 2003 17:55
Laid up E300TD? - daryld
Andy et al,

I agree. The car sounds tempting, but unless it is being offered for silly money I would prefer to buy from a franchised dealer (and a dealer who is backed in writing by Chrysler Benz, and who places any new car deposit into a holding account).

All my previous cars have been imports; but I am buying from a UK dealer this time since the E270, with options and a small discount, is pushing past the £30K mark. I could save a few grand with an import, but I want complete accountability from Chrysler Benz UK if the car turns out to be a dog. No waffle, Bull S*** or excuses: that is the premium I am prepared to pay.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link