I visited my favorite car dealer today, where I bought my ES300. A strikingly good looking Mercedes E420 drew me to it like a magnet. This is a 1997 with 70,000 miles, priced at $18000.

I never cared too much for any MB, but I know I like this one. What Lexus model would the E420 compare with? Does E420 mean a big motor? Is this car very fast? How would it compare with my ES300 in terms of quality and reliability? Would this car be super expensive to repair? Is $18000 a decent price?

Anyone have experience with this car. Any information appreciated. Thanks

 

The book value ranges from about 15k to 18k with the mileage you mentioned(70K). Another factor is the equipment that was installed on this car and the overall condition. This model has the largest motor in the "E Class" for that year('97). I would say that this model MB would compare to a Lexus GS400.

And yes, this car would cost a lot more for service than any Lexus's.

 

An E420 would compare with a late '90s GS400. The 420 denotes a 4.2L V8. The W210 (96-02 E-Class) is a handsome body style, with a nice interior.

Statistically, Lexus tops MB in terms of reliability (you can't top Lexus in long-term reliability . I have a neighbor who has a E420 of similar vintage that she bought used a couple of years ago, and so far has not had any major problems. I believe CL member Hameed (he's active on the GS forum) had an E420 before his GS400, not sure of the year.

I noticed you put E430 in the subject line--I know the later years of the W210 body had the bigger motor, can't remember when the switch was made (I think the 97 may be the 420 as in the message text).

That being said, it's a sharp looking car if you're willing to set aside the money to keep it in tip-top shape. If I bought that car, my first mod would be a set of AMG wheels

 

.....

 

The 420 is definately a nice car, but I would much rather have a GS4 personally......The E has aaround 270 HP I believe, but its still not as fast as the GS, plus the ride in it is likely to be much cushier, as opposed to fun. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice car, but a 7 year old Benz? You're just looking for something to go wrong with it, and you definately don't want to be forking out the money to fix it. Nice car to look at, probably fun to drive.....and the GS satisfies both of these needs with ease. Stick with a Lex.

 

You're comments are always out of line. Don't you have anything better to contribute instead of instigate? dogg?

 

Thanks for the responces. Talking with a MB owner about extremely high service rates at our local dealer, along with what I read here was a good reality check for me, reminding me that Toyota reliability is why I enjoy owning my 3 Toyota products (ES, Camry and old pickup).

But that MB grabed my attention just like a good looking blonde half my age would. Probably just as much trouble to keep too.... but very nice to look at and a pleasure to lust for.

Thanks again!

 

Moving this thread to the Chat room in hopes of getting non-biased responses to the MB topic.

 

who's biased?? We all have opinions but numbers speak for themselves......

 

Hi...
the w210 body for the E420 was only for MY 1997.
1998+ was E430 with 275 where E420 has I believe 268?? or somewhere around there
You are better off staying with Lexus though.
My dad has a 1998 E320 with less than 18,000 miles and not a single problem so far *knocks on wood*
You are better off buying a GS 400.
Lexus is by FAR more reliable than Mercedes.
Well Toyota in general
I say keep your ES!
They are nice cars!
Bro got one and I got one
Later

Iron Sheik