I currently use a truck to commute about 50 miles a day to work. I found a 1997 MB E320 with 170,000 miles. It has been well taken care of, no work except a head gasket was replaced 2 years ago. the owners are asking $4000 or best offer. Would this be a reasonable commuter?
Well, that’s the second year of the somewhat troublesome newer model E320. It could be fine, but they have had a fair number of problems. I’d spend the money needed to have a mechanic give it a thorough exam.
If you have your heart set on this, get it thoroughly checked out. A transmission problem, for example, could easily cost you the purchase price of the car to fix.
For $4000 you can probably find something newer and cheaper to fix than a Mercedes, though it probably won’t be as classy or as nice of a cruiser.
If its the 3.2 V-6 engine, then it gets about mid 20’s for fuel economy.
The engines are usually very reliable, but there were some issues with the earlier transmissions.
The rest of the car has the potential for nickel and diming you to death.
But, they are solid cars.
BC.
Repairs and maintenance will probably cost a lot, so make sure you’ve planned for that.