# 1997 Mercedes E320 **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [May 3, 2009, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972 "2009-05-03T19:45:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![redtr6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e95f7d/32.png) [@redtr6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/redtr6)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 7:45pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/1 "2009-05-03T19:45:32Z")
I am looking for some input as to wether or not I should purchase a 1997 E320 w/127,000 miles and in pretty good shape for $1,800. One meticulous owner w/all service records. Some body rust on driver door. Overall not too bad. I know (or think) Mercedes is a work horse. What do you think? ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/2 "2009-05-03T19:55:42Z")
If you’ve confirmed that all needed service (especially oil changes) have been done, it’s hard to go wrong at $1800 if it runs well. Just know that any major future repairs may exceed the cost of the car. Do you have a reliable independent shop you will use? The dealer will be very expensive. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 7:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/3 "2009-05-03T19:59:15Z")
That price is better than trade-in for a car in rough condition. It leaves you about $3000 to repair any problems before it exceeds market value for a good one. And this one may be a good one. First you need to borrow it and have it inspected by a mechanic that knows the E320. After you get the report back, you will know whether it is a good deal. There will probably be a few must-repair items, but there also might be several nice-to-have-done items, too. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 8:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/4 "2009-05-03T20:07:23Z")
Like others stated take it for a visit to a MB independent mechanic for checkover. Price is excellent. Be prepared for higher than normal repair bills as MB parts are pricey. ---
**Author:** ![redtr6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e95f7d/32.png) [@redtr6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/redtr6)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/5 "2009-05-03T20:11:47Z")
The seller is a friend of mine and I know the mechanic he has used. He is having one item checked out this week when he gets the oil changed (does this every 3-5,000 miles since owning the car). The water pump, struts and bushings have been replaced. 2 sets of very new tires. 4 snows/4 all season. I really don’t need another car but would consider selling my '97 Civic w/the same miles on it to drive this one. ---
**Author:** ![redtr6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e95f7d/32.png) [@redtr6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/redtr6)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 8:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/6 "2009-05-03T20:17:11Z")
Thanks for your input. Looking to upgrade from my '97 Civic without buying a problem ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 8:19pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/7 "2009-05-03T20:19:57Z")
hmmm…now I’m questioning your motives…you will not get the kind of reliability out of the E320 that you’re getting out of the Civic, it’s a bigger, heavier car, not as fun to drive as a Civic, and only you can decide whether the driving experience is worth the poorer milage and higher repair bills. ---
**Author:** ![redtr6](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e95f7d/32.png) [@redtr6](https://community.cartalk.com/u/redtr6)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 8:39pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/8 "2009-05-03T20:39:46Z")
Thanks again. When i test drove the benz it felt like so much more car than the civic, which it is. I also drive a mini and that is loads of fun. You mentioned reliability and that is the kind of info i am looking for. I really don’t need to sell the civic but thought it would be nice to drive a luxury car but really dont need luxury headaches. ---
**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2009, 11:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/9 "2009-05-03T23:59:59Z")
Fun to drive and Civic do not belong in the same sentence 1992-present. I have driven them all. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2009, 12:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1997-mercedes-e320/29972/10 "2009-05-04T00:18:08Z")
OK, that’s different, you have a Mini for fun/economy. I don’t thing there’s much to lose by trading (in effect) the Civic for the E320. I’d do it.