e300td or e320 cdi purchase

[midnite racer]

hi guys, first post, ive been lurking on the forum for a while going through various threads on the above 2 cars, so il spell it out, im looking for one or the other and have seen 2 cars that fit my needs, which is to tow a trailer with a smallish car on it, the e300td is a lot cheaper obviously than the e320, and ive seen one with just under 200k close to me, ive also seen a 320 cdi with 220k on it(has sticking in first gear problem) which may come in close to what i want to spend, the main thing is would buying the e300 be a better bet as its older more basic tech so easier and cheaper to look after or is the 320 better even with the miles, car will be used to do no more than 3-5000 miles max per year.

thanks

 

[Buffers]

A 300td is a more basic but in my opinion lease troublesome engine than a 320cdi, (also taking in mind the milage cars you are looking at). The 320cdi will of course have more pulling power than the 300td. If you are looking at W210s than bodywork etc can be a big issue as well as they suffer badly from rust. I would stay clear of the really high milage cars unless they have a perfect service history. There are plenty of good ones out there whichever you decide to buy so don't rush in!!

 

[midnite racer]

yeah, ive looked at w210s with bad rust probs, this one is a 99 t plate, and has none, it has had some paint but no rot, what years did they suffer the bad rust.

 

[Buffers]

The w210s all suffered from rust but it seems to be the luck of the draw. I believe that the later 320cdis were not quite as bad. As l said you have to shop about, good luck.