Is this a good buy? TCO? 2001 W210 E320CDI estate

[T5NEL]

Hi,

First post here so...here goes.

I am looking for a new car at the moment and have seen an E class estate that fits the bill available as an ex lease car from my brothers place of work. I have put as much detail as I have below. I just wanted to ask, on balance, if this car is likley to represent a good buy considering vintage, specification, mileage, price.

I am also interested in knowing what the likely TCO for this sort of car is given a 20k (give or take 5k) annual mileage - typical service and maintenance really as though I can afford the initial purchase I dont want to buy a car (moneypit) that will bankrupt me.

I realise that nothing is certain and I am asking for a bit of crystal ball gazing but hopefully as there will be some fairly informed people on here about these vehicles I would really appreciate opinion based on balance of probability.

Thanks
Tim

Car details as follows

Model: E320CDI Elegance Estate Auto
Extras:Met paint(Tansanite blue), Electric glass sunroof, auto climate control
Registered: 20th April 2001 (on a Y plate)
Mileage:43656
Other: Full MBSH so far, car come to end of 4 year lease
Price : £15,300 (inc 6 months warranty from lease company)

PS Things I have become worried about are...body corrosion, 320CDI engine not as bulletproof as previous benz diesels, niggling faults, disproportionately high service costs.

 

[Brian WH]

Welcome to the forum.

The advantage of a company lease car is normally they are well serviced and on time. High mileage is not a problem, and in this case the mileage is not excessive. A 320 CDI will just be run in at that mileage, and it has obviously been used for long runs. A good engine and will last a lifetime given regular services.

The corrosion problems for this car are sometimes an issue, but a thorough inspection is needed before purchase. They dont all have a corrosion problem, but if they do it will be around the boot lock, front wings and possible other areas of the bonnet and doors, all visible on inspection. If found they should be discussed with dealer and accepted as corrosion before purchase.

Good luck.

 

[Jackie Chiles]

Hi there
Recently faced the same dilemma, read the net and you’d think it’s the worst car ever made but I still wanted one.
Some dealers will discount servicing (and parts) for 5 year old cars so about £200 for minor £400 for the B plus any additional work, which I plan to do myself with the aid of the WIS and this site. It’s a premium car though so you can’t run it for free.
Check under the rubber seals on the tops of the doors for rot, these should be replaced by MB but not any rust relating to ‘stone chips’
Check rear diff for leaks and that the Glow plug light stays out, mine failed after a week, £80 for the plugs now undo without shearing them, plenty of threads on this already.
I think the V6 should be ok, might not be as sturdy as the 300 but quieter, smoother, pulls like a train and you will average over 30 mpg.
I bought ex lease with 106k but immaculately maintained and even minor things all done under warranty it’s a good way to buy if it’s the right car for you. Looks like a fair price with a warranty.

 

[GordonTarling]

I bought my E320CDI Estate last year, a 2001 with 50k on the clock. There's no rust that I can see and the tops of the doors appear to have been treated with some compound like Waxoyl. My local independent garage, who specialises in Mercedes, tells me that this engine is one of the best around, so you shouldn't have to worry about that. The only ongoing fault it has that hasn't so far been rectified under warranty is that of brake vibration - I'm fairly certain that it's the rear discs causing the problem and will change them fairly soon. Servicing costs - recently had a B service done and the total bill was £375, frankly, I was expecting more. You'll find that main dealers will give you a discount card for cars over 3 years old which allows you a discount on labour and parts. The car you're considering seems to be a fair price for what it is, so as long as it has no rust, then it seems like a good buy. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.