We don't just talk cars ... we teach how to buy them.
"Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class Overview And How To Buy At The Best Price!"
Thanks to its renowned combination of performance, comfort and safety, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been a top choice in the midsize luxury car segment for years. Its sleek and refined design, outstanding build and materials quality, as well as its leading-edge high-tech features, have placed it in high demand in the pre-owned marketplace, whether in sedan, wagon or coupe body styles.
Also broadening its appeal is the wide range of available models which range from fuel-efficient diesels to super-performance AMG versions. Especially popular are the V6-powered variants like the E320 and E350 that offer both solid performance and fuel economy along with their inherent luxury, as well as V8 models like E430, E500 and E550 that deliver inspiringly powerful and precise road dynamics.
For those considering the purchase of a used E-Class, here's some background information to help narrow down your choice of year and model:
The most recent E-Class generation to be found in the secondhand market, its third, was produced for the 2003 - 2009 model years (the fourth-generation E-Class debuted in 2010). Initially, models consisted of the 221-horsepower V6 E320 sedan, the 302-horsepower V8 E500 sedan and the E320 wagon (same engine as the sedan) which was carried over from the previous generation. The 469-horsepower supercharged V8 E55 AMG came later in the same year.
The third-generation wagon made its debut for 2004 and can be found in both E320 and E500 forms. Used Mercedes E-Class sedans and wagons can also be found with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (it was standard on the E500 wagon until it was discontinued following the 2006 model). In 2005, the E55 AMG wagon was added, while in 2007, the AMG models got a larger V8 engine (507-horsepower, 0 - 60 mph in 4.3 seconds) minus the supercharger and were renamed the E63 AMG.
The diesel E-Class E320 CDI also made its return in 2005 after being absent for five years. Very quick for a diesel with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 7 seconds. Stricter emissions standards, however, kept it out of five states: California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. For 2006, the E350, with its new 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, replaced the E320.
In 2007, the E320 diesel got a "Bluetec" clean-burning diesel engine and became available everywhere in 2008. Also in 2007, due to a new 5.5-liter V8 engine the E500 became the E550. And used Mercedes-Benz E-Class shoppers should note that for the 2009 model year, while mostly unchanged, the E-Class was given a new hard-drive-based navigation system and an updated audio system.
This generation of E-Class received high praise for its elegant design, sumptuous cabin and confident road manners. Actually, other than a unique coupe model and some minor design revisions, there is very little difference in both features and performance with the new 2010 generation. The key is to find a used model with reasonable mileage and a documented record of regular maintenance.
The second-generation E-Class was produced for the 1996 - 2002 model years and introduced the now famous four ellipsoid headlights. While this E-Class was several inches longer than its predecessor, it was equipped with essentially the same chassis. Initially, the models consisted of three sedans: the 134-horsepower diesel E300D diesel, the 217-horsepower inline six-cylinder E320 and the 275-horsepower V8 E420.
There were many changes for 1998, including a turbo engine for the diesel that boosted output to 174-horsepower, 4Matic all-wheel drive became available, the wagon returned, the inline-6 was dropped in favor of a 221-horsepower V6 and the E420 became the E430 due to a somewhat larger 4.3-liter V8 engine.
The high-performance E55 AMG made its debut for 1999 with a 349-horsepower V8, as did side curtain airbags. For 2000, the E-Class received some front end and cabin revisions, added stability control as well as front and rear side airbags as standard features and dropped the diesel model. There were then only minor changes until the next generation debuted in 2003.
A used Mercedes-Benz E-Class from this generation was well-built and durable, making for a more-than-solid used luxury car choice despite their age. Used buyers should remember, however, that even normal and expected maintenance repairs on a Mercedes are expensive. While these models will likely serve you very well, it is strongly recommended to opt only for those with a complete and up-to-date service history.
Overall, and while obviously (and deservedly) pricey, a used Mercedes E-Class makes an excellent selection for those in the market for a pre-owned luxury car. And we can make a number of suggestions to help you save when buying one.
How To Buy A Pre-Owned Mercedes E-Class At The Best Price:
There are actually several different ways to buy a used E-Class at the lowest price, even at wholesale.
ONE - Car Auctions:
You can go to Public Car Auctions in your own geographic area ... no license required. While this will take some additional time and effort on your part, there are indeed some truly excellent opportunities for those who shop these events.
Another excellent method involves getting several used car dealers to compete for your business. See the details in this Used Car Buying Guide. It's just amazing what happens to prices when you force dealers to fight among each other for your sale.
Also ...
If you're interested in a "Brand New" Mercedes-Benz E-Class, there are some great deals to be had right now if you know how to do it.
People swear by this well-proven method for getting the absolute best price on a new E-Class sedan or wagon. This method is particularly effective in the current slow economic environment.
