Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (1986 - 1996) 230 TE 5d Auto (W124) (1991/H) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not a consideration really - why should I care care what my cars "say" to anyone else - apart from my family. As long as it's not some chavtastic, drug dealer blingmobile (for some reason RR sports, Cayennes come to mind...) I like it, it has character and it is practical.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

The kids hate it - I'me afraid they would prefer a chavtastic blingmobile.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - characterful, easy to work on, a lazy driver's dream, comfy, practical, service parts cheap and easy to obtain.

What are you likely to buy next?

More of the same.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£130

When did you buy the car?

March 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Mates rates

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Cheap, 7 seats.

What was the dealer like?

Matey! A good friend.

What's it like to drive?

If in decent condition, feels like a quality car, smooth as silk. For a big car it feels manageable - my wife finds it easy enough. Oldish 2.3 with auto on a heavy car is not a sporty combination, but the engine has quite a bit of go if you floor it - and still sounds like it won't go "bang" if looked after. Light steering can feel imprecise if suspension bushes and steering parts not kept renewed (they don't last forever).

What's it like to park?

Good for a big car. It's long, but sides and front / rear relatively easy to judge. Auto box helps. Excellent turning circle (shames some much smaller cars) makes it a doddle to manouver

Have you had any problems with the car?

Repeated flat battery - traced to shorting OE antenna. Water pump - relatively easy DIY fix. Water leaks into car can be difficult to trace - mine were down to blocked sun roof drains and rear cargo area window surrounds rusting. Rear self levelling suspension spheres knackered - but apparantly not to bad to make a DIY fix - sourced OE spheres for less than the cost of a pair of shocks for an Escort. Lots of friendly help from MB owners forums. Most service parts from MB are as cheap as any decent branded replacements, though body panels and other stuff can be very very expensive. The great thing is MB do keep parts for at least 20 years after a car goes out of production, so you can get just about anything. Can be run on a budget if you're prepared to shop and read around, get a de

What's most practical about your car?

7 seats, rear extra seats can be removed easily. With middle seats folded down (also very easy & quick) there is loads of space. You can see why antiques dealers are supposed to love these. High load built in roof rails and sturdy OE roof rubber strips mean you can even carry some stuff without a roof rack / box.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Extra rear seats - smaller kids lov'em.