Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (1996 - 2003) E230 Elegance 5d Auto (1997/P) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Family man who's bought an understated, quality car that's built to last, isn't flashy, but is safe, reliable and still looks great - even at its age!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Children love the rear facing seats. Friends think it must be expensive, as it's a 3-Pointed Star, but it's not too expensive at all, if you have it serviced by the book and don't mind "shelling out" for the occasional faults.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Definitely, YES! However, I would go for a bigger / more powerful & moreeconomical engine, due to the size / weight of the car, such as an E320 CDI. It feels safe to be in, it's solid and having driven 50k miles, on the whole, is a very reliable. Comfortable & effortless drive - round town or on the motorway. Still drives like a dream....... Fantastic!
What are you likely to buy next?
Either another E-Class Estate, but with a more powerful engine or.......... An ML 270 with 7-seater option.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£13,000
When did you buy the car?
December 2002
Did you get a good deal and why?
They wouldn't "budge" on the asking price, but gave me a good deal on my trade-in.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted to buy a Mercedes benz and needed a 7-Seater model that fitted the entire family .
What was the dealer like?
Professional, as you would expect from a franchised dealer throughout sale negotiations. NOT as interested when car broke down 2 x days later on Christmas Eve!!
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Quiet, smooth, solid - drives like a Mercedes should!Engine is responsive, it's easy to drive, but could do with a bit more power when on a motoring holiday with 6 people + roof box / luggage, etc. Best experience of driving is on long motoring holidays. MPG = low 20s "round town" & high 20s / low 30s on motorways / long distance driving.
What's it like to park?
Light steering - doesn't feel like a large estate and is as easy as any other saloon to park,
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
1. Electronic defect with auto gearbox on day 2 of ownership, necessitating costly repair / replacement under Mercedes Warranty. 2. 5-Speed Auto gearbox broke : stuck in second gear. After 18 months ownership & out of warranty...!!Reconditioned fitted - expensive........ 3. Electric motor in the Climate Control needed replacing, plus associated parts. Very expensive.....!! 4. Oil leak from gearbox. Sump gasket replaced. Not very expensive!! A day's worth of parts / labour. 5. Cable snapped that releases 2/3 split rear seat, to allow it to lie flat for carrying loads.
What's most practical about your car?
The car's versatility : spacious 7-seater for the family holiday, school runs, etc or spacious load-lugger!
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
1. 7-Seats, with "proper" 3-point seat belts in extra seats. 2. Automatic Climate Control. 3. Electric Driver Memory seat / mirrors. 4. Cruise control 5. Auto-dimming / anti-dazzle rear view mirror. 6. Leather Interior
