Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (1996 - 2003) E320 CDi Elegance 5d Tip Auto (2000/X) 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?
He loves the speed and comfort, treats me right.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Impressed with the acceleration and space but suggest to it because of rust.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Would buy newer model as they should have better rust protection.
What are you likely to buy next?
Volvo V70.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,500
When did you buy the car?
January 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Not really. I underestimated costs of rusted body repairs. Mechanically very good but because the rust comes back again and again, it is not worth to spend a fortune on the regular painting. My 1994 Volvo has about 70% less rust than this 2000 Mercedes.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
It was the most powerful, spacious and comfortable diesel estate for my budget. Pretty cheap to insure.
What was the dealer like?
Polite, to make me buy.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Superb. Very comfortable and powerful. Massive torque (470Nm) makes overtaking efortless. Often spins rear wheels on the wet. Very stable and quiet on hight speeds. Up to 45 mpg on the run about 27 in town. My average is 35,5.
What's it like to park?
Average. Better than 2002 Mondeo saloon. Small turning circle for the size of the car.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
155K miles. Had for 9 months.Fuel injectors leaked, I replaced all seals and 2 inj at £400. Engine temp only went up to 60 degrees-new Polish thermostat cost me £25, fitted myself. Radiator fan always rotated at same speed - fan clutch was gone. Front coil springs rust on the bottom and brake, is spend £80 for springs plus fitting. Little side screens on the instrument cluster did not show readings properly - fitted new screen pixels from ebay £11. But after careful body inspection my optimisms disappeared. The RUST! Bottom of the front subframe (under lower plastic shield) had big bits falling off. Drivers door, and rear wing needed welding. Basically all body panels including the roof, had sings of underpaint rust. All underbody and engine compartment were bad too.
What's most practical about your car?
Massive interior and boot space, with seats folded 1975 l, the volvo v70 mk2 is 1641 litres. Power folding mirrors. Cruise control is excellent on the motorway.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
3.2 litre 197hp diesel engine.
