Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (85-)
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Test drive two or three, then get your money ready cos you will be buying one of them.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    If you've done your research, you will have already anticipated what it might cost you in the future.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Bulletproof engineering. You feel you're surrounded by a succesful partnership, iconic design and sheer build quality

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    This vehicle will remove the skin from a rice pudding. It will also drag the bowl along too, but this will be at a cost to you; firstly diesel and secondly WEAR & TEAR (drive it like the world is on its way to meet you and you wont go wrong).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    SERVICE = RELIABILITY. The E300 has a reputation for being very reliable and that's exactly what it is.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    People let you out of junctions in these things cos they're nosey and want to see who's behind the wheel of such a majestic motorcar.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Well it's like that furniture that your Grandparents had that you could jump up and down on, and no matter how hard you bounced on it still looked as though it had just been delivered from the shop (thats Merc interiors for you).

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    If somebody wants it, they're gonna take it, so use your head have an alarm fitted and protect your investment ehh ehh.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Find a good automotive garage, preferably one recomended by another Merc owner, buy your self an owner's manual and read about it; see how surprisingly easy it is to do a basic oil, fuel and air filter change (leave the transmission to the experts).

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Last of the big clunkers, designed to cover starship mileage before a major overhaul.

    Other

    Good tight models that are genuine are annoying cos to close the doors without slamming them, you've got to crack the window open a bit then the doors shut lovely.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes