02 C320 vs 97 E420 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

robaincltnc · #1 12-18-2004, 01:21 PM

I am thinking of selling my 97E420 and replacing with a newer MB. I noticed a small leak of oil on the E420. I understand once the vehicle goes over 100k it can really effect the value. I was thinking of possibly replacing with a 02 model C320..any thoughts are welcome. Any thoughts on the C series rides?

THanks much!!

Hatterasguy · #2 12-18-2004, 01:52 PM

Now is a bad time to sell W210's the market is full of them because the current owners are trading up to the W211's. However this is true of the 02 E320/430's to.

robaincltnc · #3 12-18-2004, 02:23 PM

Thanks..do you know anything about the C320..also, how 100k effects value of car?

Hatterasguy · #4 12-18-2004, 03:13 PM

No I don't no anything about the C320, other than they seem like a nice little car.

100k seems to be the point where value drops slightly, although it doesn't mean the car is old. Just the general buying public views 100k as old. People like me on the other hand can do pretty well snapping up 100k cars.

I wouldn't sell it because you think its value is going to drop, it already has. By keeping it a few more years not much more will be lost in resale. Maybe $1k or $2k. I have seen mint 60k-70k 1997 E420's in the $15k range. I have also seen 1998 E430's with 130k on them in the $13k-$14k range. I was just doing pricing research on V8 powerd W210's because I am thinking about getting one. Try Autotrader.com good site to use lots of cars on it.

benzthere · #5 12-19-2004, 10:18 AM

I'd check out that oil leak before making any decisions. Assuming your E420 has been well maintained it should have plenty of life left in it. They are nice cars.

At the Love Mercedes Tour earlier this year I drove just about all the mainstream models. The new W211s have a fresher interior and exterior, but drive about the same as the W210s (IMHO). The CDI was impressive. Oh, the new SLK350 is great too. Big improvment over the 1st generation.

Regarding depreciation, I would expect that an '05 C320 will depreciate much more in it's 1st year than an '97 E420 in it's 8th year. Based on postings and Consumer Reports, the new C-class has had a lot of reliability problems. I wonder if they have figured things out after a few years of production.

Ethan · #6 12-19-2004, 10:52 AM

the C320 engined car is not so great performance wise, some actually like the C240 six engine better. The C320 is soon to be replaced or sold in addition with the C350.

The price of the C320 are high especially when compared to what you can buy a C230 for. In Calif till the end of the year C230 sedans can be had as some people have written on www.edmunds.com for thousands under invoice.

Which ever C class you look at check to see if German Bremen made or Brazilian made. I like he German made better.

The 2005 C class sedan has been well received in the press and by some BMW owners. The 2005 C230 is a very nice car considering the AMG style bodywork and the low price.

Have the leak on the E diagnosed, could be a simple rubber gasket for the dip stick.

What the market holds for 100K mile W203 c-classes? well they have made over a million of them, the quickest made and most sold model of any mercedes sedan or coupe.

robaincltnc · #7 12-19-2004, 12:14 PM

Thanks for all the great help! I think I'll just check out that leak..hopefully, not a big problem..if it is I'll decide then how to proceed. Yes, I love the car. It has plenty of get up and go and definitely has the feel/ride of a true benz. Plus, unless you are one of us, you can't tell how old it is. In looking for review/info of the C320 (that I could afford 2002 or so) it seems as if they've had some real issues. Maybe I can drive my e420 until the new CDIsedan becomes available (meaning affordable to me).

Grassyass!

suginami · #8 12-19-2004, 04:30 PM

I haven't been a big fan of either the W210's or the W203's.

Having said that, of all the W210's, I'd buy the exact model you have - the E420. I'm a big fan of the M119 engine.

The 2005 freshening of the W203's is said to be a big improvement in the quality of the interior.

My boss has a 2002 E320, and drove a C240 to the office as a loaner car when his was getting worked on at the dealer. The car felt nice, but it was small.

I don't know how you are going to be able to handle the smaller size of the the C-class, having owned an E420.

I'm of the opinion that your car has absorbed most of the depreciation it will incur, and the next several years won't see that much more in price declines.

robaincltnc · #9 12-19-2004, 06:47 PM

Thanks Sugi. Happy Holidays!!!