USED Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (99 - 03)

My car

This is an excellent machine. It returns surprisingly good fuel economy, with 10 litres per 100kms on the motorway.

It's also very safe. The ESP system is fantastic on slippery, snowy roads. It seats seven, so it's perfect for my family of six. Luxury is unparalleled - I am sold on Mercedes quality.

The engine has excellent power and pull. This car is lightning fast, passes anything easily and goes from 0-60, then to 100 and to 180 in the blink of an eye.

I would recommend this car to anyone, as I am completely satisfied with my purchase. I bought a 2000-year model in 2006 for $22,000 Canadian.

My car

I have had this car for two-and-a-half years and bought it from a Mercedes dealer - a 2001 (Y) with 84,000 miles on the clock. Economy is first class for such a big car, it's easy to drive and superb for taking large loads.

The down side... I took the car for its first service to an independent dealer for a 'B' service. They pointed out a shopping list of faults that needed sorting, way too many to list, and after this I was £1200 lighter! It's incredible, as having bought the car from Mercedes they serviced it before I bought it (or so I had thought). The car is now up to 125,000 miles, and I have replaced the indicator stalk (£200), one glow plug (£50!), and one brake calliper (the part alone was £165+VAT!).

Even taking this into account, the biggest let-down by far is the body work. Yhere's rust around the headlight, wheel arch and tailgate. Considering it is meant to have a 30-year paint warranty, the Mercedes dealers have been awful. The MB guy even told me it was common on this model and then pointed out that the other wing had already been resprayed - taking into account how long I have had the car, that means this was done before it was three years old!

They have only been prepared to rectify some of the bodywork. Even when the car went in for bodywork I was not offered a courtesy car - I was told it was against MB policy. Is this really a luxury car manufacturer???

Would I buy one again? No!

My car

I bought the car when it was 3 1/2 years old. It was just what I was looking for as I carry a large amount of equipment for my work.It was in pristine condition at the time, but it wasn't long until rust spots started breaking out on the bodywork. Then the cruise control packed up! I went to the MB dealer about the rust but they didn't want to know. by the time I had had the car for 2 years there were spots on the door, boot lid, bonnet(front and top) and then the wheel arches started blistering. I took the car to a local dealer who advised me I should sell ASAP as in another year it would be worth noting. As it is I bought it 2 1/2 years ago for 14,000 and it is now worth 4500! It was very nice to drive, but the quality is definitely not what it was. I now drive a lovely Saab Estate. I would never buy another Mercedes Benz.

My car

Year 2000 - V reg

Buy very, very carefully !

I bought used two years ago and the first year the car was plagued with electrical problems - some major. For example: one bank of cylinders kept shutting down following kick-down which in turn ruined the cats. Problem - chaffed wiring loom which I understand can be common on certain models. Other examples: climate control failed, security system failed (which strangely knocked off the indicators), rear wiper failed and several other faults.

Worst of all, my car has already developed rustpatches around the wheelarches (inside to out).

All these problems even having a FMBSH. Local dealer disappointing - identifying electrical problems took far too long and on all (yes all) occasions car returned with fault remaining.

Other than that great car - looks good, comfortable, running costs comparable to any Volvo estate (my previous car) and plenty of room for kids, the dog, bikes and the wife. Unfortunately I purchased the Friday-afternoon car.