[s-cars] Mercedes question (NAC)

[Erik Addy]

Wouldn't be a German car without electrical issues, now would it? :)
Don't think I'm going to find P2 V70 for $7000, they seem to be over 10k in which case I would just get a Passat 1.8T.  However, there is a seemingly decent 2000 V70R in town, 109k, $9000 asking price.  My concern with those is the tranny, viscous coupling, and angle gear.  Not to mention Nivomat rear shocks at $250/ea.  They are nice cars, though (20v I5, 260hp)
I guess when you are looking for a sub-$10,000 wagon, you just have to accept some risk that you are going to get stuck with a $$$ repair.
Probably would be smarter to finance and spend $13-15k.

Thanks,
Erik


----- Original Message ----
From: Taka Mizutani <t44tqtro at gmail.com>
To: Erik Addy <erikaddy at yahoo.com>
Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 4:17:53 PM
Subject: Re: [s-cars] Mercedes question (NAC)


Erik-
IMO, don't get a W210- the W211 is a much, much better car in terms of reliability (but not an 03).

Big problems? Electrical issues galore, but AFAIK, no issues with the AWD system, but don't take my word as gospel, as I haven't extensively researched the W210.

Have you considered a Volvo? You can probably get a '03-07 V70 AWD for the same kind of money.

Taka



On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 4:19 PM, Erik Addy <erikaddy at yahoo.com> wrote:

I know there are at least one or two closet merc guys on the list, so I thought I'd ask...
 
I'm considering purchasing a 1998 E320 4Matic wagon with 135k on it for my wife (That makes it a W210, right).
Listed locally for $7000.
Reason being: I can't stand the 2.8 V6 in the A6 Avants, and the 3.0's are still a bit more than I want to spend and everything I hear says they are a nightmare to work on (t-belts, O2 sensors, sludge, etc).
 
How does one of these cars compare in terms of cost of ownership to an Audi?  Assuming that all easy-medium difficult work done by owner (spark plugs, shocks, brakes, etc will be done by me). 
 
Do they have more/less/the same number of annoying small problems (HVAC/electrics/etc).
 
What are the big problems?  How does the AWD system work and is it prone to any problems?
 
Best web list/forums for DIY types?
 
Thanks,
Erik



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