MERCEDES E-CLASS COUPE and CONVERTIBLE (1989 - 1997)
STAR QUALITIES (2003-07-29)
MODELS COVERED: (COUPE [E220, E230, E300, E320]CONVERTIBLE [E220, E320])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
A key difference between Mercedes and other makers is that their products tend to have a timeless class about them. Here are two good examples. Buy an immaculate used E-Class Coupe or Convertible and most of your neighbours will assume you've bought a new car. The lines are still stylish and the quality shines through.
Class and quality in equal measure. The Coupe is surprisingly practical, with a huge boot and room for two adults in the back. The Convertible, as you might expect, is a lot more cramped in the rear and in the boot, thanks to a power-operated roof that stows away with beautiful precision.
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The earliest G to J-reg 230CEs are around in some numbers but prices should be determined more on condition and mileage rather than age, with more typical 93K to 96P-plated E220s at between £8,500 and £10,000. Prefer a drop top? Youll need a larger budget because E-class convertibles dont start much under £10,000 for the earliest L-plated E220 models, with 94M to 97P-platers at between £11,000 and £14,000. Pay between £13,000 (93K) and £16,500 (96P) for an E320.
Not much goes wrong - though when it does, it can be very expensive to put right. For this reason, insist on a full service history and walk away from any cars that look suspiciously cheap. Watch for slipping auto boxes, possible ABS problems, rumbling rear axles and, on convertibles, hood damage and faulty operating mechanism.
(approx based on a 1994 E320 Coupe inc Vat) Front brakepads are around £45, a front exhaust (inc catalyst) is about £720 with the rear section about £175. A headlamp is about £217 with the glass only at about £53. A wiper blade is around £17 and an oil filter around £8. A windscreen is around £150 and a radiator is about £250.
Don't expect either of these models to handle like a sports car. Both are really Grand Tourers that will leave you unruffled on almost any journey, however long or short.
Quality and style that defies both age and mileage. Find a good one and it will last you many years: star quality indeed.
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