MERCEDES E-CLASS ESTATE (1989 - TO 2002)
ESTATE MATE (2004-08-05)
MODELS COVERED:(1st Generation: [200TE, E200, 220TE, E220, 230TE, 250TD, 280TE, E280, 300TE, 300TE 24v, 300TE 4MATIC, 320TE, E320] 2nd Generation: [E200, E230, E240, E320, E430, E55, E300D, E300TD, E320CDI])
BY JONATHAN CROUCH
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Some estate cars make a fashion statement. Some estate cars are practical load-luggers. But only one estate car can do both: the Mercedes E-class. There's a wide choice of examples on the used market - many of them at affordable prices. The kind of money you'd pay for a plus, late model
Ford or
Vauxhall. Viewed in this light, the practical E-class with its impressive build quality, enduring style and rock-solid residuals, makes a lot of sense.
Class and quality - in equal measure. The build quality is unrivalled -and so is the load space on offer.
The TE Estate range from the late 1980s/early 1990s is now available at real bargain-basement prices but they should still represent solid value for the money. More common post-1993 First generation E-class examples start with the E200. The earliest L to N-reg E200s are around £6,000-£8,000, with equivalent E220s at £6,500-9,000, E320s at £7,700-£10,700 and E300Ds at between £7,500-£9,000. Second generation E-class examples again start with the E200.
For 1996 P to 1999 T-platers, the span is around £9,000-£14,000, with 1996 P registered E230s at between £10,800-£11,600. 1997 R-1999 T plated E240s cost £11,000-£14,600, 1997 P to 1999 T-plated E320s are £12,500-£17,000. 1997 R to 1999 T-plated E430s retail at between £14,500 and £18,200 and E300TDs (1997 P to 1999T-plates) are between £12,000 and £18,800.
Very little goes wrong. Leather upholstery, air conditioning, automatic transmission and avoiding dull non-metallic colours help at resale time. Pay extra for cars that come with a complete service history and the peace of mind of the Mercedes Signature Used Car Programme.
(approx based on a 1994 E320 excl Vat) Front brake pads are around £55, an exchange exhaust (including catalyst) is about £1000. A headlamp is about £185. An oil filter is around £6.50 and a windscreen is around £140.
For long distances, these cars are ideal, with effortless cruising and low noise levels. The diesels are surprisingly good, explaining why they accounted for such a large proportion of sales.
Quality and style with a practical edge. Whatever the age and mileage, you can buy with confidence. These are cars that will last you many years: star quality indeed.
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