Which post-1996 Mercedes is the most reliable and solid and the cheapest to maintain?

Question

E class
C class
ML class no not this one!!!!lol
S Class

Answer 1

o ok definatly not the S-class the W140s they have over a hundred computers in them and if one goes wrong its over $200 to replace, E-class is a good car, C-class is a good car,ML well they have there little problems so i would go with the C-class if you wanted a smaller motor and better fuel economy but if you want a car thats ok on gas then i would go with the E-class it has more power than the C-class bigger engine which ya also means more fuel...hope that helps you deside.

Answer 2

I have only ever had one Mercedes and its my last, a 1999 S500 which started to fail mechanically at 55000 miles and then started to rust at 4 years old despite a full MB service history. Dealer attitude was appalling and in the end I sued them for breach of their Mobilo Life 30 year paint warranty, the car will be stripped and rebuilt with only the roof and bonnet remaining as original in the next few weeks. It has taken me over two years for them to acknowledge the problem is not stone chips or scratches but a defect in their manufacturing, buy carefully, get a bullet proof warranty and check for rust around the wheel arches, inside the doors and boot and generally where the metal has a folded edge, if in doubt buy a different make, I would never buy another Mercedes.

Answer 3

I've got a 96 C220 with over 140,000 on it and it's barely broken in. The C-class 4-cylinders are very cheap to run; you can easily beat 30 MPG on the highway and insurance was less than my old minivan!

MB had a LOT of trouble with quality from late 2000 through the 2004 model years. They seem to be settling down now, but I'd avoid all 2001 - 2005 models for now.

Answer 4

I have a 2000 E-320 with almost 98,000 miles now .... and i have not had any problems with it. Only minor stuff. Consumption wise .... it surprises me ... it is better than most cars in it's class. Dont get the 1996 or the 1997 E-320 because it has the older engine. 1998 and newer has the new engine.

Good Luck :)

Answer 5

My experience with owning numerous Mercedes autos is the C230 is the least expensive to maintain and I asked a neighbor who has over 100,000 miles on a 99 C230 and he supported my premise. I have owned a 220 SE, a 280 SE, 1 450SL, a CLK230 and currently own a 350SLK. The C230 was bullet proof.

Answer 6

E class is the best looking, most reliable, don't get the ML, it's horrible. C-class is too small. I have an E class and would buy another one.

Answer 7

I had the 300D (E Class) 1988 model,
This is one of the best cars Mercedes ever built.