Great Car with Some Cautions

This car is outstanding with some exceptions. YOur experience may vary now since this car is almost 10 years old now, but i bought mine exactly 12 months ago with 50k miles. YES, only 50k which is what made it really attractive plus the interior looked like showroom quality so I figured this is the luxury car i was looking for at a great price. Well, yes and no. I bought it for 15,900 and that IS a really good price BUT within 2 months i dished out about $1900 fixing the a leaky engine. There is something know with these cars dealing with the engine oil cover and also the valve covers that could potentially leak oil. in my case the car started overheating and now my investment was up to $17,800. I figured it was worth it and still i was head of the game with a great looking car inside and out.

Ok, now i was ok for about 9 more months. Now, the car in this year has an engine wiring harness that is supposedly non biodegradable and it WILL deteriorate regardless of mileage in about 10 years, hence 2004 for me. this will run you about another $1400 to replace. also, the car should have a major service at 60k miles which crept up on me fast. Ok so now im for just under $20k cause you gotta throw in a bunch of knick knacks you always spend on with small services here and there... i replaced the tires etc.

if you check out the engine beforehand (oh and definitely take it only to a benz specialist) I was luck to find "Boulevard Auto" in Sherman Oaks on Burbank Blvd just off the 405. i reccomend them, but anyway my summar is this... if you are going to spend your last dime just to purchase this car, you might think twice. If you are buying an older luxury car to look good (like me) and dont want to spend 45k for a newer one, this may be for you. I do love the gas mileage this one gets, and the leather interior is classy. I once took out this girl at my office for lunch and when i opened the door for her she said "wow, this is fun, feels like im getting into a limo". I dont think i could have gotten that reaction if i bought bought a new nissan altima or honda accord which is what my options were with the budget I had, but then again some of the other guys in my office went that route and have not had any problems with their car in the shop. Oh yeah, that reminds me, i had to dish out for a rental car 2-3 days at a time when the car was in the shop. BUt then again, i can pull up to any valet and be proud, and I look 100x better than those other guys. I would not reccommend this car for a family, back seats are too tight. Im tall and i push the seat back, anyone siting behind me is probably not the most comfortable. Im single, so usually just my girlfriends friends, which works out just a-Ok with me ;>