Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon (95-02) - Review

Review by Parkers on
The old E-Class was the definitive executive Mercedes for the Nineties and it's still a fine choice. It oozes quality thanks to impeccable construction, silky smooth six-cylinder engines and a luxurious ride. Although it's expensive, E-Class does everything so well that it renders the behemoth S-Class redundant for all but the fattest of fat cats. For pace and grace, our choice would be a E280 Elegance or Avantgarde at half their original price. Later diesels are the best bet for keeping costs down. We recommend the automatic transmission over the manual gearbox.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

2.5 out of 5

Running costs

Servicing is very expensive at main dealers but just bearable at independents. Economy depends upon your engine choice and insurance is also expensive. But it's an impressive car at a bargain second-hand price.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,860 - £2,790 *

Diesel

£1,424 - £1,885 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Every 9000 miles

Warranty

Mechanical three years (one year to '99) plus 30-year Care Plan

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data