Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (1996 - 2003) E430 V8 Avantgarde 5d Tip Auto (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Summary
What does this car say about you?
You are a family man who still likes a bit of fun.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They all love it - it feels like real luxury.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not, the days of the big V8s are fast waning or at least the petrol versions. I have a house at the end of a long rutted track which is not navigable in this car unfortunately.
What are you likely to buy next?
ML320 diesel
-
Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£19,000
When did you buy the car?
October 2004
Did you get a good deal and why?
Got a deal because the dealers weren't offering very much for the V8
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
wanted something fast, safe and practical
What was the dealer like?
Easy and sensible private deal
-
Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The mercedes V8 is the most fantastic engine I have ever experienced and I have driven some pretty fast cars. It feels absolutely solid whatever you do to it. You can come down a motorway at 130mph and then go into town and you cannot even hear the engine. It is smooth and fast and utterly reliable whatever the revs.
What's it like to park?
For its size incredibly easy.
-
Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Apart from brakes and tyres, the sat nav went wrong, replaced it.
What's most practical about your car?
It does everything well (except go offroad). Massive load carrying and people carrying facilities.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Parktronic is a must with a car this long. The integral child seats and the fold down seats in the boot were a big hit with my kids.
