QuestionThank you for your comments. My main goal is to get a slightly larger used car that gets good gas mileage (probably should have mentioned that in my first email). Do you have any suggestions as to a larger used car to purchase (Avalon perhaps?)? I'm not really set on getting a luxury vehicle, I just want something my family of four could sit more comfortably in without paying more than necessary at the pump.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...
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I have a 1999 Jetta with 80K miles and am considering trading it for a 1996-1999 Mercedez E300 diesel with 100-150K miles. Do you think this would be a smart choice? I had alot of repair done on the Jetta a few years ago, but it seems to run fine now. How do you think repair costs would compare over the long run and do you have any opinions on how long the Mercedez diesel engine could last? Thanks
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I will probably crush your dreams with this answer, because you probably just want to have a "benz" (if not I apologize), but if you really care about what is the better choice: For all mechanical reasons, expense reasons, etc... the benz is probably a poor choice... the reason? well, in short, diesels have a great reputation for dependability right? yes, but only when its done right... like trucks, more recent european diesels, and heavy equiptment... but for that car.... it would be no better than most european gas engines, and far more expensive to repair than your jetta because of what it is... so you're looking at a more expensive car to own, fix, (diesel is expensive) so driving, and it has more miles... Jetta's are pretty good cars, not the best, but not bad... oh and the benz... at 100k on a european high end luxury car.. thats about when stuff really starts going wrong.. and boy is it costly to fix... so to answer all your questions, from a mechanical and financial aspect.. its a bad choice... if you really need a luxury car look at some lexus, acura, and infinity... even lincoln and cadiliac (the domestic cars will be cheaper to repair.. but slightly less reliable and poorer build quality...) vehicles... or if you decide you dont NEED a luxury car.. spend the same amount and get a newer, lower miles, coupe or sedan... (civic, jetta, accord, even mustang/camaro/firebirds are fast and reliable minus the lower build quality compared to the imports... etc...). I hope this helps, sorry if you were looking for a recommendation, I almost went down the same road when I wanted a BMW.. but one call to the local shop to see what a basic tune-up was... and I decided I didn't need a european luxury car... even if they are nice...
-Robert
AnswerI can purely suggest the cars i know that are larger and get good gas mileage, but there may be others so I say look around at other options too but as for my picks - Midsized: Honda accord, Toyota Camry, Ford 500, mazda 6, nissan maxima, subaru legacy.... Larger cars: Avalon, and newer dodge intrepids... check "consumerguide.com" - they will have reviews of each and info is pretty reliable... you can also see the fuel economy of each... good stuff... and good luck!
-Robert
