Opinions? 560 SEC or 300CE or?
Discussion
I will be needing to eventually get a new car (well new to me) and it will be a car from the Western US likely CA or NV so rust isn't an issue. Rather than get some souless ecobox( there's nothing wrong with them for day to day drving) but in the US a large part of one's life is spent in a car and I wanted something with a little character and have access to good and plentiful mechanics and specialists so maintence isn't the primary concern. i like the late 80's style 560 SEC and the early 90's 300 series mercedes so I am thinking of those. I would consider others as well but remember this has got to be my daily driver and quite possibly to be shared with a girlfriend as well. The releiabilty factor kind of scratched a few cars I considered but don't have experience with such as the Jaguar XJS. I am open to interesting ideas as well. So i want my pie and to eat it too an interesting driving experience (doesn't have to be a rocket), a little luxury, a measure of safety and dependability and some relaibilty as well. I've had a an mid 90's turbo Volvo and liked it so I don't want that car again but that gives you a little idea. Alright shoot away!
The 80s SEC models and the 80s/early 90s 300E cars are great, but they are not very good on fuel, especially the former. You will be lucky to crack 10 MPG in a 500/560 SEL/SEC, so for a daily driver it would add up pretty quickly. As far as reliability, both are pretty darn reliable as long as they're looked after, but cars which have been sitting for a long time or otherwise unloved should be avoided.
AUDIHenry said:
The 80s SEC models and the 80s/early 90s 300E cars are great, but they are not very good on fuel, especially the former. You will be lucky to crack 10 MPG in a 500/560 SEL/SEC, so for a daily driver it would add up pretty quickly. As far as reliability, both are pretty darn reliable as long as they're looked after, but cars which have been sitting for a long time or otherwise unloved should be avoided.
You've not owned either, have you?I've daily driven a 560 (and before that, a 500) for 20 years. It averages 16.5mpg but is capable of 20+ on long runs at moderate speeds.
Reliability is peerless. Nothing comes remotely close to W126/W124 Benzes.
My 500 SEC gives 22 to 24mpg and is used daily.
My 320 TE (a w124 chassis, but an estate not a coupe) gives 23mpg.
I drive them both fast. I have no doubt that a lighter foot would give much better mpg. Anyway, if you're in the US, 24mpg is going to seem pretty painless.
The w126 SEC is more demanding and more expensive than the w124. The suspension and chassis technology of the w124 is much more modern.
Both are extremely reliable, fast and comfortable so long as they are well maintained.
My 320 TE (a w124 chassis, but an estate not a coupe) gives 23mpg.
I drive them both fast. I have no doubt that a lighter foot would give much better mpg. Anyway, if you're in the US, 24mpg is going to seem pretty painless.
The w126 SEC is more demanding and more expensive than the w124. The suspension and chassis technology of the w124 is much more modern.
Both are extremely reliable, fast and comfortable so long as they are well maintained.
My 500 SEC averaged nearly 30mpg on the way back from Slough, granted I was doing about 55 as any faster I probably would have died (ARB not connected on one side) nevertheless it was rather more frugal than I expected.
Can't imagine it'd ever be as economical again once I've fixed it though!
Can't imagine it'd ever be as economical again once I've fixed it though!
bosscerbera said:
You've not owned either, have you?
I've daily driven a 560 (and before that, a 500) for 20 years. It averages 16.5mpg but is capable of 20+ on long runs at moderate speeds.
Reliability is peerless. Nothing comes remotely close to W126/W124 Benzes.
I've driven both. Daily driving does not mean highway cruises, it means a lot of stop and go. When new, the 560 did 13 MPG combined (this is in U.S. gallons), that's 2 MPG less than the same year Ford F150 pickup. Unless you have a tanker behind you or a trust fund baby, this is a poor choice for a daily driver, especially with prices the way they are now.I've daily driven a 560 (and before that, a 500) for 20 years. It averages 16.5mpg but is capable of 20+ on long runs at moderate speeds.
Reliability is peerless. Nothing comes remotely close to W126/W124 Benzes.
richardxjr said:
Can't argue against either of those Mercs tbh, but you mentioned other ideas, and a Jag.
With a good US specialist following, plenty character, and cheap fuel, you shouldn't rule out a supercharged X300 XJR (6 cyl, 1994-1997)
We only got the supercharged variant of the xk8 hear across the pond not the XJS. I love British cars when they work but I've had sour experiences with a Defender and a Range Rover. I have never owned a Jag but driving one somehow makes you feel special and I love the old world touches. Right now as US gas prices surge I always keep my eye open for thirsty V8's that go for less in fact the last time US gas prices crossed the $5 USD mark dealers were refusing to take SUV trades in. If gas was my main concern then I would get something Japanese and light, in the vein or a 90's integra or perhaps a Miata but not a well rounded car that has character would be preferable. I don't need a rocket ship but nothing diesel slow either 0-60 (or 0-100kph) in 8 seconds or less I seldom drive more than 120 and the bulk of my driving is that midrange pawer between 50-85 mph and stop and go city traffic seldom over 40 mph. The 560 and 300 series are just the first affordable, well balanced cars that spring to mind but I am open to the creative ideas from all!With a good US specialist following, plenty character, and cheap fuel, you shouldn't rule out a supercharged X300 XJR (6 cyl, 1994-1997)
AUDIHenry said:
I've driven both. Daily driving does not mean highway cruises, it means a lot of stop and go. When new, the 560 did 13 MPG combined (this is in U.S. gallons), that's 2 MPG less than the same year Ford F150 pickup. Unless you have a tanker behind you or a trust fund baby, this is a poor choice for a daily driver, especially with prices the way they are now.
Yes but please consider close proximity driving with the occasional long distance road trip thrown in. Also while not the number one priority safety is a factor because over 50% of the vehicles on the road are large SUV's and Trucks. I want to narrow the field and then do my research as to the various pro's and con's of each model and then I can take a nice long time selecting one. I was even considering a Discovery series II for awhile but remember what money pits the last land rover's I had were but on the plus side the depreciation simply crushs the price and they actually sell for pretty cheap in the US "second hand" but I will not be driving in snow or towing anything nor carrying multiple people so it seems "daft" to buy one.AUDIHenry said:
especially with prices the way they are now.
$3.50 a gallon doesn't seem to bad to me.I'd go for the 560, fuel is still cheap here in the US so enjoy it while you can.
You know it makes sense
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car...
Edited by Motorrad on Wednesday 22 June 18:06
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