MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS E500 Avantgarde 4dr Auto (2002)

Mercedes E500 Car Review - Not what I hoped for

A load of these came on to the second hand market over the last few years, probably cos a load of rich people got a lot poorer all of a sudden. Happy days for someone with some money stashed away, so I got myself a nice Mercedes E500 second hand. At least I thought it would be happy days, but it's been a bit of a disappointment.

I don't really know how the previous owner treated it, I got it through a dealer and he wasn't saying anything about the previous guy. All I know is that it was only five years old with 30k on the clock when I got it and it's already needed a new clutch and gearbox, as well as some bits of work done to the exhaust. It's hardly the everlasting reputation that Mercedes have built up.

These and other jobs have mostly been done on the used car warranty the dealer gave, but it's still a big hassle. I've also got some ongoing trouble with the tracking which doesn't get much better however many times it's looked at.

Still excellent car when it's working. The park sensor jobbies are a must, as the car is veeeerry long and easy to misjudge. Don't let a dealer talk you into getting ones from them though, they're much cheaper done after market. It's only a little beeper after all (if you get a cheapy option, which I find works fine).

It's really not cheap to run, fuel economy is very poor. I think Mercedes have upped their game on that more recently, but this old E500 Avantgarde (it's not that old) is really miserable. Feels like a bit of embarrassment how often I'm at my local garage filling up.

But the E Class is a joy to drive really. Can't be beaten for style and comfort. And when I'm ferrying clients around, they don't know what I'm paying for fuel or how much it's cost me in repairs. All they see is their bags dropping into a massive boot, then the fancy interiors and plush seats inside the car. That's what it's good for, but overall I couldn't really recommend it.