What do you actually get from a used car from NOK 25,000-100,000? We are now taking a closer look at that in Broom.
We have collected a bunch of typical cheap cars and give you our best advice: What you should know about them, what are the pluses and minuses and not least: What you should watch out for.
This time the car is the Mercedes E-Class, which was produced between 2010 and 2013. The one that in the internal language is often referred to as the W212, a model before a major facelift that came from 2014.
We are talking about a large family car of the slightly snobby kind, whose competitors were primarily the Audi A6, BMW 5 series and Lexus GS. All cars in the premium class.
In familiar Mercedes style, this was delivered both as a station wagon, sedan, coupe and cabriolet. With an ample engine selection and extensive accessory lists where only the owner’s imagination, or wallet, set the limits. Now you can get it very cheap, but is it still a smart buy?
– The Mercedes E-Class W212 was a stunningly beautiful, comfortable and spacious car, but it cost a lot. Now, however, you can get it at a surprisingly reasonable price.
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What should you know about the Mercedes E-Class?
The Mercedes E-Class has always been a comfortable and very spacious car for the upper part of the middle class when new. In addition, the cars are known to be very reliable. These are three arguments that have also made the cars unusually popular in the taxi industry.
After a couple of ugly “scratches in the paint” for quality – and especially rust – on the two previous models, W210 and W211, this one will maintain the well-known and venerable Mercedes standard again. Among other things, with a very good rust guarantee.
Production started in 2009, but the first model year is 2010. The car had an unusually short life for a Mercedes. It received some criticism for its design. Especially the small “crack” on the back door, which was a design element they took from the so-called Ponton model from the 50s and 60s.
Already after three years, a comprehensive facelift came, with a different, rounder and more modern design. But then the price will also be different on the second-hand market.
The four-cylinder diesel engines are the most common and are the most current motorisation. Moreover, they are relatively fuel-efficient. The 200, 220 and 250 CDI basically have the same 2.1-litre diesel engine, but with different output outputs of 136, 170 and 204 horsepower respectively.
But there are also a large number of petrol engines. Everything from four-cylinders, via V6 and up to big and thirsty V8s. A V6 diesel is also available. Cars with manual transmission exist, but are very rare. 5 and 7-speed automatic transmissions are most common. On newer cars (after the facelift) you can also get a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The car is basically available in three equipment variants. Classic, Elegance and Avant-garde. In addition, there are numerous equipment packages and separate options.
– 4Matic four-wheel drive ensures good passability regardless of the road. Many of the cars in Norway have this.
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What do you have to pay?
You get the very cheapest cars for NOK 30,000, but don’t count on it being just a matter of turning the key and driving. You should have a shared car, lots of tools, even more knowledge – and plenty of time.
For around NOK 100,000 it starts to help. There are still older specimens of the species with high mileage and often a certain need for care here as well. There are definitely cars that you MUST check carefully before buying.
We also find that the condition of the cars varies quite a lot, even the prices are the same. Here it is important to sort out the right car. Our claim is that technical condition is more important than a large engine and lots of equipment, if you are looking for a daily utility vehicle in this price range.
From NOK 150,000 and up it really starts to help. Then you can get nice and problem-free cars that are EU-approved, have a good ownership and service history and are still a great family car.
At the opposite end, we find the raw bags from AMG, with low mileage, everything you can think of in terms of equipment and beyond. Then you can still spend more than 700,000 on such a car. Then it’s definitely not a cheap car anymore…
– Good materials, comfortable seats and generally a lot of equipment characterize the E-Class interior, but you can now see that the car is no longer new.
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Who bought it new?
Powerful diesel engine, automatic transmission, high level of equipment, plenty of space and preferably four-wheel drive – this was the dream combination for many families when they were new. But it cost. It was usually well-off families who bought these cars new.
As well as those who drove a lot, fast and far and who prioritized a safe and comfortable car for long journeys.
It was also the car, because they were looking for a bit of discreet status. Among these buyers too, Mercedes has been a natural choice for a number of years.
Last, but not least: the E-Class was for a number of years the taxi owners’ clear favorite model.
– The luggage compartment of the station wagon is simply class-leading in size.
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Plus
Comfort, space and a dose of status. Good selection in different engines and equipment levels, cars in different price ranges.
Minus
Expensive to have in the workshop when something breaks. Many cars have gone both far and further than far.
– The prices of the E-Class vary widely and so does the condition of the cars. One must check these carefully before purchase.
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How bad can it go?
This can go very wrong. Mercedes are expensive cars. Not only in purchasing, but as mentioned, also to repair if something breaks. It often happens with older cars – sooner or later. Although the overall quality is good, a Mercedes doesn’t last forever either.
Here, it is very important to find as good a car as possible. Otherwise, it can quickly end up costing more than what the car is worth.
What do the owners think?
We at Broom have asked the owners what they think of their Mercedes E-Class of this generation. A total of 116 owners have responded and given a rating. Click here to find out what they mean:
How good is the Mercedes E-Class as a used car? See more in the video below:
Also check out our test of a used Mercedes E-Class W212 here:
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