I see that most 2nd hand W124s are quite reasonable on the market. They seem to range from RM30k-RM40k. Is the car maintenance as cheap as some people say and as reliable? Is it fuel efficient also?(assuming it's a 2.6L or 2.8L petrol engine)

Is it worth getting it as my first car as a fresh grad? Let's say I can get some financial support from parents. But they don't trust old cars especially European cars because of their negative perceptions towards it.

Which is more worth it? New Proton Saga or second-hand Mercedes-Benz W124?

Seriously not worth it at that price.Maintaining this thing is going to blow your pocket should the situation calls for it.

Only the timing chain itself will kill you.Mind you this engine is not using timing belt but its a timing chain.Plus the air-cond in this model is not cold and tend to blow hot air.The engine also has the tendency to misfire if you don't maintain it properly

My uncle has one 200E and this fellow is fuel guzzler.BMW E34 5-series same year as this will be a more viable choice should you want a prestigious car to show off.Owned one and then sold it off just three months ago.I think you can still find the link for the car in my topic

Fuel consumption is also high.With RM30k,go buy yourself a Proton Saga and don't buy this W124 just for the sake of showing off.

This post has been edited by 779364: Jul 9 2008, 10:16 PM

proton will be good if in that budget... easy to find and cheap spare parts.

Just to remind u that W124 u have to buy cash... But saga u can 90% loan...

In What year mercedes produce this W124?

many other cars also at market...
nissan..toyota..pick and choose..
toyota is famous for their robust engine...
honda also good...with 30k..u can find a good civic EG..powerful^_^

but go for BMW also can..with 30k u can get 1..


if me..with 30k i surely go for rx7 fc3s...
rotary freak^_^

This post has been edited by serigala: Jul 9 2008, 10:23 PM

my uncles W124 200E one is 1988.

the W124 merc is one of the most solidly and reliable merc ever built in the history... this car was said to have been over-engineered by merc even until today, the new E-class reliability can't be compared coz the newer versions are designed with less cost so to provide more profit for the company... however, if u dun have a deep pocket, i wouldn't recommend le coz the maintainance and fuel consumption itself is enough to make a big hole in ur pocket, lolx... i've personally taken this car 2 uni for 1 semester b4 (carpool wif my fren) and i'ld say it's a very comfortable ride with very gd suspension system, it's heavy so highway tavelling is not a prob at all, not to mentioned the rock solid body... other than that i'ld say the lower version which i've sat in (E220) is a bit inderpowered during acceleration due to it's heavy weight but going on higher speed is fine, my fren took it 2 160kmh once and the ride is still so compose and silent... dat's all i can comment for now i guess...

This post has been edited by Nelson88: Jul 9 2008, 10:28 PM

How much more can the maintenance be than a new Saga? Is it very marginal or huge difference? I know second-hand car sure need to spend quite a bit to restore the car, same as any other second-hand car I guess. How much would it be for the repair to get it up to decent standard?

if too old, is scared the anti rust start wearing off oni.

For example:

Brake pad
Saga - RM30 (Bosch)
W124 - RM120

Steering rod
Saga - RM30 (one side) exclude ball joint
W124 - RM160 (one side) with ball joint

Suspension control arm
Saga - Don't know (Wira is about RM90)
W124 - RM200

The W124 is one of the most reliable continental car. But I don't think it's suitable for a fresh grad to drive or maintain.

w124 + 2jz-GTE = sweetest ride ever

i'ld say the margin is 'huge' (about 3-4 times or more) of wat u'ld have to pay for the saga... since u're a youngster (i'm guessing based on wat u've quoted), i dun tink that car reli suit u coz it's not only big (the front end is reli long so parking would be a hassle) and it looks like an old man cars (at least to me), more suitable for working ppl as u will tend 2 spend a lot on the maintainance, not to mention the time u gotta spend on it summore... with the money u going to spend why not use the money to enhance the 'sportiness' of ur saga or buy urself a better car (such as the waja/persona/gen.2/myvi SE/2nd hand corolla/vios/city), u'll have a fresher new look and a car which suits u more (in my opinion)...

post the car pics to futher judge it more

dun worth it...
the maintainance is expensive

brother.. the brand new w124 coz 300k and saga new car price is 38k. which one u go in?

brand new?u mean mercedes e class new model?not that 1 la..
he is going for a second hand old model e class la..the 1 that worth 30k..masterpiece version if i'm not mistaken..

This post has been edited by serigala: Jul 9 2008, 11:58 PM

suddenly come in and shoot

yep..not worth it..my mom driving old E-class masterpiece the fuel consumption and maintainance

but its still a very good car to drive

Honestly, doesn't look that bad. I was thinking if Proton brake pads RM30, Mercedes-Benz RM500. Obviously Mercedes one should be more because needs more stopping power. I think it's not too bad. If parents can chip in and help a bit also should be ok, right?

This post has been edited by Sensui: Jul 9 2008, 11:58 PM

if u very sure u can handle the maintainance and f.c. then it is worth it