I tend to like the way the older 5 series BMW 's look , but often hear people say that the older Mercedes are better built cars.
I would like to spend up to $10,000
Thanks
Answer:
when it comes to used german cars, volkswagen is probably the least reliable car, they are cheaply built when you compare them to the rest, and that's because they cost 2-3x less than the rest. i work/sell on german cars as a living and have had many over the years, so i'm not talking out of my a$$. audi's are a little better quality, but still not the same as bmw and mercedes, and also audis are not as easy to work or diy as bmw or mercedes. i used to have a 2003 audi a8, and loved the car when it was running properly, but 1 year having it was more than enough. the most high mileage ones are mercedes, you see plenty of over 200-300k miles still running strong, while bmw's with around $200k miles are more rare, and hardly ever see an audi or vw with that many miles.
if you can spend up to $10k, then your choices are limited to cars 2002 and before. in the usa best deal in my opinion would be a 2000-2002 e320 mercedes (w210 chassis e-class), you can find plenty low-mid range mileage ones for around $10k. people will tell you mercedes quality wasn't as good during those years because, but the w210 chassis was a pretty good one in my opinion. also they come in 4-matic version (4 wheel drive) which would be a good thing to have if you drive a lot in snow. make sure you get one with full service records and also don't forget to get an inspection from a mercedes mechanic, this part is very important.
also 2001-2003 bmw 530i (e39 chassis) would be a good choice, they sell around same price as 2000-2002 mercedes e320, and are pretty similar.
audi a6 2000-2002 (c5 chassis) or audi a4 2001-2003 (b6 chassis) also sell for around same price as the e320 and 530i, but in my opinion the mercedes and bmw are more reliable, easier to work on, and better built than the audi. test drive them all and be the judge then. good luck.
also remember to find a indipendent mechanic that works on german cars and make him your friend, because going to the dealer will put a big hole in your pocket, regardless of what kind of car it is. dealer is good for warranty work or if money is not an issue.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It really depends on which years you are looking at. During the early 90's it is no doubt that Mercedes dominated the German market when looking at quality and luxury. Mercedes experienced some years of not-so-reputable production spanning from the mid 90's to the early 2000's, and then picked up again in about 2004/05.
BMW has always had relatively reliable cars. Their prime, however, peaked when Mercedes was not doing so well. Today BMW still makes reputable cars, but you pay more for less when comparing to a Mercedes.
Audi has followed Volkswagen in their quality standards, as they are closely related. Audi, though, made some pretty mediocre cars from the early 90's all the way up until about 2004. When I say mediocre, I am not necessarily reffering to reliability as much as design and comfort. From 2005 until present, I would say that Audi has surpassed BMW and Mercedes on just about every level. Today I would rather own an Audi than a comparable model from BMW or Mercedes.
It is almost funny how people overlook or forget about "AUDI" the marque which has the 4 interlocking steel rings as their symbol. These rings represent the 4 companies which post World War II came together to form a single company and face the competition with their combined strength. The 4 companies were AUDI, WANDERER, HORCH, DKW.
Today the AUDI represents understated elegance in each of their models and superb state of the art engineering. Their saloon range starts with A4, moving on the A6 and then on to the super luxury A8. Their SUV range is also superb. Just visit a nearby dealer, take a test ride. I am sure you will be moved by the experience. They are after all, a company with a tradition and a very long history. Try it !
All German built cars are great, depends on what floats your boat and what you like, ya got the Beemer, Mercedes, VWs and the Audis to choose from, just make sure you get one with good service records, ya can't go wrong!
Mercedes is the most reliable car ….. not only among german cars …. it is the most reliable among all the cars around the world
MB is probably better built, but not as much fun. Comfort and quiet–MB all the way.