04 Dec 06
Appetite whetted by our Paris-Beijing marathon in the latest E-Class? You'll naturally be looking to save a few bob by going for the previous model - but you might well be worried by the many adverse comments made about build quality.
Don't be. Most of the quality problems related to the 1995-2002 model, not the 2002-2006 car we're looking at here. In general, an E remains a very safe place to put your money: dependable, comfortable and pretty good to drive. So much so that you start to wonder why anyone would spend the extra involved in buying an S-Class. Yes, it's really that good.
It's hard to visualise a better looking or more appropriate vehicle for the executive with nothing left to prove. There's a wide range of engines, from the frugal to the supercar-quick, and the E-Class rides superbly, so most bumps and potholes will pass unnoticed. Even better, an E-Class equipped with pneumatic suspension gives the driver a whole heap of interesting options. If the saloon isn't big or smart enough for you there's the estate, which is a hugely capable lugger.
Those lingering worries about build quality haven't affected the car's popularity on the used market one bit, so it holds its price very well. Diesels make the most money, but if you're prepared to compromise on specification and go for a larger petrol engine then an E could make a great-value buy, although the running costs will be higher than for a diesel.
