No car signals the achievement—or, in today’s world, the maintenance—of affluence better than a Mercedes-Benz. We’re not talking wretched excess as displayed by one of Paul Allen’s destroyer-size yachts, but everyone knows you’re not on the dole when you pull up in a late-model Mercedes.
The German automaker’s mid-size E-class sedan is the entry-level machine for displaying such financial wherewithal, and it’s satisfying to drive as well. The basic E350 comes with a 268-hp V-6 with a broad power band and a slick seven-speed automatic. The E550 has a stirring 382-hp V-8 that can rocket the car to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, though it’s more a cruiser than a flamethrowing supersedan. Inside, it’s luxurious, roomy, and fitted with every safety feature.
As you read this, a new generation of E-class is arriving at Mercedes showrooms, but we expect that this previous model vintage—from model year 2003 through 2009—will retain its status for some time. You can acquire one for much less than the $49,475 minimum cost of a new E-class sedan by perusing the Mercedes certified pre-owned (CPO) listings, an operation that has been around since 1989.
As with most of these programs, a CPO candidate starts as a sound, accident-free vehicle, which is then inspected comprehensively by Mercedes personnel to make sure that it operates as well as a new car. Any shortcomings are corrected, all service schedules are brought up to date, and the tires and brakes are replaced if they’re more than half-worn.
credit: http://www.caranddriver.com
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