Faults:

Exhaust, front and middle sections. Luckily no catalysts.

Water pump.

Alternator bearing went noisy.

Front brake discs and pads.

Only consumables have needed replacing, every car needs brakes and exhausts.

General Comments:

I only paid £1400 for this car, but the effect it has on other people is really funny. People think I am some sort of big boss when I turn up to do work on site. It is only when I open the boot and take out all my tools do they realise I am just a working chap. Everybody comments on it, looking inside and asking how it is going.

I could drive a Ford, Vauxhall costing ten times as much and nobody would give it a second glance.

I LOVE IT.

Faults:

Rear silencer replaced at 141,000.

Slight oil leaks from cylinder head and rear differential - dealer advises just to keep an eye on these.

Rear window regulator replaced at 148,000.

General Comments:

This car replaced my first Mercedes, a 230TE which, unbeknown to me, had been rebuilt after a major smash. It consequently needed much work, including a re-manufactured engine that finally blew up with a total vehicle mileage of 142,000. Oh dear!

My current 300TE is so different. It had been carefully maintained by its previous owner, and I've continued to use the local main Mercedes dealer who provides excellent service with a 'mature Mercedes' discount that keeps the costs in hand.

It is a joy to drive, with that silky-smooth straight six engine and barely perceptible gear changes.

Handling is predictable and safe, the ride is gloriously comfortable, but neither too harsh nor soft.

The interior shows very little wear, although I'd have preferred darker coloured seats to the somewhat naff light beige jobs that I'm saddled with.

Performance is smooth, effortless, and sometimes astounding when the kick-down comes into play.

Fuel consumption is fairly high, but as my annual mileage is also fairly low I am happy to live with it.

Faults:

The car has a slight coolant leak from the top of the radiator (where the plastic pipe connects). I was quoted £300 for a new rad so it's still leaking!

General Comments:

It has the full Sportline option package so th handling is terrific, if a little bumpy at low speeds.

It's a non catalyst model so the power output is 231bhp. I love the wolf-in-sheeps-clothing aspect.

The 'leather' Sportline seats are wonderful and despite the 125000 miles they still look like new and feel solid.

Nothing else lasts like a Merc.