Yahoo Autos Certified Pre-Owned: 2003 - 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-class
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 flame-throwing 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.
The CPO car’s original warranty of four years and 50,000 miles gets a one-year extension and an additional 50,000 miles. The CPO warranty is not as all-encompassing as the original, but all of the vehicle’s critical mechanical and electrical elements are covered. And unlike with some other CPO programs, there’s no fee or deductible should you make a claim.
One unusual twist is the option of adding an additional one or two years to the Mercedes CPO coverage. This costs $1495 and $1925, respectively, for a regular E-class; the increment varies by model, rising to $2395 and $3995 for E-class AMG cars.
Mercedes’ excellent CPO website (www.mbusa.com/cpo) makes it easy to search for the precise model and trim level you’re seeking. The site thoroughly describes each car, including its options, standard features, EPA fuel-economy ratings, and safety info. It is easily the most comprehensive CPO site we’ve seen.
For our purposes, we’ve focused on the 2006 through 2008 E-classes, even though, as noted, this generation made its debut in model year 2003. We started with the ’06s because by then, the gutsy, new 3.5-liter base powertrain had arrived in showrooms in this country. In 2007, the car received a midcycle spruce-up, eliminating the wonky electronic braking system and adding a few visual upgrades.
Should you buy a V-6 but decide that you need more grunt, the Mercedes CPO program provides a seven-day/500-mile exchange period after your purchase. Whichever E-class you choose, you’ll never go wrong arriving in one of these cars.
Find advice on certified used vehicles and a full rundown of all 36 automaker programs here.
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