The seller of this Nice Price or No Dice 1995 Mercedes E320 Wagon boldly claims it hails from “The golden era of Mercedes.” This statement begs the question: does the vehicle and its price tag live up to such a lofty declaration? Let’s delve into whether this vintage wagon is a savvy investment or just another used car.
The concept of mobile living and adventure vehicles has surged in popularity. What was once humorously portrayed as “living in a van down by the river” has transformed into a desirable lifestyle. Companies now specialize in converting vans like Mercedes Sprinters and Ford Transits into luxurious “overlander” base camps. While yesterday’s featured Ford Aerostar camper offered a nostalgic take on this trend, its $16,500 price raised eyebrows, especially considering its age and lack of modern amenities. This highlights the fine line between vintage charm and practical value.
In the automotive world, much like the stock market, the hope of a shrewd investment turning a profit is always present. Some bets pay off handsomely, like those who recognized the enduring appeal of classic Porsche 911s. Others, however, can be less fruitful, such as the buyers of the 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertibles, mistakenly marketed as the last of their kind. The question remains: where do older Mercedes wagons, like this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 three-row, fit into this investment landscape?
Drawing parallels to the preceding W123 series, which has seen significant appreciation, there’s a compelling argument that the W124 generation, and specifically this 95 Mercedes E320 wagon, is poised for a similar ascent in value. For those considering dipping their toes into classic car investment, this particular Benz warrants a closer look.
Any vehicle intended as an investment needs to be in good condition, and this 1995 Mercedes E320 wagon appears to be a strong contender. With 142,000 miles on the odometer, the advertisement emphasizes diligent maintenance and careful ownership. A list of replaced components includes not only expected wear items like shocks and suspension parts but also proactive repairs such as a window regulator and, crucially, the often problematic engine wiring harness. This last point is significant for W124 models of this era.
Powering this 95 mercedes e320 wagon is the renowned 3.2-liter M104 inline-six engine, the very namesake of the model. This double-overhead-cam powerplant delivers a respectable 217 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The engine’s smooth power is channeled through Mercedes’ robust four-speed automatic transmission to the independent rear suspension, promising a refined driving experience. According to the current owner, the car’s performance remains “silky smooth,” a testament to its well-maintained condition.
Aesthetically, this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon presents itself admirably. The black paintwork retains a deep shine, and the exterior trim, including the plastic bumpers and rocker panels, shows no signs of weather-induced degradation. The iconic “phone dial” wheels are also reportedly in excellent condition, free from curb rash and fitted with tires exhibiting ample tread depth.
The interior of this 95 mercedes e320 wagon mirrors the exterior’s well-preserved state. The durable MBTex upholstery is in excellent shape, a common trait for these robust interiors. More surprisingly, the warm wood trim adorning the center console appears remarkably well-kept. Overall, the cabin presents no apparent flaws, and notably, this wagon includes the sought-after third-row seating, enhancing its practicality and appeal.
The seller aptly describes this clean-title wagon as a “Coming of age classic,” labeling it “Super rare” and a “Beautiful car.” This aligns with the growing consensus that the W124 series is indeed experiencing a rise in collector value. The pivotal question now becomes: what is the right price to acquire this potentially appreciating asset before values climb further?
This brings us to the asking price of $9,999 for this 1995 Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon. Is this figure a reasonable entry point into classic Mercedes ownership and a potentially sound investment? Or does this price suggest that the window of opportunity for affordable W124 wagons has already closed? You be the judge.
Central New Jersey Craigslist.
