Mercedes-Benz W124 (1985 - 1995)
E200 Estate petrol
Difficult to find a replacement that measures up as a family car. 140,000 miles but no real concerns.
I bought this car privately 13 years ago in December 1999 Not 2002 as the headline states. The date choice on this site's menu doesn't go back that far. It had 2 previous owners and a main dealer service history. After a couple of years I gave the main dealer a body swerve as the costs could really not be justified. I still had it maintained by my local garage and a number of others. At 8 years old it made more sense to me. Now it's quite old and looks it; the paint lacquer is suspect and has peeled in areas. This is possibly its Achilles heel. I have been looking at others and have found blemishes on all.
The drivers seat has a worn out patch and will never win a beauty contest. It is a plodder and it loves a drink but can sit comfortably on the motorway at around 32-35 mpg, while we pack everything we need in the boot with ease. When my daughter was younger she and her friends loved the rear facing seats that are a feature of this model.
Despite the aesthetic shortfalls, it is an honest car and even though I have at one time toyed with replacing it and bought a much newer car, I ended up giving the new one to my dad and keeping the Mercedes. Why? Because it is part of the family and it has aged with me.