Used Cars: Car Comparison, mercedes c class, bmw fan

Question
Hi Robert. I am comparing 2 used cars to possibly buy.  I am looking to buy fairly quickly. I know it is a strange comparison but bear with me.  I can get a 2005 Ford Escape, 25K miles, for 16,500. It is a V6, 4WD. Only owned by one previous owner (I WOULD NEVER BUY A RENTAL!).  I talked the guy down from 17,500.  It is local, could pick up tomorrow if I wanted to.  However, my dad sells cars one state away and can get me a Mercedes C Class wagon, AWD,  with 39,000 miles for $18,800.  Owned by 2 previous people, not a lease, not a rental.  What would you go with? What would I expect in a few years in terms of reliability?

THANKS!

Answer
Sorry it took me so long to reply - I've been very sick the past week, Didn't get a chance to get on the website to reply.

The 2 you listed are VERY different... The ford will depreciate a lot faster.. it won't be as nice.. and the gas mileage will be bad (not saying the mercedes will be better) - the Benz will cost more to repair when things do break - but it will depreciate slower.. and it would be a nicer vehicle. As for reliability... I havent heard great things about either - I know Mercedes has had some issues lately - but so have a lot of fords.. but you can expect better build quality on the benz..

I would check insurance rates on each... that could be a big difference...

but if i had to choose between those 2 cars.. and insurance wasnt a big deal.. I'd take the benz.. If you can stomach the 1000+ dollar tune-ups... I'd make sure to have either one checked out by a good mechanic though. I mean.. the benz wont lose a lot of value - it will be a really nice car.. and its not much more than the escape.. plus wagons are more economical than SUV's.. I'm a BMW fan myself.. but out of those 2.. the benz would be my pick hands down..