Thinking about buying an older Mercedes Possibly a W202 Petrol Auto Advice Please

[ioweddie]

Hi all, Between now and next July. When my pcp expires, I'm thinking about getting a semi classic Mercedes. Fist thought are for a C180 W202 Petrol Auto Around 1990's upto a sensible aroud 5-6 year old c class. Not sure what to think about, part of me wants an early home maintainable car. The other part of me wants a low mileage, C Class elegance in a light colour with light leather interior.

I have seen lots of different models ranging from £1k-£10k
Any suggestions? Is the basic c180 petrol engine any good or the V petrol
The car will be self maintained and garaged, annual miles around 5K

Giving up buying new on pcp now just want a nice reliable but importantly good looking quality car

Thanks Eddie

 

[LostKiwi]

The 6 cylinder cars are a much nicer and more refined drive. If you can find one my choice would be a C280 but a C240 is still very nice (just a little lacking in torque). The V6s are the M112 engine so aside from occasional issues with oil leaks and crank sensors pretty bomb proof.

 

[LostKiwi]

You could go the whole hog and join the AMG club with a C36/C43 as well

 

[JBell]

Giving up buying new on pcp now just want a nice reliable but importantly good looking quality car

I (my father) have a lovely 2010 W204 C250CGi Estate in indigolight blue with black leather for sale

 

[grahamcol]

I'm a big fan of the 202. Get a good one and look after it and it'll last for ages mechanically. I've had 4 and the C280 v6 I currently have has been with me for almost 10 years. The 180 and 200's won't be very lively but the M111 engine will live almost forever. If going for a 6 cylinder car it's best to stick to v6 models with the M112 engine. However it's reckoned the earlier straight 6 is smoother. That said, my v6 is silky smooth and performs very nicely whilst being quite good on petrol. In the real world I find even the v6 280 to be almost as economical as the two C200's I've owned and performance and refinement is vastly better. Bodywork is a big concern but some are virtually rust free. These cars were once vastly underrated but I think values are starting to rise as the unloved and rusty wrecks are being scrapped. I'd suggest buying now as I think prices will soon be going the way of good 201 190's.

 

[GlosRichCLK]

Petrol W208 and W209 CLK are good value, between £2k & £5k for good cars with sensible miles.

CLK cabriolet might be nice on the IOW.

 

[robparker]

My C43 estate isn't too far away from you...!

 

[silestanix]

I had written a list of things but the saw the gents above have covered it all...

Oh, and rust. Look hard for one without rust.

 

[tjamesbo]

I had written a list of things but the saw the gents above have covered it all...

Oh, and rust. Look hard for one without rust.

Sold our 97 C240 earlier this summer Cracking car and VERY reliable engine M112 ( V6 240 ) hasn't really got any issues
Check sills and jacking points on a w202 / w208 Good solid cars

 

[e55amggary]

I had a w202 saloon . Sport model with the 230k engine. It was a manual. Excellent solid car.

When i sold it the clock was on 160k, still pulled really well on the original clutch. Just the rust creeping in there.

 

[e55amggary]

I found the sport spec had a nicer interior. White clocks. Try to get leather as i found the cloth interiors a bit nasty.