Introductions etc

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The one in Leicester has MOT till August 2017 but after the one I've just posted which has failed MOT due to bottom rust, I'll need to look out for that kind of corrosion if I want to have any hope of using it past August 2017. The engine sounded great and the auto gear changes were smooth but I'm happy to defer to the more informed opinion of V6Matty before taking the plunge on that one.

I've taken on board Craiglxii's view about forgetting about MPG and fuel economy with city / short distance driving, plus other inconveniences getting the kids into the back etc.

95 - 05 cars do rust but there are good ones out there it's not endemic to all but without a ramp it's difficult to know how bad it might be. I would buy post 04 reg if you can and keep it for 5+ years

 

[SamNotts]

I must be crazy still looking at other models when all the advice and evidence seems to point to the fact that the 270 and 320 diesel or one of the V6 petrols are what I should be looking for. However, I've just been sent this from a friend. What do people think of it?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-...edes-service-history-12-months-mot/1192947609

 

[Craiglxviii]

I must be crazy still looking at other models when all the advice and evidence seems to point to the fact that the 270 and 320 diesel or one of the V6 petrols are what I should be looking for. However, I've just been sent this from a friend. What do people think of it?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-...edes-service-history-12-months-mot/1192947609

It's a V6 petrol.

Uses the M112 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M112_engine

Looks pretty sorted too, can't see much detail on those pics. Good price, ask the guy for a shot of the dash and if it has phone prep a shot of the cradle in the centre armrest.

 

[SamNotts]

Cheers. I've just rang the seller and am viewing it at 7pm today. He says there's no rust whatsoever on it. I've also checked the MOT history and it seems quite solid. It's passed without advisories each time. The only times it failed was due to spacing between the letters on the registration number. I've got a good feeling about this. Anyone in Nottingham area up for viewing it with me? Fuel costs covered.

He wasn't at home when I called, Craiglxviii so he can't send the dash shot now.

 

[LostKiwi]

Cheers. I've just rang the seller and am viewing it at 7pm today. He says there's no rust whatsoever on it. I've also checked the MOT history and it seems quite solid. It's passed without advisories each time. The only times it failed was due to spacing between the letters on the registration number. I've got a good feeling about this. Anyone in Nottingham area up for viewing it with me? Fuel costs covered.

He wasn't at home when I called, Craiglxviii so he can't send the dash shot now.

Which one was this? The V6?

 

[SamNotts]

Which one was this? The V6?

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-...edes-service-history-12-months-mot/1192947609

 

[SamNotts]

Which one was this? The V6?

Not the first one I asked about a few days back, LostKiwi. I've just been shown another advert on gumtree. The car's located in Heanor, Derbyshire:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-...edes-service-history-12-months-mot/1192947609

 

[LostKiwi]

Not the first one I asked about a few days back, LostKiwi. I've just been shown another advert on gumtree. The car's located in Heanor, Derbyshire:

https://www.gumtree.com/p/mercedes-...edes-service-history-12-months-mot/1192947609

Thats a bit far for me to go (I wouldn't make it before 7 as its 62 miles and I'm 40 miles south of home already).

FWIW that uses the same engine as my E Class and two previous C classes I've had and its a peach. A bit lacking in torque and needs revving to get the best out of it but it is a wonderfully smooth and refined engine. At that age I think its a 2.6 and not a 2.4 litre.
Expect 34 or so mpg on trips and low 20s in town. My 40 mile commute gives me an average 28mpg (all A/B roads with no dual carriageways).

 

[SamNotts]

No worries. I appreciate the thought and all the solid advice received already.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Cheers. I've just rang the seller and am viewing it at 7pm today. He says there's no rust whatsoever on it. I've also checked the MOT history and it seems quite solid. It's passed without advisories each time. The only times it failed was due to spacing between the letters on the registration number. I've got a good feeling about this. Anyone in Nottingham area up for viewing it with me? Fuel costs covered.

He wasn't at home when I called, Craiglxviii so he can't send the dash shot now.

You can call me Craig, I only use the Lxviii bit when I'm feeling formal

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Does look right - good luck with the viewing

 

[V6Matty]

Sorry looks like I'm not getting my car back till Thursday now. Good luck with the viewing tonight that does look a goodwill cared for car and probably a better bet than the clk,

 

[SamNotts]

No worries. This one does indeed look much better for not much more money

 

[LostKiwi]

How did it go last night???

 

[SamNotts]

The deed is done! I managed to drag my mechanic friend along for this viewing and we both agreed it is a very good car for the money so I've purchased it. It drives very well and there's absolutely no rust or bubbles on it despite the age (2002). The only niggle is slight one which I understand can be sorted easily. There's a hissing sound from the air vent nearest the driver side window. I did a quick search about it when we went to view and it seems to a common issue that can be easily resolved as others have talked about in other posts on this very forum and elsewere: Hopefully, the Merc chap in Nottingham someone suggested earlier will be able to sort it out fairly easily.

Other than that, it's really in pristine condition given the age and it was MOT'd just yesterday and passed with just one minor advisory so with a bit of luck I might have a good few years use of it. All the electronics work and I really and can't really grumble for the the price I paid for it (£1,200). I'm quite snowed under with work now as I took a few days off to search for the car but I'm going to get some pictures up as soon as I can.

Profound appreciation for all your help. To quote Craig, you pay for Mercs either in time or cash. I hope I've 'done my time' with all the research and time I put into sourcing this car

 

[JBell]

Congrats, look forward to some pics

 

[Craiglxviii]

****** hell fire, you got a complete steal there, half of what my CL cost to buy and I sincerely hope she'll stand you a lot less than half of what my CL has so far cost to almost put right!

That's a great deal you've got. Get some piccies up instanter I say!

 

[LostKiwi]

Great news. Those V6 engines are peaches (my E Class uses the same engine and its wonderfully smooth and refined).

Well done!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Congratulations!

What a good find it really pays to do your homework and wait for the right car to come along it looks exceptional for its age, full MB service history and obviously cherished by previous owners - well done!

 

[SamNotts]

Pictures at last folks. Sorry for the delay, it's been a hectic few days. So far the car drives perfectly. I've booked an appointment to have the hissing noise checked out.