1st Timer Merc buyer questions

[hotbaws]

Hi All,

Was recommended to this forum by a friend who's a Merc man.

I'm looking at buying an E-Class estate and has saw an 02 plate Classic with 52k on the clock with MBSH for 6.6k. I was wondering if this is a fair price as I'm going to be trading my wifes 06 plate Peugeot 307 against it and I've been offered the book price for it.

The car seems straight and in nice condition but I'm not aware of what particular issues is common on these cars so would appreciate a couple of pointers of what to look for.

Thanks in advance
Gary

p.s. Here's the ad

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/uvl/popup.jsp?currentaction=searchresults&e2w=154553&sort=5&did=154553&partner=TMG&postcode=g776eh&dropdowntype=uvl&configfile=http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/154553/154553_config.xml&miles=1500&csslocation=http://dealerservices.autotrader.co.uk/dealers/154553/154553&max_records=200&id=200919334034256&distance=0','VehicleDetails','680','530','200919334034256','0']CAR

 

[mikestrivens]

Before you buy a 2002 car you should read this thread:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=49780

 

[outsmartsmart]

Hang on, that' like saying never buy a Merc' at all. EVERY forum such as this has more bad news, and OK some is REALLY bad, but there's thousands out there that don't have a problem.

Don't just read that thread, read as many as you can, but remember by its very nature forums tend to offer help to people with issues/problems.

Won't comment on the price but check out Parkers' and shop on Autotrader for similar cars and also look at eBay to see what sold for what. However with a part-ex you limit your ability to bargain/negotiate unless you're really happy with price for the Pug'

In my opinion the 'Classic' trim is a bit basic - are you happy with it's spec?

 

[television]

Well I would still wait and get one built after 09-03 then you should not get the Valeo problem or any rust, you can fix mechanics for sure but rust will always come back

 

[sms78]

Thats one of the last w210's and is not a bad car but as people said above its got the basic trim and the guy wants a lot for it. I use w210's for work and they are good workhorses except for the rust! you would probably have less trouble with that car than the model that replaced it . I had a w211 the model after it on a 53 plate and it was one of the worst cars i have ever owned plagued with electrical problems and just basically fell to bits after a year! Theres loads of cars out there have a good look at others before you buy. Mercs have lots of little niggles through ownership and cost a fortune to run and most normal garages are frightened of them but as im a big tall fella i wouldnt drive anything else now beacuse there isnt many cars about you can drive for miles and get out not feeling crippled up !

 

[hotbaws]

Hang on, that' like saying never buy a Merc' at all. EVERY forum such as this has more bad news, and OK some is REALLY bad, but there's thousands out there that don't have a problem.

Don't just read that thread, read as many as you can, but remember by its very nature forums tend to offer help to people with issues/problems.

Won't comment on the price but check out Parkers' and shop on Autotrader for similar cars and also look at eBay to see what sold for what. However with a part-ex you limit your ability to bargain/negotiate unless you're really happy with price for the Pug'

In my opinion the 'Classic' trim is a bit basic - are you happy with it's spec?

Price for the wifes Pug is ok, really what I was expecting.

Not sure about spec levels so not sure what's good or bad, it has leather so that's a plus but not electric seat or sun roof.

Well I would still wait and get one built after 09-03 then you should not get the Valeo problem or any rust, you can fix mechanics for sure but rust will always come back

Duly noted, not seen many of these in my price range though.

Thats one of the last w210's and is not a bad car but as people said above its got the basic trim and the guy wants a lot for it. I use w210's for work and they are good workhorses except for the rust! you would probably have less trouble with that car than the model that replaced it . I had a w211 the model after it on a 53 plate and it was one of the worst cars i have ever owned plagued with electrical problems and just basically fell to bits after a year! Theres loads of cars out there have a good look at others before you buy. Mercs have lots of little niggles through ownership and cost a fortune to run and most normal garages are frightened of them but as im a big tall fella i wouldnt drive anything else now beacuse there isnt many cars about you can drive for miles and get out not feeling crippled up !

Like yourself I'm a big guy (6'2" and 20 stones) so I love big cars having had a Saab 95 estate, 2*730i & a 740i in the past so the Pug is hopeless before I even try and stick all my golf gear in it!!

Cheers all for the replies much appreciated

 

[Gurmot]

See also -

http://www.mercedes-benz-usa.com/c_class.php

It's across the pond but still an interesting read.