230TE or 300TE?

[AlanWT]

Hello All -

Having decided to buy a TE (of 89-90, £1500-ish vintage), and getting good advice on here of the walk-away things to look out for, I still can't decide whether to go for a 230 or 300. Looking at the purchase price of these cars when they were new, there is quite a big difference - around £26K for the 230 and around £30K for the 300.

Was this difference solely down to the engine, or does the 300 have other features that weren't on the 230?

Are there people out there who have driven both? - If so, what would you go for?

As I understand it, the 230 will give around 28mpg, as opposed to around 24mpg from the 300. At the sort of age car I am looking at, there is surprisingly little difference in insurance premiums. So the difference in running costs wouldn't seem to be huge.

As ever, advice/opinion/experiences welcome.

Cheers

Alan

 

[DavidBlake]

Alan, your info on fuel consumption is wrong. If you look up all the old road test data (not manufacturers/government figures) there is no more than 1mpg in it. I am assuming you are looking at an automatic with either engine of course.
It's a no-brainer, go for the 300TE. Much more performance and refinement, no extra cost.
One advice note comes to mind, many now have knackered springs, usually at the front and ride lower than sportline versions. Quite difficult to fit without the specific spring compreesor.
Good luck

 

[Rog_E]

And be very wary of 4 matics.

Good ones do exist (I have one ) but are rare in the price range you state.