Advice needed on buying a used C220 and C180 (Sports Coupe)

[philcafedelmar]

Hi all,

I am new on here and will hopefully be the owner of a Mercedes before the end of the week.

I am looking to buy a used C220 or C180 Kompressor. Both Sports Coupe.

The years I am looking at are 2001-2003 due to my budget of £4500.00.

I was hoping someone might be able to offer some advice. Such as what to look out for so I don't end up with a turkey!

Is there anything specific to these models that I should be aware of?

Also, with regard to mileage, I don't want to go higher than 70,000. Is that wise of me or should I be open to looking at cars up to say 100,000?

I will be looking at both private and trade and unfortunately I don't have anyone mechanically minded who can come with me.

I walked away from one today (Year 2002 / Millage 69,000) as the exhaust was black and rusted which set a few alarm bells ringing. Was I too hasty in deciding to leave it or is this common on exhausts on cars of this age?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Phil.

 

[Chrishazle]

Have a search on here for W203 (the MB model designation for the C class 1999-2007) and Rust and Valeo radiators - there are quite a few potential pitfalls with this age of C class. If possible you should look for a car manufactured after 1st Q 2003 (so body is galvanised). Also prone to MAF failure (not sure how that affects a petrol, diesel will not rev above 3k and no kickdown) and thermostat (engine temp stays 60C or less).

 

[philcafedelmar]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to take a look now. Phil.

 

[television]

Yes rust in the rear wheel arches is a big one,,,, most valeo rad faults are virtually finished now, we do not get this coming up much these days, as above do try and get above or at least late 03 as better cars all round

 

[st4]

Buy the C220. Nicer engine, more torque, more performance and less consumption. Engine wise with a 5g box these are reliable and durable cars.

 

[rf065]

Despite all the well meaning advice about later cars being galvanised, they can still rust, believe me. My head nearly explodes every time someone says buy a 2003 car or later as they are all galvanised.

Galvanised or not, the rust doesn't care!

Russ

 

[television]

Despite all the well meaning advice about later cars being galvanised, they can still rust, believe me. My head nearly explodes every time someone says buy a 2003 car or later as they are all galvanised.

Galvanised or not, the rust doesn't care!

Russ

The man is dead right, its true