Advice on buying a used E/C class

[Weleywa]

Hello,

We would like to buy a E/C class after being frustrated with our recent cars. We are looking to spend around £5000 on a used E class or C class. One thing that we are worried about (apart from some rare but pricey repairs) is the servicing. We used to own two 190s in Diesel back in 2005 and 2007. These were literally bulletproof and the only thing that needed servicing was oil and brakes. We don't have any experience with the newer models and we are a bit worried that servicing will cost us a lot to keep the car in a good shape even thought we believe MB overall are very reliable cars (opinion based on the 190 we had).

If we could, we would buy another 190 in diesel but they are hard to find what leads to my question: What is the best option in this price range that will not cost a fortune to service ?

We are fully aware that servicing of a MB is not going to be cheap, but i have found some people paying a really high price.

 

[BillyBoy]

For that sort of money, you are looking at a W203 or W211, both of which are pretty reliable, especially as you will be looking at later models. Avoid a W211 (e class) with SBS (pre 2007 I think).

Servicing should cost no more than any other car. There are plenty of good independent garages recommended on here that won't cost you an arm and a leg, and many main dealers, may even be a national thing, offer BIG discounts on servicing for older cars - can be 50% or more, as they want the business and know people won't pay top whack servicing prices on a 7/8 year old car. Just for comparison, a B service on my GL is only £150 at my local indie.

Cheers,
Bill

 

[television]

As Billyboy for an E you would have to go post 06-06, alternatively allow £1k for the cost of a SBC pump should it fail, many cars around that have had it replaced.

 

[V6Matty]

ah local person I see, well you can certainly go for a 211 and I use an Indy over in Nottingham to reduce the price. basic service will cost me a couple hundred £'s and a B service will tend to come to about £350, all depends on what your looking for. Happy for you to meet and take a look at my car and the bill I have for it if it helps?

 

[JBell]

Get a 2005 onwards C220CDi

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Get a 2005 onwards C220CDi

Spot on - you will not run a more reliable MB the engines are bullet proof just make sure you are diligent when you buy with full S/H etc

 

[Weleywa]

Thank you for all the suggestions. It seems like we are going to get the 211 as suggested by Matt. Also, does the mileage make a huge difference ? Is it safe to buy an W211 with more than 150,000 miles ?

 

[television]

There are loads around with that mileage running just fine, the mileage should be reflected in the price.

 

[Weleywa]

http://www.gideaparkautos.co.uk/use...20-cdi-avantgarde-5dr-romford-201505193599408

This looks like a perfect E class which fits our needs and looks great but the mileage is massive. While it is a really good one and its kept in a good shape, the mileage is a bit scary as shown by the low price.

 

[television]

£4k for a 09 car if the car is clean, why not

 

[om613]

yes, 390K would worry many folk. I'd be looking closely at the history to see, mainly:

when the gearbox has had a fluid service or replacement.
if / when the injectors were replaced.

 

[Weleywa]

The mileage is rather high but I guess if it hasn't broken down yet, it shouldn't die anytime soon and as you said it can't be the only one with such mileage and they are still fine. We'll contact the dealer and confirm that it doesn't have SBS, just to be 100% sure. We will take our friend who is a mechanic and inspect the car for damage that might not be shown on the pictures.

 

[Weleywa]

yes, 390K would worry many folk. I'd be looking closely at the history to see, mainly:

when the gearbox has had a fluid service or replacement.
if / when the injectors were replaced.

We will certainly ask about that, thank you.

 

[television]

Colin from MBS has just sold one at about 250k miles, it was perfect in every way

 

[Weleywa]

Colin from MBS has just sold one at about 250k miles, it was perfect in every way

I really hope that the 390k one is clean and has no issues since it is an extremely good deal.

 

[om613]

It could be very good.
390K in 6 years suggests an airport taxi, all motorway work and hardly cooled down.

 

[television]

It could be very good.
390K in 6 years suggests an airport taxi, all motorway work and hardly cooled down.

We have one member just clocked up the 1m miles and still going strong.

 

[Weleywa]

We have one member just clocked up the 1m miles and still going strong.

First time I hear about a car with 1m miles

 

[om613]

Potentially, you're travelling a long way to view it (it's only 10 miles from me) so it would be worth Googling for anything about this dealer based in Romford.

 

[V6Matty]

High mileage but if the history is there then not a bad car if all strait, anything after 06/06 will be the face lift 211 and will not have SBC, so that car will be fine.