Advice on buying please: C180 Sport or C220D?

[Scots_Man]

Hi,

I am about to become a first time Mercedes owner and would appreciate some 'buyers' advice please.

I am planning to view 2 cars over the weekend (both manual):

1998 C180 Sport, 82K

1997 C220D, 109K

It would be useful to know what things I should 'look out for' on each of these cars, mechanically and bodywork. Also, does anyone have views on which is the 'better car' (e.g. torque, fuel consumption, handling, maintenance, etc)

According to the owners, both are in pristine condition inside and out. I am assuming that both of these cars share the same 'body' - and the differences are the cosmetics (i.e. different bumpers)?

Any advice much appreciated,

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Myros]

sport

will have lower, stiffer supension, I think. The usual stuff, service history.Not necessarily MB all the way, but traceable and all the MOTs and bills. The steering pulls a bit to the left, it's just the camber of the road. Check all the toys work, pull up the carpet in the boot and look for water, it comes in past the seal sometimes, or by the lamps.
Mine has given me hardly any trouble in 4 years and 75K miles.

Good luck

 

[Scots_Man]

Thanks for the quick reply. I must admit, from the photos I have seen, the sport definitely looks more pleasing to the eye

 

[blassberg]

Hi Gary
I'm sure there are good and bad examples of each.

Don't start the petrol / diesel debate again but consider whether you will impress your next girl / boss / neighbour (not the same person hopefully) by saying "the diesel was the obvious choice for me" or "I fell in love with the sport".

Personally I like both arguments and ordered a diesel sport.

 

[Scots_Man]

Wise words Charlie - thanks for that, and I like your philosophy - if you can't choose, get them both rolled into one

My decision will be made easier based on your suggestions :-

1. I am my own boss, so only myself to impress
2. You obviously haven't seen my neighbour - no further comment :roll: (notice that I avoided to say if my neighbour was male or female, hence preventing the 'going down the sexist' avenue') :wink:

Thanks,

Gary