Advice on used C-Class coupe buying

[MB?]

Hi everyone - I'm wondering if any of you knowledgeable people have any advice on what to look out for buying a used c-class coupe

Girlfriend is 22 so really a 180 or 200 is what we are looking at for her because of insurance and she only really has a budget of £8k.

She does ridiculously low miles so the mileage can be slightly higher than average on the used example. She wants manual, Jasper blue or black and leather but that would be a bonus - she isn't worried about parking sensors, evo packs or upgrade alloys, but any extra's would be nice.

Also for peace of mind (her mind) she wants to buy from a dealer. These cars are avaliable often in good spec from trade sellers at the right price but they all seem to be silver or 230's or they have sold by the time we call.

I'm now looking down the line of private sales so would like some tips of what to look for and also what potential faults and running/servicing costs are involved.

Also we are based in Essex so if anyone knows of any good cars locally that advice would be appreciatted.

Thank you for reading and hopefully soon have a MB to contribute about

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Hi and Welcome,
I have a CLK230, however dont write off Merc' Auot Box's they are superb!!
Manuals are I believe a rarity, alegedly notchy and they run on ATF..........

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Cut myself off..............
Drive a few Merc' auto's first, dont judge against a Mondeo or Vectra!

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,

Don't know much about the C class coupe but guess its very similar to a C class saloon. I was suprised you can get a C320 coupe...that must be fun?

Oh and as mentioned I would certainly try a manual then auto before simply ruling the auto out. On a merc they are usually much better than the mnual equivalent.

The usual things apply when looking for one, Merc service, body condition, extra (are nice) get it AA or RAC checked to be sure etc.

just spotted this:-

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/237107.htm

and this although more quite new and it would do 50mpg

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/254270.htm


I'm not sure what model it is maybe the evo but the one I would go for with the full sunroof


good luck searching

 

[MB?]

Thanks for the replies and the links, much appreciatted

If the car was for me i'd have an auto all day long - I currently drive a 3 series coupe in manual but will definately get an auto on my next car (poss gonna look at the CL600/6 series next year - used one's I must add) but the girlfriend specifically wants a manual. I've told her that she needs to drive both but she's not having it, think she is little nervous about test driving! So not gonna push her.

Will keep up the search - although that 04 plate in the link is very good value. Thanks

Slightly off topic
RE the CL600 Found this while searching http://www.imperials.co.uk/usedcars.php?dealer=15392&make=26
£80+k loss for 65k miles and 6 years!!!

 

[pkinsey]

Hi

I really must back up the suggestions of others. An auto gearbox is a must!! My wife has a Sportscoupe with an auto gearbox - much better than the manual that we tested before buying this one. Also, this one is actually Tiptronic - maybe this "halfway house" is the way to go. If you can, get the Evolution version with Panoramic sunroof.

Think you may have trouble finding any from a dealer for £8k though!!

Good luck.

Peter

 

[jon_harley]

If you like auto but the gf likes manual, look out for a C-class coupe with the "sequentronic" gearbox. This is a clutchless manual which can be driven in either manual or automatic mode. I had one and I thought it was excellent.

 

[MB?]

Well we have found one.

51 plate C200, manual

Slight compromise - it's Silver! But it has full evo pack - full black leather interior, 2 owners, fsh, 77k on the clock, full 1 year parts and labour warantee, new mot, quite recently serviced, all tyres are in good condition and car has a some other extras. £5 under £8k

Problem is Girlfriend is out all day tomorrow and i'm at the NFL at Wembley on Sun, so she has arranged to see it with her Dad on Sunday, but the dealer just called her to say someone has requested a test drive tomorrow

So sitting with our fingers crossed that the person viewing tomorrow doesn't want it. If she does get it i'll post some pics.

Thanks for the help so far