Buying a Mercedes (C Class/M CLass)

[SolvaMan]

Hello All,

I am considering buying a used MB Auto prefferably a C Class likely a C200 my budget is 2K ideally I would like estate.

Given the cost of MB repairs, is it worthwhile buying with such small budget,
Are there specific models I should avoid/look for
Any other general advice.


Many Thanks

 

[JBell]

Hello All,

I am considering buying a used MB Auto prefferably a C Class likely a C200 my budget is 2K ideally I would like estate.

Don't buy a pre facelift car, make sure it is a 2005 MY vehicle, the earlier ones rust badly

 

[Craiglxviii]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=2

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=2

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=3

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=4

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=5

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=6

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=8

Have a look through some of these.

 

[JBell]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=2

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=2

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=3

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=4

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=5

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=6

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...searchad=new,nearlynew,used&logcode=p&adPos=8

Have a look through some of these.

OP wants an ESTATE

 

[SolvaMan]

Hi thanks for taking the time,

But yes ideally if not an estate certainly a saloon.

 

[SolvaMan]

Bump

 

[Craiglxviii]

Autotrader is your friend, go and play on it and post up anything you like the look of.

 

[SolvaMan]

Hi,

Thanks, I've found this one??

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607206016813/usedcars?logcode=visc

 

[JBell]

Hi,

Thanks, I've found this one??

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201607206016813/usedcars?logcode=visc

It has had facelift lights put in and the drivers side front wheel doesn't match

 

[SolvaMan]

Give that a miss then!!

 

[JBell]

Give that a miss then!!

It has a good spec with COMAND and Xenons but that wheel maybe just a puncture

 

[Craiglxviii]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1

Long way away

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=1

Possible SBC issues down the road. Will need to check service history.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...archad=New&sort=distance&price-to=2000&page=1

Doesn't look too bad that.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...archad=New&sort=distance&price-to=2000&page=1

If you really have to have the smaller engine.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...istance&radius=1500&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&page=2

Converted to LPG.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...archad=New&sort=distance&price-to=2000&page=2

meh.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...had=New&price-to=2000&body-type=Estate&page=3

Bit more meh.

Loads out there, depends how far afield you want to go.

 

[SolvaMan]

I am trying to avoid anything bigger than a 2.5L Unless its Diesel and would like Leather.

so with that in mind, what about this one you picked it out..

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...had=New&price-to=2000&body-type=Estate&page=3


Here is the MOT Info,


MOT history of this vehicle

Test date 29 July 2016 Expiry date 28 July 2017
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 133,317 miles MOT test number 2495 7361 5338



Test date 16 July 2015 Expiry date 28 July 2016
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 128,348 miles
MOT test number 7463 5729 5116


Test date 29 July 2014 Expiry date 28 July 2015
Test Result Pass
Odometer reading 123,384 miles MOT test number 9572 0081 4293

Test date 17 May 2014 Test Result Fail
Odometer reading 122,755 miles
MOT test number 6277 7703 4128 Reason(s) for failure
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Advisory notice item(s)
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)



Test date 17 May 2013 Expiry date 16 May 2014
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 114,206 miles
MOT test number 8081 4723 3145

Test date 17 May 2013 Test Result Fail Odometer reading 114,206 miles MOT test number 4773 1773 3163 Reason(s) for failure
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)



Test date 9 May 2013 Test Result Fail
Odometer reading 113,999 miles MOT test number 9561 0992 3170
Reason(s) for failure

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
Advisory notice item(s)
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay



Test date 4 April 2012 Expiry date 30 April 2013
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 101,533 miles MOT test number 1190 5579 2010



Test date 11 April 2011 Expiry date 30 April 2012
Test Result Pass Odomete reading 87,438 miles
MOT test number 2076 7110 1401
Advisory notice item(s)
Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)
Nearside Front Road wheel with a slightly distorted bead rim (4.2.A.1a)



Test date 11 April 2011 Test Result Fail
Odometer reading 87,438 miles
MOT test number 1465 6100 1136 Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Front Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)
Advisory notice item(s)
Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)
Nearside Front Road wheel with a slightly distorted bead rim (4.2.A.1a)
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)



Test date 23 April 2010 Expiry date 30 April 2011
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 73,226 miles
MOT test number 3507 4331 0156



Test date 14 April 2010 Test Result Fail Odometer reading 72,826 miles
MOT test number 7928 5410 0152 Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)


Test date 27 April 2009 Expiry date 30 April 2010
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 61,409 miles
MOT test number 9939 7711 9168



Test date 27 April 2009 Test Result Fail
Odometer reading 61,409 miles
MOT test number 7146 6731 9158 Reason(s) for failure
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)
Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)



Test date 1 May 2008 Expiry date 30 April 2009
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 49,913 miles
MOT test number 9304 5262 8100 Advisory notice item(s)
Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

Test date 28 April 2008 Test Result Fail Odometer reading 71,844 miles
MOT test number 6048 9951 8101 Reason(s) for failure
Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)
Advisory notice item(s)
Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Nearside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)


Test date 1 May 2007 Expiry date 30 April 2008
Test Result Pass Odometer reading 36,127 miles MOT test number 6530 7192 7134

Test date 28 April 2007 Test Result Fail Odometer reading 36,102 miles
MOT test number 7029 0821 7190 Reason(s) for failure
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)
Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Advisory notice item(s)
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

 

[JBell]

For the sake of £400 this is a much better car

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...e-to=2500&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1

as is this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New&page=2

 

[SolvaMan]

Hi just out of interest why are these better ones as they seem like the same shape,

I have been reading and with cars of this age there seem to be an issue with a specifci type of engine, infact I had it with one bought for my partner.

 

[JBell]

Hi just out of interest why are these better ones as they seem like the same shape,

I have been reading and with cars of this age there seem to be an issue with a specifci type of engine, infact I had it with one bought for my partner.

They are facelift cars, in 2004 they changed the W203, not by much but the dash (more integrated stereo and 3 arm steering wheel) and headlights (clear) are giveaways, the biggest bit is they started galvanising them, earlier cars (I had a 2001) rusted badly.

If you are looking at one have it inspected and go over the front suspension as they are prone to front lower arm ball joints failing (the second car has this in the description), each arm is around £90 with an hour to fit so factor that into negotiating a price

 

[SolvaMan]

Really helpful,

I will look out for this and focus my search from 2004, any other mechanical issues I should be aware of?

 

[JBell]

Really helpful,

I will look out for this and focus my search from 2004, any other mechanical issues I should be aware of?

They are pretty good, just check for any clunks when driving so windows down and turn wheels.

Engine wise they are solid, the Inlet Manifold is a weak point and is £700 fitted so check for excess black smoke from the exhaust as this is a tell tale sign.

The second one I posted would be a good buy at £1500 as it needs front suspension work

 

[umblecumbuz]

If you can get a post-Autumn 2004 model - if it's the C-class you're after - you will avoid the rust prblems associated with the earlier ones. Thr 'facelift' versions are generally better cars, with less SAM troubles and better interior design.

An auto with the everlasting 2.1 diesel woulf be my choice.

Umble.

 

[SolvaMan]

Thanks Great,

Really great information, had a look at this one...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...e=MERCEDES-BENZ&transmission=Automatic&page=1