Buying advice opinions on this

[Bluespot]

I'm still looking for my Mercedes:-D What do you think this is worth and any opinions, would you buy this model or should I go for an E class or c280 ?

I only do 5K miles average and want to do most servicing repairs myself, also I do not mind spending some time to replace break parts, shocks bushes etc
and Cat/labda at this mileage if I can purchase at a good price !

Will the mileage be a bit much on this engine ?

I would like leather but could retro fit that later if I feel the need.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&item=110003605913

 

[jberks]

What do you want from the car?
The E is great, but a lot bigger and could suffer more from corrosion at that age. The 240 engine is silky smooth and whilst very fractionally underpowered for the E should be fine in the C. The 280 is a lot faster and admittedly no less economical really so if they are side by side, get the 280 but if the 240 is better mileage or cleaner, I'd go for that.
As far as leather is concerned, try living with that cloth for a few weeks first. You may be surprised, it's actually hard wearing, comfortable and looks good.

 

[Bluespot]

So you know where I'm from,.What do I want from a car? Well I've been driving a 1980s Toyota Celica which has been fantastic owned it 9 years with no major mechanical problems its 18 years old now and showing its age. I would like a comfortable quiet ride, absolute performance is not important. I like the traditional layout of the older C and E Class. I did not use the performance of the celica really, but its nice to have mid range pull (may be a diesel would be good for me).
The C Class is an ideal size for me, just thinking the E Class maybe a good buy and better reliability, just an impression I don't really know. What is the best engine, straight 6, V6 or Diesel even Compressor for C Class ? I want smooth reliability rather than raw power head gaskets seem to be an issue but can be changed on straight 6 is it just swings and rounderbouts. Late 90's cars are in my price range. I'm sure the fabric seats are very good, but leather gives the luxury appearance and feel which I like. I know that leather is not any better from a functional point of view. I may well find that it not a problem and keep the fabric option.. One last point any savings on fuel are welcome in “The Tax Age”. Hope this isn't too long. Any feedback on the ebay car?

 

[Blobcat]

If not already done, pls go and try a few. You may like a diesel or you may not be able to get on with the sound. The handbrake can be strange if you are not used to it and if you choose a manual can be very hard to operate.

 

[Bluespot]

I think you are right it makes sense to try them its just so difficult to find cars at the price point I want. I can't just pop into a dealers and try 3 or 4.

I will just have to put in the effort and time I guess.

Thanks for bringing me back to earth Blobcat I'm in a hurry I suppose.

Would have to be an Auto with the floor parking break but thats what I want anyway.

I was just going to take a chance on the one in my original post if it went cheap... a fool and his money spring to mind.

Arr.. I hate buying cars so many pitfalls and things to take into consideration.
If I find a good one the time spent will be worthwhile.

Any encouragement would be good..

Thanks for any feedback.

 

[jberks]

There is no 'bad' engine so it's down to personal choice. 4 pot better economy, 6 pot smoother.. etc.
I've had a 4 pot petrol, a v6 and a 5 pot diesel merc and driven most of the rest and aside from the 200cdi which I found just too underpowered, I wouldn't warn anyone against any of them. They're all good.

The ad 'looks' good but as that model wears so well, you really can't tell from a photo. You'd have to drive it.

 

[Bluespot]

jberks, thanks for that.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

It really is personal preference. I went from an Audi A6 to a C240 (a 2.6 V6) and although the engine is great and the car looks superb (Brilliant silver with 16 Inch alloys) I really notice the size difference. I didn't when I test drove it but after living with it for a few months it is definately more cramped than the Audi (which is a similar size to the E-Class).

Again this is entirely personal preference. The only other real issue I have with the c-class is the centre consol is very flimsy. In fact, the whole interior is a little "boring". People say the build quality is bad which I wouldn't necessarily agree with but the the centre consol does creak and can by noticably pushed from side to side. I guess I was spoilt by the Audi, which was built like a tank and after 160,000 miles still felt brand new (although to be fair, towards the end a lot of it was brand new, but not through choice).

I think the E Class Avantgarde SE in Silver also looks special. If I ever buy another Merc (and the Jury is still out on this) I think I'd go for an E-class Avantgarde with as large an engine as I could afford. Nothing smaller than the 2.6 V6.

BTW, the 2.6 V6 is smooth and refined, not sporty. It only has 170 BHP so don't expect it to burn off any Golf GTI's. It can easily out-class them though....

 

[stargazerplus]

We have just bought on of these after getting rid of a leggy 190e 2.6 which was superb. This 98 c class feels wonderfully refined! The v6 240 is one of the smoothest engines I have ever encountered! Go for it. Problems.. harmonic balancer... yours will probably need changing. Oh and at this mileage you'll be due a spark plug change expensive! Check the MAS the Crank psition sensor and the steerig damper. None of these cost a fortune to put right. The sparkplugs are a time consuming job but fairly easy and cost about £60 from Euro Car parts

 

[Seeker_UK]

Problems.. harmonic balancer... yours will probably need changing.

I thought V6s don't need them as they are intrinsically balanced.

 

[stargazerplus]

I thought V6s don't need them as they are intrinsically balanced.

Yes and no. This is normally the case with a 60 degree V6. Mercedes in their wisdom use a 90 degree V as these engines are intinsically the same as the V8s and are built on the same line less two cylinders.

 

[Bluespot]

Thanks for all the advice, I will keep looking the ebay one is a little far to go this time.

May keep the current car for a little while longer.

What is a "harmonic balancer", whats the principle of it ?