C280 purchase - Toying with buying a C280

[Neil Eglintine]

I'm thinking of buying a C280. Budget dictates a 94-96 model. Is there anything I should be wary of?

I know how to kick tyres, and shake my head, by the way!

 

[Andy]

C280 purchase

Hiya Niel

These vehicles are pretty much reliable. Besides checking the obvious.ie making sure everything works. Check for any engine oil leaks from either the front of the engine or at the back of the engine. These engine suffer from oil leaks from the head gasket. No worries about the engine it's self. As they are almost bullet proof providing they have been looked after.

For Niel & those others who are reading this and contemplating buying a new car. Get yourself a good used car warranty. Check all the small print. Like all things something can go wrong on your vehicle, which the warranty can cover the cost.

Eg, we have in our workshops a 320CE, L reg. 88kmls. My customer bought this vehicle some 5-6wks ago. I urged him to take a warranty out.(The vehicle was a private sale). He took my advice and bought one. Cost him a little over £200.00 pounds plus vat. Last wk he booked the vehicle in for excessive water loss. Which turned out to be the head gasket. The parts and labour were covered and came to more than the premium. I know this may be a one off. But at least he's covered for twelve months unlimited amount of claims, and nobody could forsee that the head gasket was going to blow.

I urge you all to take this free advice or take the consequences. Nobody wants a heavy bill after just purchasing a vehicle. Warranties are available for those of you who just would like to insure your vehicle, even if you havn't just purchased it. It should be noted that the premium will be adjusted for vehicles over 100k. But this may still be a bargin if an water pump goes on a 300e24v. Which is 4.5hrs labour before you start with the pump.

Hope I've made some sense!

Regards

Andy @www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[simon]

C280 purchase

Andy. I have just read this & am interested in the warranty.In the past I have always used the MB warranty(RAC) for the first year (Which is provided by the dealer) but have found them to be very expensive for subsequent years & have declined. Do you recommend any policies yourself?

Ernest.S

 

[Andy]

C280 purchase

Hi Ernest
We use  Motorway Direct, these people supply the warranties for MB Direct. The factory used vehicle operation, that is up & down the country. They are quite good. As I mentioned. There policy's cover all major components and then some. If you would like me to post some details directly. E mail me your address. Use the facillity on my web site.
Regards
Andy@ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[simon]

C280 purchase

Very kind of you Andy.Will do.