considering buying: C320/2001

[anyweb]

hi guys

i'm considering (depending on what finance deal i can wangle) the following car

http://www.bytbil.com/carinfo.cgi?cid=1978525#

it's in swedish but the specs are listed there, the milage is approx 79000k/m and the price tag is approx 14 739 GBP

so, what should I look out for on this car ? what are the common failures, is the price good ? am i crazy ?

cheers
anyweb

 

[Myros]

expensive spark plug replacement

but not very frequent. I'm glad its an 'automatisk'. that lets me exercise my stereotypical swedish accent.
The other guys here will fill you in.

 

[anyweb]

thanks Myros

why is it expensive to change the spark plugs on this one ?

cheers

anyweb

 

[Myros]

I think it's the V6 twin spark long life aspect

that hurts. An oppo of mine here had a w202 C240, and he paid over £200 for a plug change not long ago. 12 plugs @ a lot makes an expensive job. JBerks did a piece on this once as well, I'm sure. Have a search.

 

[television]

Hi Any Web, here is the spec, in English (sorry cant do Irish)

Automatic gear box
It has the Elagance trimming ( in Sweden its Pkts)
Spit and foldable rear seat
Hands free Nokia
ABS brakes
climate control
Air bags driver and passenger
ESP
electric windows all round
electric mirrors
memory seats front
rain sensor
glass(Panoramic) roof
one owner
cruise control
remote central locking
data
complete service book
alarm
Alloy wheels
multi funcion steering wheel
GPS navigator
Leather
heated seats
Swedish sold (this is a funny thing in sweden)
Xenon lights
dimming back mirror
Air bags
Sale price, OK the cars has been 7.900 miles, that's 79,000km that's around 54k miles. Its green metalic, registered 07 2000, price 199.000 that's about£14k It will have the same engine as mine V6 that gve me more than 666km on 70 litres.

Hope this helps young man, next time please look at one with a smaller spec.

Malcolm

My sparking plugs are original and perfect, forget them.

 

[jberks]

Hi Anyweb,
Yes the plugs are a pain, but only needed every 60,000 miles or so. So, by my calculations you are at least 10,000 miles off and many last a lot longer so no need to rush out. That said, for a chap of your abilities, it shouldn't be a real problem. I paid around £110 for the plugs. 12 of them and they need to be platinum or irridium as copper won't last long enough. Access is a b.tch but its a one-off job and if I could manage it you can do it easily!.
I'd probably change the gearbox oil and filters too, just as a precautionary measure at some point.

Basically though, if the car runs well and has a decent history I can't see any reason to advise against. The 320 is a quick car, though the fuel economy isn't great - but not that much worse than your 220.

Go on - spoil yourself!

Just read Malcolms translation - what a car - great spec and great engine. Do it if you can - you only live once.

 

[a6jus]

Hi

I have a 2001 C320, and have had a few things such as maf, shocks, rad, discs etc to replace in my first year of ownership.
This said it has covered high motorway miles from new by the previous owner.
The car itself is probally one of the best and nicest cars I have owned and driven, so forget BMW, AUDI,VW & VOLVO I still believe in my C320 AVANTGARDE.

The car does about 27 mpg on average, on the computer and I think maybe 30-32 on a run. This said I had a Golf R32 that only did 22mpg at best, same engine size less weight but 4 wheel drive,

Regards

Justin

 

[anyweb]

thanks guys still thinking,

mainly because of the rust on my C220, just gotta figure out if i can afford it, i'll update you when i decide

cheers

anyweb

 

[anyweb]

the decision has been made, cant afford it,

now to clean up the merc c220 and sell it. and try and get a simliar model with no rust

thanks for the advice guys
cheers
anyweb