drainaudio
Senior Member
Hi all,
Looking to get back into a MB having owned a couple of new Mini's the last few years (Cooper and Cooper S) - both looked great, both were incredibly high-spec, both spent WAY too much time at the dealership: BMW designed but 3rd rate build quality
Have always liked the late 90's C-Class (esp the Sport w' V6) and having just spent an extended amount of time in Berlin being driven around in C-Class taxi's have decided the Cooper S is going and a C-Class will take its place.
I've found a couple of 98 C240's with under 50k, full dealer history, MOT's extra invoices for periodic maint', full leather (essential), climate etc.
Both are in the £4500 ball-park - slightly over the Parker's valuation but I'm happy to pay a little over the odds for a low-mileage pampered example.
Regardless of FMBSH I will have an inspection carried out by an independant MB specialist before purchase - will this give me a concise run-down on the car or can they sometimes overlook obvious problems?
Anything particular I should look out for other than the common rust issues?
I'm aware of the servicing costs (have used George Fraser in the past who were great) and the fuel consumption/tax/insurance is no worse than the Cooper S.
I'd like to end up with a lovely condition, smooth and reliable MB that won't break a sweat being a daily driver, cruising down to the Sth France or to the snow etc.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers, Geoff.
Looking to get back into a MB having owned a couple of new Mini's the last few years (Cooper and Cooper S) - both looked great, both were incredibly high-spec, both spent WAY too much time at the dealership: BMW designed but 3rd rate build quality
Have always liked the late 90's C-Class (esp the Sport w' V6) and having just spent an extended amount of time in Berlin being driven around in C-Class taxi's have decided the Cooper S is going and a C-Class will take its place.
I've found a couple of 98 C240's with under 50k, full dealer history, MOT's extra invoices for periodic maint', full leather (essential), climate etc.
Both are in the £4500 ball-park - slightly over the Parker's valuation but I'm happy to pay a little over the odds for a low-mileage pampered example.
Regardless of FMBSH I will have an inspection carried out by an independant MB specialist before purchase - will this give me a concise run-down on the car or can they sometimes overlook obvious problems?
Anything particular I should look out for other than the common rust issues?
I'm aware of the servicing costs (have used George Fraser in the past who were great) and the fuel consumption/tax/insurance is no worse than the Cooper S.
I'd like to end up with a lovely condition, smooth and reliable MB that won't break a sweat being a daily driver, cruising down to the Sth France or to the snow etc.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers, Geoff.
