May 2003 S320CDi with 247,000. Still a goer?

[Paul S320CDi]

Hi I was seriously considering purchasing a 2002 S320CDi. I had been put off by many people saying the 00-02 models were a nightmare. Plus the dealer seems less than honest so I have decided to leave that car. (This was a LWB which I did not particularly want but thought the rest of the car was so nice I'd put up with that)

So on the lookout again.

In my price range (£12K)there is a May 2003 S320CDi standard length. It's got a few more toys plus it's the face lift version. Snag is, it's done 247,000 miles.

It's got 16 stamps in the service book so it's been looked after. It looks great and drives well too.

I know these engines run for ages if serviced properly so should I worry about the mileage too much?

Brifely do you think this is going to be a money pit (more than is normal for an S-Class) or are the 2003 onwards models that much better than the older ones that the mileage isn't too much of an issue? Putting on your clairvoyant hat, do you think there will be any larger bills around the corner?

Thanks

Paul

 

[Paul S320CDi]

No one? I have to make my mind up shortly

 

[Juddian]

My only thoughts are that once you buy this car, you will be stuck with it whatever happens.
I can't believe anyone else would consider such a high mileage car unless almost giveaway price, and the price you quote is certainly not that.

My gut feeling, don't do it.

 

[Paul S320CDi]

Thanks for your thoughts. I think I will give that one a miss.

I used to drive a Mercedes Sprinter 311 CDi and that had over 300K and was still taking the abuse when it was finally sold. It never had any problems. I have no idea how much was spend on servicing though. Probably a lot.

Oh well.

I'll keep looking.

Thanks again

 

[grayb]

I've seen rusty wheel arches on S-class from that age too. Another thing to look for. £12K did sound expensive for that car though. I saw an Audi A8 3.0TDI with 60K miles going for not much more the other day... and it was newer!

 

[AnthUK]

Steer clear. V expensive to fix and at that mileage even a Merc will start needing things replacing. Also as above it will be very hard to sell on again so you may well be stuck with it. I had a S500 99 model and have to say that the S Class really is the best car in the world. Prices are dropping like stones so hang on as bargains to be had!

 

[Paul S320CDi]

Thanks for the help. I'll definitely steer clear of that or similar miles then.

 

[tromppost]

If you are after a S class Mercland.com have a S320L for £12000 on a 03 with 60.000 mile. Much better value the 247.000 miles car imo.

 

[grayb]

If you are after a S class Mercland.com have a S320L for £12000 on a 03 with 60.000 mile. Much better value the 247.000 miles car imo.

That's more like it...

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I did a web search earlier today and found lots of S 320 CDI around 2002/3 with 20-60,000 miles for just over the price you mentioned. I think there is probably a good choice if you can be patient and most are very well equipped.
As they say "250,000 miles is a lot for any car". All machines are subject to wear and tear and the vendor had to have a reason for selling it.