Merc under £2000

[mbzoo]

I am a carer and my current car has died a death. I want a bit of comfort and because of my job I deserve something that looks nice (haha).

I have seen 04-06 C180's for sale both 3 and 4 doors. Some with full MOT's and according to the dealers no rust !

e.g. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202001146144585

I only do about 4k miles a year mostly short journeys with the occasional trip to Cornwall..

Are these cars good ones for that sort of reliability and mileage ?

Is the 3 door better / worse ?

any advice

cheers

 

[grahamcol]

Well you’ve got to be careful with early 203’s (pre facelift) as they can rust and have electrical/suspension issues. My humble opinion with the 203 is to avoid pre facelift ones and to go for the latest one you can afford. Doubtless others will be along to offer their advice. Good luck.

 

[grahamcol]

Oh and don’t buy a manual one. Nobody wants a manual Merc.

 

[LostKiwi]

That looks fairly tidy but does have a chequered MOT history.
It will also have the M271 engine so try to hear its first start of the day. If it sounds like s bag of bolts in a concrete mixer the timing chain and sprockets will need doing (not cheap).

The good things about these cars are they are very quiet and comfortable and reasonable on fuel.
I had a C180 (not Kompressor) a while back and it was surprisingly good.

 

[bembo449]

my grand father had an 06 CLC 180k , had 3 happy years with it , no issues , just servicing items , defo go petrol as you don't do more than a few miles a day so not worth having a derv motor

 

[LostKiwi]

my grand father had an 06 CLC 180k , had 3 happy years with it , no issues , just servicing items , defo go petrol as you don't do more than a few miles a day so not worth having a derv motor

You'll also have less problems with air quality restrictions in town centres with petrol vehicles. A diesel of that age will be banned from many town centres soon.

 

[bembo449]

you really think it will go that far LK ??

 

[LostKiwi]

you really think it will go that far LK ??

Already starting. The London ULEZ for example. Our 2002 SL500 is exempt but any Euro 3/4/5 diesel is not.
Similar plans being prepared in other cities.
They will penalise the older vehicles out of city centres then ban them.

 

[bembo449]

well I expect it in big cities but I cant see where I live ever having such restrictions

 

[AnthonyUK]

As an early 203 owner I can say that unless you want to be doing your own bodywork on a regular basis then it is best to avoid the early ones as they will all have some issues with rust.
The M112 V6 engines are one of the most reliable ever but a little juicy which isn't so much of a problem if you do low milage.
There is not so much difference in MPG between the 320 and 240 but the 320 is a quite a bit more powerful.
You are also more likely to find a 320 with better options if you want them such as leather interior, heated memory seats etc.

e.g. - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201912065097379

 

[Cole@MBS]

I run a 2004 coupe 220cdi, rust free and 100% reliable, owes me a grand in total and have had it a couple of years, we use it to do any long runs as well as my daily driver, its remapped and will do 60mpg on a run, it’s my fourth one and as long as you check out what the guys above have said, there cheap motoring.....

 

[daibevan]

I have had my W03 for 4.5 years. It has the dreaded M271 engine. It is a lovely car and my pride & joy. I have the radio off & listen for the chain every morning, but so far so good. I just change the oil & filter every 5000 miles to be on the safe side. As I also do low mileage this is only just under a year. A drive to Cornwall will be a pleasure in this car. Just follow the advice above on your purchase& get a petrol one. Good luck.

 

[mbzoo]

Thanks so far for the great answers..

now the dumb questions !

what do you mean by early 203 and M271

In terms of year and model which ones should I look at ?

Like the idea of the 320... I suppose it will cost me a few hundred extra in petrol per year..

 

[LostKiwi]

W203 is that family of C Class you linked to.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class_(W203)

M271 is the engine family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M271_engine.

 

[mbzoo]

cheers..

 

[AnthonyUK]

The facelift 203 had slightly different interior including steering wheel and headlights among other changes.
As mentioned though, buy the latest you can afford to be sure.

 

[mbzoo]

so like this below M272 engine ie better ?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911084172038

 

[AnthonyUK]

The M272 was the replacement for the M112 and is not without issues.

Check this article on Wikipedia fir details regarding balance shafts - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_engine

 

[JBell]

so like this below M272 engine ie better ?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911084172038

Looks a good clean example

 

[Blobcat]

so like this below M272 engine ie better ?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201911084172038

As long as the engine isn't in the affected range (check here)

Also check the rear subframe that it's structurally sound on any prospective purchase