Mercedes bug

[tony.w]

I have posted here but a while ago when I was looking to buy a early 90s E300d any way that has all changed now and I realized that I need something a little more modern. I have been and looked at a 2 owner 2000 C class 2.2 diesel estate, it has full service history Main dealer and specialist and has covered a little over 100k I was however slightly disappointed with the level of equipment no rear electric windows, cruise control ect. I have a couple of questions to you folk in the know firstly the car is getting on for £4 to buy and secondly would I be better off putting a extra £2 to £3k and buying the later model with perhaps a little more mileage. If there are any other major pitfalls that I have overlooked with buying this model of Mercedes can someone please let me know.

Thanks
Tony

 

[jberks]

I don't think there is anything wrong with what you're looking at but I suspect you viewed a 'classic' which was a poverty spec (though i thought even classics had those things by 2000). Take a look at the elegance or sport models - the price should be similar and the spec a lot better.
As for whether to get a later model, there are no real pros and cons except that the early 203s had some electrical gremlins and are generally a lot more complex (SAMS/CANBUS etc) so any issues will tend to be more expensive to fix.

 

[tony.w]

Thanks for the info I will use it wiseley.

 

[silverhorse]

Change of car dilhema

I have posted here but a while ago when I was looking to buy a early 90s E300d any way that has all changed now and I realized that I need something a little more modern. I have been and looked at a 2 owner 2000 C class 2.2 diesel estate, it has full service history Main dealer and specialist and has covered a little over 100k I was however slightly disappointed with the level of equipment no rear electric windows, cruise control ect. I have a couple of questions to you folk in the know firstly the car is getting on for £4 to buy and secondly would I be better off putting a extra £2 to £3k and buying the later model with perhaps a little more mileage. If there are any other major pitfalls that I have overlooked with buying this model of Mercedes can someone please let me know.

Thanks
Tony

Hi Tony I had similar worries but bought an E class estate 1998 300TD elegance with leather interior at 130000 miles 18 months ago. This car has been a fantastic buy apart from some very small rust problems. I am wary of buying a later model as I am aware of electrical gremlins in later models. So there you have it either a little rust or possible electrical problems on newer models. I think I will stay with my reliable E class for another year as this model seems bombproof. My previous cars have been Jaguars and they now seem to be going the same way on later models. Hope this helps.