My son looking for his first MB

[Devonian]

Hi Guys,

My son is looking to get himself on the MB ladder so before he spends his hard saved cash I thought I'd seek your advice. He has certain criteria which is:

Must be 1999 or later - so that he can use the No. plate he has
Preferably a small engine -- to keep insurance premiums as low as poss.
within his budget -- around £2,500

We have been looking around and have seen a number of C180's & C200's which look quite decent. I'm assuming here that the old shape would be the better one to go for

Any body got any tips on what to look for or what to avoid?

All comments appreciated.

thanks,

Andy

 

[BlackC55]

w202 c200.

Sport model in silver.

Watch out for rust and get a good history.

 

[Marco Polo]

I'll agree with that. My first MB was a 1996 W202 C200 Sport. Really enjoyed driving it - gripped the road well with it's lowered and firm suspension and had enough power for enjoyment without being over the top and a problem for insurance.

 

[Nick Buckley]

How about something older - don't understand the plate issue

I am about to sell my beloved 230TE, 1998, metallic silver, manual, great condition for it's age, amazingly clean inside, a car I have loved for 10 years. I would like it to go to someone who appreciates what fantastic cars they are. Very cheap motoring, no depreciation, low insurance, very practical and easy to work on. I don't know if I am breaking the rules doing this. If so, is there another Merc club/forum I could advertise on. If anybody is interested, post your number and I will call and direct you to a private website where I will display pictures and more info. It will be the bargain of the century.

Nick B

17 July 07

 

[hawk20]

I am about to sell my beloved 230TE, 1998, metallic silver, manual, great condition for it's age, amazingly clean inside, a car I have loved for 10 years. I would like it to go to someone who appreciates what fantastic cars they are. Very cheap motoring, no depreciation, low insurance, very practical and easy to work on. I don't know if I am breaking the rules doing this. If so, is there another Merc club/forum I could advertise on. If anybody is interested, post your number and I will call and direct you to a private website where I will display pictures and more info. It will be the bargain of the century.

Nick B

17 July 07

How much are you asking, what is the mileage and what sort of service record does it have, please?

 

[Nick Buckley]

About £750. It has done 137,500 miles. For the last 10 years I have serviced it. I buy almost all parts from MB (some from German & Swedish when quality won't be sacrificed eg. Pagid break pads) and have the receipts. Last year I installed a new MB drive belt, replaced the water pump, thermostat & thermostat housing. Also replaced the fuel filter. All work inc. oil changes documented with receipts for oil & filters etc. I cut my teeth on motorbikes, stripping and rebuilding engines and trust myself more than anyone else when it comes to working on my car. I did use a garage to replace a rear wheel bearing, front suspension bushes and tracking.

Nick

 

[jberks]

1998 or 1988?
Bargain for a 1998 !
It take it it's a typo.

 

[Nick Buckley]

Thanks jberks - wow - its is 1988 - 124 series 230TE
sorry hawk20 for the confusion

 

[Nick Buckley]

putting it all together

I am about to sell my beloved 124 series 230TE, 1988, metallic silver, manual, great condition for it's age, amazingly clean inside, a car I have loved for 10 years. I would like it to go to someone who appreciates what fantastic cars they are. Very cheap motoring, no depreciation, low insurance, very practical and easy to work on. I don't know if I am breaking the rules doing this. If so, is there more suitable Merc club/forum I could advertise on.

£750. It has done 137,500 miles. For the last 10 years I have serviced it. I buy almost all parts inc. oil filters from MB (some from German & Swedish when quality won't be sacrificed eg. Pagid break pads) and have the receipts. Last year I installed a new MB drive belt, replaced the water pump, thermostat & thermostat housing. Also replaced the fuel filter. All work inc. oil changes documented with receipts for oil & filters etc. I cut my teeth on motorbikes, stripping and rebuilding engines and trust myself more than anyone else when it comes to working on my car. That said, it hasn't needed much work, just maintainance. I did use a garage to replace a rear wheel bearing, front suspension bushes and tracking.

If anybody is interested, post your number and I will call and direct you to a private website where I will display pictures and more info. It will be the bargain of the century.

Nick B