New owner of W202 C200 Elegance 1996

[gardeneraceae]

Hi everyone. Following the sale of my 2001 Landrover Defender I have filled the gaping hole in my life with an automatic, petrol, 1996 C200 with 720000 miles on the clock. It looks like it’s in lovely condition and cost me 2.5K. It won’t be used for commuting, just a fun car to drive around the South East on weekends and the occasional staycation. The dealer has serviced it and replaced various parts including the steering box and suspension arms. We have a Mercedes specialist garage close by in Mayfield which we can use, but I’m intending on doing as much servicing and repairs myself, or as much as my limited capabilities will allow! Would anyone have any comments on whether this was a reasonable price to pay for this vehicle, any issues I should expect or parts that I should be replacing sooner rather than later. Thoughts would be much appreciated!

 

[Dean Fletcher]

Hello and welcome

 

[sonic]

Welcome hard to say with seeing it & the past service & MOT history. It is a 28 years old C class with the standard engine. I would have thought a little high.
Check the auto box oil change history, its quite often missed.

 

[gardeneraceae]

Thanks. That’s one of the first things I’ll check. Of course ai meant to say there are only 72000 miles on the clock. I had looked at some other w202s priced lower from private sellers but the were all pretty terrible. The garage I bought it from do seem very diligent and there is a short warranty with the car but next to nothing in terms of service history which I guess is a little concerning but let’s see.

 

[gardeneraceae]

Welcome hard to say with seeing it & the past service & MOT history. It is a 28 years old C class with the standard engine. I would have thought a little high.
Check the auto box oil change history, its quite often missed.

MOT history is very clean. No advisories in the last three years so I guess that’s encouraging.

 

[AnthonyUK]

I would have thought that is a little high but not so much as the dealer has had to do some work to get it up to saleable quality.
If you bought privately it may have been £1k less and then you have that to spend that on top.
So now you know at least some jobs have been completed and you have a warranty at least.

 

[gardeneraceae]

Yes - it’s worth the 1K not to have that feeling of dread!

 

[gardeneraceae]

Would anyone have a recommendation for an outdoor waterproof car cover?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

 

[dry run]

Welcome

 

[mioba]

Thats a good simple reliable car. You will be able to keep on top of it now you have a clean slate service wise. Check (replace) gbox fluid - every 35k
The price is too high but as above it factors in the work done/warranty which you paid for.
If you are content - thats all that matters.

Rain covers need to breath - or rust will form fast. Better to keep the mud washed off inside the arches.

 

[gardeneraceae]

Thats a good simple reliable car. You will be able to keep on top of it now you have a clean slate service wise. Check (replace) gbox fluid - every 35k
The price is too high but as above it factors in the work done/warranty which you paid for.
If you are content - thats all that matters.

Rain covers need to breath - or rust will form fast. Better to keep the mud washed off inside the arches.

Okay - sounds sensible. Thanks very much.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome

 

[LostKiwi]

Would anyone have a recommendation for an outdoor waterproof car cover?

I use StormForce covers on my cars. Seems pretty good and have a 4 layer construction and are breathable. Depending how exposed it is where you keep the car the only thing I would consider is a strap running lengthwise down the car. I've had the rear of the cover pip off in strong winds on our SL (but that could just be because it's not quite the right cover - it's for an XK8 but is fitted on an R230 - seller gave bad info!).

 

[gardeneraceae]

Thanks for the info. Now ai have to decide if a cover will encourage rust or protect it!