Newbie looking at a C180

[JJSH]

Hello. I am returning to the used car market after several years of company car motoring. I have a budget of around £2500, and want a car that will last for a couple of years, whilst remaining comfortable and reliable. Insurance is a consideration, but I don't really expect to be doing much more that 8 - 12,000 miles a year MAXIMUM, probably a lot less, so an average MPG figure of about 30 - 35 will be fine. I presently own a SIII land rover (used for fun), on which I do all my own maintenance ~ and I want to do all of the basic servicing of my car. Is this possible, or is it a laptop job on a Merc of this age?


I'm thinking I should be able to get an average (100,000 - 120,000) mile C180 for my budget. Does this sound realistic? I've (almost) decided on the 180 as they seem less popular and thus cheaper, and look to be able to be insured quite cheaply.

Any pitfalls I should be aware of? Is there an on-line buyers guide anywhere? Any general advice?

My main concern is to avoid a complete lemon or ex-taxi! I had forgotten what a nerve wrecking experience buying your own 2nd hand main vehicle is...

Many thanks

JJSH

 

[cubicincubi]

not a lap top job thats for sure.

look for regular oil changes. tight handling and smooth ride.

In that budget there'll be a few lemons so watch out.

check the service history for signs of abuse and signs that its not going to ask you to open your wallet straight away.

Easy to work on imho and will go forever. 2 years easy out of a C180 in average nick.

Check rear diff etc for oil leaks.

Pretty solid reliable motors though not many C180 owners on this forum iirc.

 

[jberks]

Agree with the above, though I think 30-35 average is rather optomistic. The 180 is a tad underpowered which is the primary reason for its lack of popularity. If you can, get a 200 or 220. Thats the funny thing about mercs, due to their weight, you tend to find that the economy is often the same or better on the bigger engined cars. In any case, the best I ever got out of my C220 was 36 and that was a very careful motorway trip. Round town, expect 20-25 ish, especially if its an auto.
The manuals will be better but do drive one first. I've never been sure how you do a hill start in one with that handbrake.
Other than that, rock solid and if maintanted properly will last forever.

 

[Ampstar]

I bought a 190E as my main car (with 20% of your budget) and I find now that I should have got one oif these years ago!

Had Saabs (all of which were a bit fragile, but their performance overshadowed this fact), Volvo's (solid, but handling scared me to death on some occassions) and various Fords, Audi's, Vauxhalls and Renaults.

Luckily I use a great mechanic, as I have found (with my employers Marcedes) that MB dealers are the worst I have ever come across. At least those in London.

 

[streetwise]

Hello. I am returning to the used car market after several years of company car motoring. I have a budget of around £2500, and want a car that will last for a couple of years, whilst remaining comfortable and reliable. Insurance is a consideration, but I don't really expect to be doing much more that 8 - 12,000 miles a year MAXIMUM, probably a lot less, so an average MPG figure of about 30 - 35 will be fine. I presently own a SIII land rover (used for fun), on which I do all my own maintenance ~ and I want to do all of the basic servicing of my car. Is this possible, or is it a laptop job on a Merc of this age?


I'm thinking I should be able to get an average (100,000 - 120,000) mile C180 for my budget. Does this sound realistic? I've (almost) decided on the 180 as they seem less popular and thus cheaper, and look to be able to be insured quite cheaply.

Any pitfalls I should be aware of? Is there an on-line buyers guide anywhere? Any general advice?

My main concern is to avoid a complete lemon or ex-taxi! I had forgotten what a nerve wrecking experience buying your own 2nd hand main vehicle is...

Many thanks

JJSH

I bought a 2nd hand 1996 180c back in january, and it had a recent service history, 112k miles, and was in v.g.condition, from a local glasgow dealer for £1995. dark blue and pale grey interior. I'm very pleased with it, proving you don't need to spend a fortune, just take your time looking.

 

[1993190E]

True cost of ownership

After years being cossetted with company cars I retired in 2004, tried public transport 1 day to get there couldn't get back etc

Looked around for a 190e eventually found one 123k 5 owners but with good history & receipts, spent 2 months replacing failure items and now know the vehicle.
The cost of ownership is worth thinking thru
the more you pay the more the depreciation kicks in, insurance and tyres as well as servicing all add up

So once you have worked our the 'savings' on fuel over 12k v loss of value try a late model 190e auto with some history
then
Always:
ask why the person is selling
drive the car for 15-20 mins
then ask yourself does this feel right

Next Step enjoy driving at 60mph 27/35mpg depreciation zero.....

 

[ThPadd]

I agree, paid £3500 for a 90K miles 99 C180 and apart from a few little niggles, its a nice car and will last me for years! Would like to find an online service manual so I can do my own serviceing and fix any odd little probem though

 

[JJSH]

Thanks for all the advice. I've been to look at two today,one was really tatty, and the bloke wanted £3k for an N plate, which I thought was a bit steep, especially as it looked very hammered. The other looked better, was up for£2.3k, but the rear diff looked to be leaking, and he had no prior MOT's or any history, and thus couldn't warrant the mileage ( which was suspiciously low at 80k for an N plate). Blooming dealers. Oh, and it only had 5 months MOT.


Starting to think a slightly older 190 might be a better bet, as I've see one advertised for £695 locally with 12 months MOT and 6 months tax ~ much less of a risk financially, and if it lasted only 12 months would still work out about the same as the depreciation on a newer vehicle. Still, there are plenty about, so I'll keep looking!

 

[jberks]

At that level, you'll be looking at some quite ropey motors on the forecourts. I always think its better to find someone with a loved example selling privately due to the insulting prices offered on a trade in. There was no way I was going to accept the silly price the dealer had offered me for my C220. I would rather had kept it. Low mileage, mint showroom condition and 6 months full MB warranty, and he offered me bottom book! The old man snapped my hand off! 6 years on and he still has it.

I toured the cheaper forecourts looking for a ford granada once. The battered sheds they offered for top book were horrific. Bought one at the auction instead. 2 years newer, lower mileage. Fixed it up and still had change.