Opinions

[Bogart]

First of all I'd like to say hello with my first post. The gaffer has decided she would like a change from the perennial Volvo estates we have always plumped for. I was given free range to decide on the make of the replacement on the proviso it "looked nice inside". Looked nice inside turns out to be cream leather seats.
So to cut to the chase I would like your opinion on the following as regards it being a suitable choice, we want a large estate . The guy wants £3200 as a buy it now, how near to this figure is a realistic one? And are there any questions I should be asking? I note he makes a point of saying ONE remote key, is obtaining another costly and/or difficult?

Thanks

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=260427213474

 

[Cole@MBS]

Welcome Bogart!!

looks nice in the photos!!

But whats hidden under that?

Take someone who knows about the 210s to have a look, there a good car "IF" you find a good one!

If you local to me, then i would go and give it the once over!

Rust and cats on that engine is common!

Dont buy without seing first!!

 

[Bogart]

My what a quick reply, thanks. Im probably going to have a look at it tomorrow.
I am aware that rust on the wheel arches, door bottoms etc seem to be very common. I was pleased he said the arches looked ok in general. Proof will be in the viewing. Unfortunately I know of nobody who is an expert in MB so will have to rely on my many years of looking at cars in general. I have yet to buy a real bad one so here goes fingers crossed. Would you like to hazard a guess at a reasonable price if what is stated is true?
Thanks

 

[teddycatkin]

Hi Bogart--As per Sam --Caution is required--the early W210 is prone to rust--looking at the ad and pictures--it seems to have a good service history record however a similar vehicle from a private seller would probably be a lot more realisticly priced and the E240 is the small V6 always consired a bit under powered !

 

[Cole@MBS]

Well, there,s no bids on it! At the starting bid i would say its ok, i wouldnt pay anymore!

Not unless its mint

We have a 51 plate 210 that wants a engine, full spec, command, heated seats, parking sensors the lot, we priced that running at £2500 and she is a good spec!!

 

[Splatt]

what about reflections in the screen from that light tan dashboard top . I had a volvo with that once and the flashing reflections as you drove along a tree lined road in dappled sunlight was a headache. I cut a piece of black cloth to lay over it in the end. Nowadays even with the interior light tan they make the dashboard matt black.

 

[Cole@MBS]

what about reflections in the screen from that light tan dashboard top . I had a volvo with that once and the flashing reflections as you drove along a tree lined road in dappled sunlight was a headache. I cut a piece of black cloth to lay over it in the end. Nowadays even with the interior light tan they make the dashboard matt black.

Theres always one Splatt!!

 

[Bogart]

Must say Im impressed by the speed and number of responses. So your really saying the Buy It Now price is a joke, so around 2K about it? Now this will show my ignorance, does it have a turbo? if so I would have thought a 2.4 litre would be more than enough to get it shifting. Ive had numerous 2 litre turbo Volvo estates and they don't come any heavier than those and performance has always been ok.

 

[teabag]

Hi Bogart,

Bearing in mind the rust issue, I've just sold privately a 2001 E320CDi saloon with similar mileage and history for £3,250; the car was mechanically and electrically perfect, however, £400 spent on a bottom half respray 1 month before sale:Oops: meant it was also cosmetically perfect and put about £1,000 on the value of the car.

Be carefull !!!

 

[simon_wall69]

Key is easy to get but will be expensive.

What has the car being towing and how often (it's got a detachable tow bar)? I don't really think that the engine would be powerful enough for a big caravan.

 

[Bogart]

Well, there,s no bids on it! At the starting bid i would say its ok, i wouldnt pay anymore!

Not unless its mint

We have a 51 plate 210 that wants a engine, full spec, command, heated seats, parking sensors the lot, we priced that running at £2500 and she is a good spec!!

Ah but is it cream leather?

 

[Bogart]

Key is easy to get but will be expensive.

What has the car being towing and how often (it's got a detachable tow bar)? I don't really think that the engine would be powerful enough for a big caravan.

Im surprised you say that as I've towed a fairly large caravan with my Volvos in the past, not that we now have a caravan so no towing involved. People are saying this is under powerd how damn much does this thing weigh. My Volvos have been around the 1.5 ton mark?

 

[deejaybee]

I think the V6 w210 estates weigh between 1.6-1.7 tonnes depending on spec.

The thing about the V6 engines is that the 2.4 unit is not much more economical than the 3.2 but the latter has a lot more "go" to it. Maintenance wise the smaller engine will cost just as much as the larger unit.

I had an E320 elegance estate last year and it was a nice car. I would say don't buy a 240 without trying a 320 first.

I would agree with others that the price for this particular car seems high, so you should definitely look at some similar cars as a comparison. Look on Autotrader and E&M for a start, there are normally quite a few up for sale.

Good luck,

Dave

 

[Bogart]

Right I've just seen the car and had a drive. For a 10 year old vehicle one must class the condition as good, not mint but good. There is some rusting of the rear wheel arches and a couple of spots appearing on the roof and another bit somewhere I cannot really remember.
The inside I would class as very good no rips, tears or scuffs of any sort.
Was nice and quiet to drive. A/C actually blew out v cold air.
Under the bonnet looked A1

My next question is value?
I know you said earlier no more than the starting price, but he is looking for considerably more than that, exactly what i do not know.

Being my first Merc Im unsure of price ranges, only have a list of Ebay/ Autotrader prices to go by.

Any pointers gratefully received.
Thanks

 

[wemorgan]

£2.5k would be my personal upper limit.
The 240 is one of the least desirable engines in the range.
It's due a service soon, which should include a gearbox and differential oil change for that mileage.

 

[Bogart]

Thanks. With my lack of knowledge of pricing I was thinking around 2200/2300 so we will see. I doubt it though as I know he wants more.
You say the 2.4 is the least desirable. Is a kompressor version better or just go for a bigger one? If the 2.4 isn't up to much how does a 2.0 fare then?

Thanks

 

[Dosco]

I own the 1998 E240 with over 140000 on the clock and it purrs along. A racing snake it isn't but it is quiet and a comfortable old barge to drive. Rust is the biggest enemy check the front wings bottom front edge where they meet the bumper, tops of the doors under the door seal. Rust on the roof?? Mine returns around 35MPG on a run, around town 25ish The six pack engine is a good reliable unit at the milage you quote has lots left in it.

It certainly looks good from the pics only you can decide if the price is right:lol:

 

[Cole@MBS]

Thanks. With my lack of knowledge of pricing I was thinking around 2200/2300 so we will see. I doubt it though as I know he wants more.
You say the 2.4 is the least desirable. Is a kompressor version better or just go for a bigger one? If the 2.4 isn't up to much how does a 2.0 fare then?

Thanks

The 2.0ltr is under powered, it copes but you know it, the 2.4 is a good lump! just not as much pull as a 320, got your pm, hard to reply as i haven't seen the car!

The thing that put me off was when you said about rust on the roof!!!

 

[Alex M Grieve]

Thanks. With my lack of knowledge of pricing I was thinking around 2200/2300 so we will see. I doubt it though as I know he wants more. You say the 2.4 is the least desirable. Is a Kompressor version better or just go for a bigger one? If the 2.4 isn't up to much how does a 2.0 fare then? Thanks

I am fairly sure that you will find the 200 Kompressor engine and the 240 are equal on bhp and torque. Interesting that MB produce 2 cars of near identical power output.

I guess the choice is between a smooth V6 (less complicated but with more spark plugs!), versus a 4 in line with supercharger (same power output, but potentially more economical when driven less quickly (everyday). In practice, the difference is probably not that much and the 200K can certainly move along if asked to.

For higher mileage motorists (or if you enjoy a bit of torque) the diesels are a good bet. The newer 220 CDI has plenty oomph and can deliver over 50 mpg in the cruise.

So there are pros and cons. Your choice!

 

[steggeo]

bogart

hi bogart car looks fine think you should also check the hp and also take s-a-m u-n-i-t up on his offer to look over it