Purchase of C250?

[DvnDave]

Hi Guys
I am considering buying a C250 D Elegance saloon for £5999 are there any issues or likely faults I should be aware of?

Iv'e owned 123's a 124 and several 190's so am aware of their little foibles but don't have much idea about the C class. Are they as reliable as t'others and are there any rust issues?

Many thanks to those who have helped me in the past and thanks in advance for any suggestions you might have.

Merry christmas

Dave.

 

[pcman_jh]

re Purchase of C250 D?

Dave,

I've had a 1994 C250D (note non turbo) since 1999. I've now done about 55k miles with it in this time. To summarise -

Strong points -
Bodywork only has about 3 small rust points after its 9 years' life.
Scrubs up well after a polish, with frequent comments about it's condition (its Red, which helps).
Returns an average of 40.5 MPG, varying between 37 to 43 MPG.
Some parts are surprisingly cheap even if bought at a Mercedes garage for a DIY fitting (oil filter £8), otherwise competitive at the likes of French, Swedish, German web site (and the quality of goods is good - )
Easy to work on if you're a DIYer, which I am.
Affordable insurance - £300 for a 39 yr old, full comp, protected, and business use.
Nice gurgle from the engine at tickover once its warmed up.
Can buy a Haynes manual for £13 (again, if you're a DIY)

Weak points -
Watch the back brake pipes (DIY job to change them though, with a bit of bending to get them over the fuel tank.)
Some air ingress in the fuel pipes around the pump/filter which will stop it starting in the cold (recommended they're changed if you buy it. All easily changed and affordable - £~30 for the lot, if DIY).
Watch the ignition switch for drying up if its the mechanical/traditional key operation (not the electronic key/stub arrangement). If it's the mechanical ignition, get it oiled as soon as you purchase it (after changing the fuel pipes and changing the oil).
Not a performance car, but a cruiser. Won't win any speed/ acceleration trials.

Hope this helps.

 

[DvnDave]

PURCHASE OF C250D non turbo!

Many thanks pcman. I too am a bit of a DIY'er but restricted mainly to servicing etc these days. Why do the brake pipes fail? I am looking at an N reg so it's got the mechanical ignition so will do as you sggest.

Once again many thanks for your help.


Cheers,

Dave