Running a C200/C180

[Benzene]

Hi,

Ive always wanted a Merc and now I have the £££s for a C-class. The only worry Ive got is running costs. Obviously they are very well built cars - won't keep breaking all the time like my Astra, but are they really expensive to run?
Bear in mind I'll be buying an older C-class, and probably only a C200/C180 with between 60-80k miles on the clock and getting it serviced by a friend of the family who has been a freelance mechanic for years.
Jap cars seem exortionate on parts prices, found out an MR2 rad is £350 or something, so I can't imagine Mercedes being worse. maybe some example prices would be good, price of a radiator etc.
Anything to watch out for when looking at one? it'll probably be an auto as I always seem to be in traffic and get no pleasure from changing gear anymore.
thanks for the help!

 

[300TE Battle Wagon]

Running Costs

Hi Benzene,

Mercedes should not be expensive cars to own/run as long as you know where to go. Basically because the dealers (stealers) are so expensive a whole network of specialist parts and service companies exist to keep your car on the road for about the same price, if not cheaper then a Ford / Vauxhall etc. Being well built they will tend to, not always, through up less problems than average cars.

Make sure you get a car with good history and proof of the history because mecs disguise problems and neglect very well but are not indesructable!

Check out German and Sweedish website for examples of prices www.andyspares.com

 

[Benzene]

Hi,

Thanks for that reply, much appreciated.
That site looks good, Ive actually got a GSF catalogue at home so I knew they were good, but I didnt realise they had a great website like that.
Is there anything worth going to MB for? Or is it worth just sticking to the network parts like GS&F?
Looks cheaper than Vauxhall to be honest!

 

[300TE Battle Wagon]

Going to MB

I had a tame MB guy at the dealer who was very good for advice but the dealer didnt like it :evil:

I would only go to a dealer if an MB specialist cound not do it (some tools only at MB dealers but this is rare) or advice. Some dealers do a good discount for older cars but a C is unlikely to be classed as old. Keep it a good few years and you might get a discount!

Oh and a nice MB dealer may be able to give you a printout of a cars history/ serviving that has been done buy all the MB dealers from thier computer if you ask nicely and have the Chassis No and reg to hand. A little tale about bringing the car for a service when you have bought it may help!

 

[Benzene]

ok great, thanks a lot.
Time to look at some cars.

 

[guydewdney]

personally i'd go fora 200, higher mileage, higher spec, rather than a low mileage 180 classic.

180 classics are bought by 'tighter' people, 200 elegance / avantgarde by richer / more extravagant people who are not averse to chucking money at a problem / ding /scratch /running issue / service.



edit;-
thats not a dig at 180 clasic owners - just a general view on cars - the same applies to a 1.6 L cavalier against a 2.5 v6 CDX cavalier...

 

[Benzene]

thats a good point!
Ill aim for a C200