Should I Buy One?

[Bran42]

Hi All,

I have wanted a Mercedes for a long time (but don’t have a large amount of money)

A local dealer has an early C180 auto with 166k on the clock with a years MOT for just over £1,000.

I have had a look at it, and it seams tidy considering the mileage.

My question to people who have more experience with the C class than me is: Given the mileage, and the price, will this most probably end up costing me a fortune? Its also a classic, and as such is fairly Spartan inside. Would I be better off trying to find a Sport with fewer miles?

I would really appreciate any opinions on the early C class in general, and any advice on specific things to have a closer look at when buying.

Thanks for your help,

Simon

 

[padrig]

c180 for£1000???

hi
this is a discision only you can make, a better spec and lower milage will mean a bigger outlay, on the plus side there are plenty of cheap spares for that model. get a mechanic to look it over for you, and hpi it, if only to make sure its not on the insurance register, you can hpi,
it on your phone for £3.50. good luck

 

[doversole]

Welcome Bran 42,

I can only advise based on the 3 years of ownership with my C-Class.

A fully stamped up service record is desirable, Auto a plus, in my case the previous owners kept this bang up to date. Consequently this affects the resale value greatly. Miles shouldn't matter too much, the mileage on the car you are looking at may seem high, if it's been looked after there's no reason why it won't do that again. Classic trim is certainly spartan, however the W202 is a competent car which feels like it's hewn from stone. Check for rust (front arches & A panels, boot lock, etc) and for signs of abuse.

The right car will be exactly that - look right, feel right, drive right. Ultimately the choice, of course is yours.
Check out www.parkers.co.uk used car reviews (1997-on) very informative.

Take it for a good test drive - does the auto 'box change up & down instantly? Do all the electrical functions work as they should? Open the oil filler cap - any 'mayonnaise' like deposits in there? Hate to patronize but I looked at six cars before settling on the one I have.

Good Luck, DoverSole

 

[dragon]

You didn't tell us what year is the car. Any sign of rusts or repair on rusts walk away.

 

[Aussie Nick]

I would highly recommend the 202 as i have on numerous occasions before on this forum. Many of the more experienced members also agree that it is one of the best from merc.
What convinced me was when i saw one in a wrecker's yard that had hit a tree or a pole .
The driver, an elderly lady survived.The front of the car had caved in pushing the engine downwards. The impregnation was at least half a meter if not more. The cabin had only distorted slightly with the doors still able to be opened and shut. The driver's door was out of alighnment but still operated. It was amazing to witness how the cabin had remained intact despite the severity of the impact and the impact object slicing its way through the middle front of the car.
In my part of the world the leading motoring body still rates the 202 as one of the five safest cars to drive.
The Australian version was slightly specked up coming with avantgarde suspension as well as the semi auto five speed after august 1996.
One dealer I talked to reported having inspected a country 202 that had 450,000 km on the speedo and still drove like a charm. Personally this car, which was built in the German factory is brilliant.

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
As others have said, you don,t say what year the car is.
In 1997-98 the 202 went through a facelift, is this an early or later model?
Personally think thats a lot of money considering the miles, what sort of warranty is the dealer offering?
You must consider i have seen c class mercedes going for as little as £250, have a look on e-bay and get an idea of the money their going for now.
The earlier pre face lift models are cheaper to maintain in my opinion as there are less expensive electronics to worry about, with my C230K (pre facelift) parts i have found to be very reasonable indeed.
Buy the most highly specced model you can afford.
Sport models normally have uprated and lower suspension than the other models.

 

[Bran42]

Thanks

Thanks very much for all of your replies; you have all been very helpful.

I don’t know the exact year, but it is defiantly pre facelift.

Having had another look at the car (when the dealer wasn’t around) I think the car probably isn’t quite for me.

I think C class is, but probably not this particular one. Its always tempting when you see a car that you know you like come up for sale to buy without thinking too much.

I will keep looking.

Thanks again for all your help and advice.

 

[doversole]

No problem,

Only too pleased to help. Rest assured the right car is out there somewhere.
You will know for sure when it comes along.

DoverSole