W203 c200k estate vs newer model

[RickC]

Hi all,

I would be interested in the views of anyone with experience in driving both the older and newer C class estates.

Mine is coming up for 100k miles and is in good nick and running well.

Would I notice many discernible differences if I drove a newer car and as my current car is good, is it worth changing?

I appreciate that this is quite subjective, but interested in any points of view nonetheless..

Thanks all!

 

[th3h1ghlander]

Sounds like you need to book a test drive


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[RickC]

Sounds like you need to book a test drive


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I don’t necessarily mean a new one and there is nothing worse when you are selling a car privately and a test pilot turns up....

 

[th3h1ghlander]

I don’t necessarily mean a new one and there is nothing worse when you are selling a car privately and a test pilot turns up....

Understood but I was thinking more at a dealer (one that you would consider purchasing from), scope out a dealer carrying the model you may be interested in and try one or two in earnest, invaluable in helping you form the beginning of an opinion on the matter after you hear advice from the experienced here. (Wasn’t suggesting you waste someone’s afternoon )

You never know, there may be a forum goer here local to you willing for a meet-up and test drive with the lure of a pint in return?


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[RickC]

Understood but I was thinking more at a dealer (one that you would consider purchasing from), scope out a dealer carrying the model you may be interested in and try one or two in earnest, invaluable in helping you form the beginning of an opinion on the matter after you hear advice from the experienced here. (Wasn’t suggesting you waste someone’s afternoon )

You never know, there may be a forum goer here local to you willing for a meet-up and test drive with the lure of a pint in return?


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That would be cool! I do like asking opinions on here though as people who live with a car do get a better perspective.

Thanks!

 

[Chrishazle]

I had no intention at the time of changing my 2001 s203 c270 when I went to MB Ashford to get my summer wheels put back on. I'd sat in a 204, thought the cabin was much nicer than my 203 Elegance, but was waiting for second hand 204's to come down to a price I was prepared to pay. When I saw my S204 on their forecourt (nearly 7 years ago now!) it was exactly the model I would like - C220Cdi so 170Bhp same as my S203 c270, was a lovely colour, had a great spec - and i was amazed at the price so ended up swopping. Neither wife or I regret the swop, find the 2008 S204 Elegance a much nicer place to be than the 2001 S203 Elegance. OK, we have more toys in the 204 - full leather, heated seats, Comand, telephone pre-wire, electric tailgate, and since I changed from standard Elegance 16" wheels and Contisports to 17" AMG's with Goodyear eagle F1 Assyms the ride quality is seriously enhanced, we've already had this car for 7 years, longer than many previous cars, and intend to keep it for many years to come.

With Comand, be aware that build date pre 11/08 menas the nav partition on the NTG4 is too small for updates later than 2014-15 unless you get comand.co.uk to change things for about £500. Conversely, NTG4 update DVD's are re-useable, so buying second user DVD's is a cheap option. Next generation NTG4.5 (with the permanently visible rather than retracting screen) means a PIN as well as the DVD's, so not re-useable as the PIN is VIN determined via MB mainframe. Means £150 for a map update rather than as little as £30 nett (I've done mine twice, it's easy).

 

[RickC]

Thanks for a great reply

 

[JBell]

I agree with Chris, I had a W203 220CDi and changed it for a W204 350CDi, much nicer car all round, i also have leather and navy etc.

 

[Chrishazle]

Before I bought my S203 I looked for and found various Autocar etc road tests from when the 203 first came out. Consensus of the reports were that the 200 and 220 were a bit under powered and that the best engine was the C270Cdi - which is what I bought. I was quite surprised at how quickly it got off the line - I'd not had a diesel before so was not used to the bottom end torque that gives good acceleration - amusing at the traffic lights GP, even if it left a trail of black smoke when booted hard!!

You'd find a 204 C220 rather quicker than a 203 C200, but I'd also guess you'd really love the V6 C350Cdi of Mr Bell, without too much damage on MPG - I average about 45 with my C220, just over 50 on a long motorway run.

 

[RickC]

The mpg on my 200k aint too impressive...

 

[RickC]

I agree with Chris, I had a W203 220CDi and changed it for a W204 350CDi, much nicer car all round, i also have leather and navy etc.

Thanks! Love the shape of the 203 tho...