What to look for when buying 2004-05 c class

[lee170]

Hi,
I am looking to purchase a c class very shortly, It has to be a diesel but dont know which model to get ie; se,elegance etc.
Also which is better an automatic or manual, for re sale, problems etc???
I would prefer leather also decent wheels.

Thanks

Lee

 

[television]

Hi Lee and welcome. The 2004 car is fairly bullet proof,it will have the Nano paint that is much harder than the previous paint, the auto will always be worth more than a manual, and the same with leather, hopefully some owner will post soon to give you their advice

 

[racall]

I have recently bought a c270cd1 after trying the smaller engine version.I felt that the smaller engine was a tad underpowered.
I would also stick out for a high spec one.

 

[lee170]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies, would a 220 cdi be fine, also which model is the high spec one?
I currently own a seat leon fr tdi 150. Would the 220 be underpowered???

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,

The seat with the 150bhp engine will probably feel (and be) quicker than a 220cdi, you could always have either engine remaped?

The 270cdi would probably be the one to go for, I would sugest having a drive in both and see what you think. Depends what you want from the car and your budget.

I would also agree to buying an auto in a Merc but again drive both and see what you think, its far more relaxing and smooth drive and merc autos are amongst the best.

Go for one with as many toys as you can get, command = nice, leather = almost a must, Quite a lot of choice so be picky and negotiate hard.

 

[Rory]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies, would a 220 cdi be fine, also which model is the high spec one?

The C Class had a facelift in mid 2004, and after that there were only 4 models:
Classic
Classic SE
Elegance SE
Avantgarde SE

Elegance / Avantgarde are basically the same spec but Avantgarde suspension is a little lower, and the trim inside is aluminium (sporty) rather that wood effect (comfort) of the Elegance.

Sports suspension (with 17" wheels) was an option.

For resale you really want an auto and probably leather interior.

 

[Alfie]

Hi,
I am looking to purchase a c class very shortly, It has to be a diesel but dont know which model to get ie; se,elegance etc.
Also which is better an automatic or manual, for re sale, problems etc???
I would prefer leather also decent wheels.

Thanks

Lee

Make sure you get one built after April 2004. IT should have option code 805 which is model year 2005. these are the facelifted cars. Much nicer to drive.

Auto is a must unless you dont ever want to sell the car again. Avantgarde's sell well. Leather a bonus and nice.....

 

[verytalldave]

I bought my 2004 W203 C200K Avantgarde SE a few months ago. Its worth trying to find one with fitted COMAND unit AND, if possible, sunroof and parktronic. These are all really nice things to have, and while they cost the original owner an arm and a leg, they dont add THAT much on to the secondhand price. Probably about a couple of grand over a standard model. Money well spent. Also, try to find one that has the sports pack added. Bigger cross-drilled front brakes and 17" alloys are the giveaway signs. Make a checklist to see what you actually want and stick to it.
Dont even think about getting a manual. Auto is an absolute must.
I was lucky and found mine fairly quickly, as I wanted one with a sunroof. Not many bother to spec this because of climate control, but it adds a light, airy feel to the cabin and certainly lifts the overall experience a tad.
Keep an eye on values, because now the W204 has hit the road, and we are starting to ACTUALLY SEE them driving around, its bound to affect W203 prices.
Drive both a diesel and petrol. See what you prefer - and keep an open mind on this. I drove both and I didnt like the diesel as much as the petrol. But it depends on your requirements of course.
Mine..............

 

[Dinnie]

I think the facelift C220 CDI came with a higher bhp output? 150 vs 143 for the pre-facelift. The power should be enough for most drivers and normal road conditions, depend whether you like speed or the comfort of driving a Mercedes-Benz majestically.