Buying my first Mercedes please help! C220 CDI

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mr-pims

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Hello,
I have just had my Seat go bang and I need a new car I have been looking at the Mercedes C Class C220 CDI 2.1 Automatic. Problem I have is I don't have a huge budget but really want a car that is going to last. From what I have read this is a good model but if something goes wrong its gonna cost money I don't have.
I just wanted to ask if anyone has any advice or could just give me a heads up on what to look out for. This is a link to the car I am looking at.

Used Mercedes-benz C Class Coupe 2.1 C220 Cdi Se 2dr in Pontefract, West Yorkshire | Crown Car Sales Ackworth

Any advice is really appreciated Thank you
 
I don't have any experience of this model only to say my brother owned a C220 (saloon) and it was a totally reliable car for over 12 years until he p/x'd it for a Land Rover.

There is no mention of the service history in the ad you posted. Check it has been done regularly and isn't due another in the near future. It has a 5sp auto gearbox that should have ATF changes at 37.5k mile intervals. See if this has been done even once. If not, its around £160+ parts and labour Use this to bargain a better price.

Check everything electrical works and there are no warning lights displayed after the engine has started. This model is popular and there are lots for sale. Don't necessarily buy the first one you inspect unless you are totally happy with condition and price.
Take someone with you who knows these cars if possible.
 
Just fyi, there is a much nicer clk in the classified with the really nice 270 cdi engine, for a couple of hundred quid less. I know which one I would rather have, and It would definitely be on my viewing list. He might even take an offer. I always thought the old shape coupé was a bit of an ugly duckling tbh.
 
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If you're worried about big bills, maybe a Mercedes isn't the best car for you....
 
Check the wheel arches for rust or signs of poorly repaired rust.
Check there are no warning lights (this is an MOT failure) or warning messages when the car is driven.
Take off the oil filler cap and check the appearance of the oil - white sludge is a bad sign.
 
To be fair standard service items and consumables aren't that much more pricey than a ford or a vx, but you do get shafted when you come to the merc only stuff.

However, as Merc sources and shares parts just like any other manufacturer, if you can find the original maker part number you can often get the part cheaper if it isn't being sold as a Mercedes specific part.
 
I think a couple of the more common faults are worn suspension components (possible failure in an MOT) and broken springs. These are more difficult to spot without putting it on a ramp and having someone who knows what to look for inspect it.
It's possible for broken springs to go unnoticed. The front ones can be inspected by turning the wheels to full lock. If they're broken it's generally easy to spot. They usually break right next to the mounting point, which is why the car can sometimes be driven without the fault being obvious. They're not hugely expensive but probably £200-400 to have a pair fixed. Driving the car over speed bumps may produce a clanging noise if they're broken. (And it was probably the speed bumps that broke them in the first place.) With any luck, at this car's age, they may already have been replaced.
If you do buy it, find a good independent Mercedes specialist to look after it. This forum can help if you need recommendations.
 

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