2.2 diesel 129k, is that ok??

[hindesbeans]

Your comments please.

I want to buy a w202 diesel estate and have spotted a C220 cdi sport estate automatic. My concern is the 129000 miles, although it does have full service history.
Am i worrying about nothing or should i be careful.

Thanks All, Danny

 

[stevesey]

Barely run in.

 

[Will]

Hate to say it, but the classic lines on high mileages such as 'barely run in' aren't always strictly true.

It really depends on the car itself and how it's been cared for. There's 'full service history' and 'full service history'...

Eg, it's quite conceivable that it's never had a gearbox fluid change (as MB didn't specify it in the schedule originally..), may not have had additional work carried out (just the basics for the stamped book) and could be quite a tired car by now. FSH doesn't guarantee that the car is free of faults by any means. On the other hand, it could be owned by an enthusiatic fastidious owner who has always had it serviced on the dot and had absolutely every issue addressed and might look/drive better than cars with half the mileage.

Only a viewing and inspection can tell - so my advice would be to go and look at it if it's not far, and if you don't know what you're looking for, get someone to go with you who does.

I think rust would be one of my concerns tbh, make sure you check the body thoroughly. I think the estates are notorious for it on the tailgates.

Good luck

Will

 

[Iain]

Personally, I would be looking at a late T202 5 cylinder 2.5TD.
Probably Merc's best diesel along with the 6 pot 300TD

 

[Seamster15]

I would have thought at 129k the car is in its middle age for an average Mercedes. My w124 has 150k on it (if its not been clocked at some point) and it does seem a lot more aged than my w202 at 77k, but then I am the 12th owner...

Saying that it may just be the difference beween the models.
I would be looking at a few different ones, you will soon gather an opinion on wether its a good car or not.

Simon

 

[kusanku]

What year is the car?

I had a 2000 X-reg 220cdi estate, with just over 100k on the clock. 3 years old at the time, 1 owner, FSH, no accident damage etc. I only kept it for a few months, as it had rattles everywhere, and spidering (the first signs of rust) breaking out on every panel. Around that time, I became aware of the rust issue along the top of the door frames, hidden by the fold over rubber seals. I peeled them back to reveal fairly advanced corrosion on every door, worse than I have seen on any E class. My boss also bought one, same model same year, and had exactly the same experience: he traded his in for a Skoda, with which he was much happier.

I think that towards the end of its run, the 202 underwent a serious deterioration in build quality, as earlier ones did not suffer these problems. I think the 2.2cdi engine was only introduced in 1999, so this car will be from that period. I suspect there may be better options out there, as suggested.

 

[Will]

Bearing in mind the slightly stronger money that diesel 202s tend to command, have you considered an early 203 CDI of some varient?

I must admit I've no idea what the price difference would be, and there are a few niggles that the early 203s suffer from, but you don't hear quite so many horror stories of rust as you do on the late '90s 202s.

Obviously if you can find an almost completely rust-free 202 (either a 220CDI or maybe a 250TD as suggested) then you'll be laughing

The 203 idea is just a thought, I appreciate it might be well off the mark of what you're after.

Will

 

[hindesbeans]

Thanks guys, theres alot of useful suggestions there.
The car was indeed a 2000 w reg. The garage said that it was totally rust free and i will have to take his word for it, because i wont be getting it anyway!!!!!

The trouble and strife has put her foot down and said we dont need two big cars

But if i buy her a small car Eg. an 'A' class, then i can have the W203 all to myself
:bannana: Rock on

 

[SilverSaloon]

i wouldnt worry about the milage - most important thing to check for is a maintenance history - not just servicing but what bits have been replaced/renewed over the past couple of years....