211 E class -- built Apr 03

[C240Sport97]

Have come across a really well specced (with an unusual colour combination too) E320 CDi when helping a mate look for car to replace his written off Corsa.

Trouble is (for me at least) the car was built in (April 03) the first year of production of the 211 -- generally, I don't think it is a good idea to buy car built before the glitches are ironed out.

It is also an import and so is unlikely to benefit from any DCUK goodwill.

Thoughts/suggestions/comments anyone?

 

[jdrrco]

Have come across a really well specced (with an unusual colour combination too) E320 CDi when helping a mate look for car to replace his written off Corsa.

Trouble is (for me at least) the car was built in (April 03) the first year of production of the 211 -- generally, I don't think it is a good idea to buy car built before the glitches are ironed out.

It is also an import and so is unlikely to benefit from any DCUK goodwill.

Thoughts/suggestions/comments anyone?

I'd say the clues are in the question: "Built April '03", "Unusual colour combination", "import".

 

[Brian WH]

Mine was built Jan 03 and apart from some recalls has not been a problem. At least MB do update the recalls and special checks at services.

The question of an import is a different point, and one which I personally would not entertain due to different spec and warranty problems etc.

You pays your money and takes your choice, but there are plenty of other W211s out there mate.

 

[prprandall51]

Presumably your mate is going to pay an appropriate price for an unusually coloured import, in which case he should be fine.

The only important point is that at sale time (when your mate comes to dispose of it), it will be competing against more conventionally colour-specced cars and will have to be price adjusted at that time in order to sell.

I would want a hefty margin built in at purchase time in order to take on such a vehicle, but if your mate likes the car, why not? Presumably, it has a full MBSH, otherwise it could be bad news (or would require a further substantial drop in price).

Philip