Advice on buying a C Class Sport Coupe

[NewOwner]

Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of switching from my '98 W202 C Class Estate to a C Class Sport Coupe.

Any advice on which model to go for, running costs, problems to look out for etc. would be appreciated.

Do they suffer from rust? (My W202 had rust treated under Mercedes warrenty, but it still came back!)


Would a C180 be the cheapest to run/insurance/repair service or isn’t there much in it with other models? I would like a well spec'ed car with leather, but not too fussed about performance/top speed.

I'm looking to spend up to £6K. Any feedback/recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[bpsorrel]

My wife had a 2003 C180K sport coupe with Evo and panoramic roof. Drove well, fast enough for her and returned an average 40mpg which is pretty good for a 1.8 petrol. Quality was so-so - we had numerous little problems such as ECU going into limp mode, both horns not working, loads of rattles (which drove me mental!) prop-shaft vibration etc etc! But, it looked great in jasper blue and was a distinctive little car. Had it been more reliable, we would've kept it.

 

[verytalldave]

If you can afford it, get a facelifted model. Much improved dash, modern clear lens headlamps and generally a MUCH better car all round. The facelifted models all had fully galvanised bodies, so rust is not a problem. Worth paying the extra IMHO.
On a good motorway run I get just over 50MPG from my C200K.
The entry model for the Sport coupe model was the C160 (it had a detuned 1.8 engine). I have never seen one on UK roads and may not have been available here.
The C180 may therefore have been the base model in the UK. Maybe someone can confirm this please?
If you can source one with COMAND and rain sensing wipers as well that is all good. Also nice to have is the 'sport' pack option that came with 17" rims and larger ventilated front discs as part of the pack.
The C180 only had 20bhp less than the C200 so had similar performance. The C230 was measurably faster but will be thirstier - AND is in the top VED bracket. The C180 and the C200 are both in the bracket below - so a fair bit cheaper for that scrap of paper.
Good source of info here.........
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class

 

[grober]

Ae! Caramba!

The new CLC has the somewhat dubious honour of a German marque being manufactured in Brazil.

 

[Smatt]

The C230 was only an option pre-facelift. It was replaced by an uprated C200K with one of the facelifts, which had only 9 or so bhp less.
The C230 tax VED is one below top (currently £215/yr)

Try this thread for some more info- I would still stand by my post #21, although have since had the other track rod end replaced.

 

[NewOwner]

Many thanks for your replies so far...

Many thanks for your replies so far...

 

[verytalldave]

The C230 was only an option pre-facelift. It was replaced by an uprated C200K with one of the facelifts, which had only 9 or so bhp less.
The C230 tax VED is one below top (currently £215/yr)

Try this thread for some more info- I would still stand by my post #21, although have since had the other track rod end replaced.

And there was me thinking all along that the C200K was the most powerful petrol engine I could have in a C Class before hitting the top rate of VED.
At least now I now I can go up one rung before VED gets into silly money.
Thanks Smatt................