C32 amg estate - a good idea?

[thewoodsy]

Hi, New to this site and after your knowledge!
I've just had my audi S4 avant nicked and don't expect to get it back. So, what next is the question.
Was reaaly happy with the S4, but doubt I'll find as good a low mileage example as I had. Thinking about going for a C32 amg estate, any thoughts on how the two would compare for driving fun and also any particular vices to look out for on a C32, frequent problems etc.

All views gratefully received

Cheers.

 

[seymansey]

The C32 has plenty of smiles per mile. IIRC they do have problems with intercooler air pumps?

 

[GrahamC230K]

What S4 did you have, a B6?

Eitherway, think it'll be a hard task justifying the C32 not being a nice bit of machinery, more than up to the task.

The first wet outing should give you a scary enough reminder it's RWD only and after that it will be happy motoring!!

 

[thewoodsy]

it was an 04 plate (can't remember if it was B6 or 7) the V8 anyway, it'll be sorely missed!
peaople have recommended buying approved used as getting 3rd party warranty's on AMG models can be problematic, is that the case?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

A C32 should be a fine replacement IMHO although I am slightly biased.

There are some things to look out for.

You should find this thread useful:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36576&highlight=intercooler+pump+heated+seat

Here's another:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36005&highlight=intercooler+pump+heated+seat

Where abouts are you?

 

[thewoodsy]

I'm in Surrey

 

[chriswt]

A C32 should be a fine replacement IMHO although I am slightly biased.

There are some things to look out for.

You should find this thread useful:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36576&highlight=intercooler+pump+heated+seat

Here's another:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=36005&highlight=intercooler+pump+heated+seat

Where abouts are you?

That little lot makes intresting reading. I've been looking at some on Pistonheads and - new improved - Autotrader website.

To elaborate on a point made in the first thread £16-18k seems the average price at present for a C32 but considering that 18 months I was looking at C43's for £12k and now the same cars are going for about £7-8k is the C32 due a big price drop?

p.s - some C32's seem to have better climate control units thatn others. Was an upgraded climate control system with digital read-out an option?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

That little lot makes intresting reading. I've been looking at some on Pistonheads and - new improved - Autotrader website.

Glad it was useful.

To elaborate on a point made in the first thread £16-18k seems the average price at present for a C32 but considering that 18 months I was looking at C43's for £12k and now the same cars are going for about £7-8k is the C32 due a big price drop?

There is a fairly limited market for the C32, both in terms of the numbers of people looking for one, and the number of people selling them, and prices have softened - they're incredible value for money - and one of the reasons I still have mine.

There isn't much that can offer the same level of luxury and performance, anywhere nearly as cheaply - both to buy and to run. Supercar fast and servcing costs are the same as any other C-Class. Not to mention subtle. Can you tell I like 'em??

I've seen a C32 advertised with prices starting with a "12", but that was huuuge mileage and one of the very first to be built. Like with so many things in life you get what you pay for, and a later car with impeccable history is preferable - and worth paying a premium for IMHO - 2003 is probably the latest you can expect to find and they're few and far between.

A 2004 would have been hanging around before being registered, and that's if you can find one (only every come across one).

p.s - some C32's seem to have better climate control units thatn others. Was an upgraded climate control system with digital read-out an option?

There was indeed an upgraded climate option - standard was rotary knob only, and the option was digital (can be retro-fitted).