Thanks for the feedback it's much appreciated I've also found this one what do you think?
Mercedes-Benz 230 2.3 TE 5dr
The first one looked somewhat neglected ( I didn't see the asking price as the listing is finished , but like the others I'd estimate it as worth a few hundred due to work needing done - at least new front wings and paint , unless you don't mind the way it looks - also check front inner wings and in the load compartment pop open the storage compartments each side and look at where the wheel arch meets the back wing , also feel up below the bottom of the side windows - rust often found in these places . The drivers seats are often worn and bases collapsed - unless you can source a good passenger seat from a LHD car , they are costly to fix properly ; the drivers window regulator will need to be replaced as the last tooth in the quadrant will have worn away - I had one of these cars from nearly new and had to replace the drivers window regulator twice in my 11 year ownership - they wear out . )
The second car looks much better , but is a bit pricey to my mind . The 230 M102 is a good engine but won't set the road on fire with its 136BHP , also IIRC has a simplex timing chain , if no history of being replaced , worth doing as preventative maintenance . The car looks to have factory towbar , which is good as they make excellent tow cars . Talking of towing and load carrying , do check out the self levelling suspension - check the ZHM fluid reservoir in the engine compartment , if empty , walk away - if full , and car sitting nice and level , have the fluid changed as a priority . Hydraulic pipes rot underneath around and above the rear suspension - they ALL do this - I've had four of these cars ( one W123 estate and three W124 estates ) and every one needed the pipework replaced - fine if you can DIY , but still a pig of a job since they run above the rear subframe , and expensive if you have to pay someone to do it for you . The hydropneumatic spheres in the back can also fail , not quite such a terrible job and the level control valves sometimes stick ( new ones expensive ) - if the system runs dry due to a burst pipe then the pump will be knackered . The struts don't tend to fail , they look like shock absorbers but are simple hydraulic rams - the gas spheres provide the shock absorber function .
The above may sound like doom and gloom , but these are great cars and I'd have another in a heartbeat - in fact I'm keeping an eye open for the right car in my area !
Edit , I see now that the story has a happy ending !
Good luck with the new car Matt .
