Looked at a C230 today (another itch)

[Laters]

I'm not really looking to get another car but if the right one came up I could be tempted .
Took my C200 sport for its MOT test today and it passed without a problem apart from the tester telling me the front tyres are getting a bit worn .
I knew it would have failed on the front discs that I found were corroded when I did the front ball joints but I had already changed them last week.

I saw a P reg (1996) C230 elegance in metallic blue (5speed auto) with 60000 miles (mushroom leather,air con) on the way home, stopped to have a look at it (couldn't too well as it was frozen up) & the salesman walked over.

I asked him what he valued my car at against the C230.

My car is a 1995 (m reg) C200 sport 75000miles (4speed auto) with sports cloth interior and has had new shock absorbers, both front lower ball joints and new front discs (together with pads)

He has the C230 up for £4495 and wants £1800 from me with my car.
What sort of deal do you think that is?

As I already said I am not really looking for another car but do feel like a bit of a change & a bit more power but not sure the 230 is enough.

I dont really do that many miles in the merc (as the quantum gets used most of the summer when its not raining) & have only done just over 3000miles in it since its last MOT test.

Maybe I should get some new wheels for my car to satisfy the buy a new car itch and save my money for a newer better C class.

Opinions please?

 

[Flash]

Was the C230 a KOMPRESSOR?

If the car is a face lift then go for it but I'm not sure if you have been offered a good part exchange deal against your C200... (others shall know and be able to advise you). C230K is great car (193BHP) and shifts.

 

[Laters]

Was the C230 a KOMPRESSOR?

No just a C230. It has the new style dash and switches (passenger airbag) but isn't a facelift its the same as my C200

Photo of the C230 that I saw

 

[Flash]

Personally, if I was in your postion I would go for a face lift W202 and get the C230 Kompressor (Sports).

 

[david_h]

£4.5k for a non-face lift model seems very expensive to me, but it has low miles at 60k.

I paid £2.8k for my C280 with leather, and aircon, but it has 95k on the clock.

Like the others say, if you're going to change your car make sure you really trade up and go for a face-lift model.

 

[Rose Chap]

The grass is always greener! If I were you I'd save your pennies for a little while longer and go for a C230 Kompressor - the difference will really be noticable rather than an extra 300cc which will only give a small difference.

Also, your car is a known quantity to you. It would be galling to buy the C230 and then potentially be faced with fixing the same issues you've resolved with your C200.

 

[SamR]

I would leave it if I were you, unless you want to run around in this for a few years... I had the C230Kompressor and it does feel very fast. However, it's only really fast if you floor it from the off and keep the revs up. It was identical to a friends SL320 up to about 60. On motorways etc, I found loads of other cars keeping up with the 50-70. I found 1.9TDI passat as fast on the 50-70 pickup as my car needed time for the kick down etc.

The 230k is however, a good compromise between power and economy. Not as silky as the 280 which has the same power output but 6 cylinders. The car that impressed me with the power was the SL500 and CL500 when I drove them a few years ago...

I would test drive a C230K before deciding, and then also try a 320CDI for comparison, you may well end up in a diesel!

 

[Thmsshaun]

As the other have said I would keep you money in your pocket for a little while longer and consider the 230K.

 

[1998K]

As the other have said I would keep you money in your pocket for a little while longer and consider the 230K.

I fully agree

 

[nickmann]

The grass is always greener! If I were you I'd save your pennies for a little while longer and go for a C230 Kompressor - the difference will really be noticable rather than an extra 300cc which will only give a small difference.

Also, your car is a known quantity to you. It would be galling to buy the C230 and then potentially be faced with fixing the same issues you've resolved with your C200.

Sound advice.

 

[pammy]

ditto

 

[KillerHERTZ]

If you buy it, I will have a facelift rear bumper in the same colour for sale

Just bought a C43 AMG one for mine :bannana:

 

[Laters]

Thanks everyone . I think thats pretty much the best idea too .
Better off keeping my car and not lining the pockets of the car salesman.
I wasn't even looking for a car just spotted it and it has a better spec than mine.

Its pointless getting it as a "make do" car when I will only end up getting rid of it to get what I really want sooner or later. Plus at least I know whats been done to mine.

"Better the devil you know"

Mast have been the shock of my car passing another MOT

Time to find some new wheels for my car I think