Looking for a cheap C Class Estate, advice needed

[bob6600]

Friend of mine is looking for a C Class estate, must be diesel and auto. He has a budget of £2.5k as it will a run around and for lugging small bits around.

My knowledge is a bit limited on these (W203?) so are there any to avoid? I know to look for black death amongst the usual stuff but is there anything else?

If anyone has one or knows of one for sale please let me know.

 

[markjay]

You are looking at a W203.

For this price you might just find a very early facelist (2004 onwards).

The C220 CDI will be more expensive than the C200 CDI.

It most probably won't have a PDF yet, which is good for keeping running costs low (PDFs are expensive to replace when thet fail), but if will be pre-Euro 6 so expensive to drive it into London and soon possibly other major cities.

 

[DSM10000]

You are looking at a W203.

For this price you might just find a very early facelist (2004 onwards).

The C220 CDI will be more expensive than the C200 CDI.

It most probably won't have a PDF yet, which is good for keeping running costs low (PDFs are expensive to replace when thet fail), but if will be pre-Euro 6 so expensive to drive it into London and soon possibly other major cities.

No but having a PDF makes it easier to email and open on any device

 

[clk320x]

No but having a PDF makes it easier to email and open on any device

I reckon there has been some autocorrect in action

 

[markjay]

Yeah yeah....

DPF.

Sorry, I work in IT...

 

[Justintyme]

Pity that PDF will not erase emissions …….

 

[AltonAnt]

There are plenty around for that price e.g.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807028056711


I would take a chance on this and spend the rest of the budget correcting faults (if any).
Is he likely to do his own minor repairs and maintenance?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201808189631867

 

[markjay]

There are plenty around for that price e.g.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201807028056711


I would take a chance on this and spend the rest of the budget correcting faults (if any).
Is he likely to do his own minor repairs and maintenance?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201808189631867

Looks like a nice clean car, BUT... since the OP has the budget, I would go for the facelift model (2014 onwards).

 

[bob6600]

Looks like a nice clean car, BUT... since the OP has the budget, I would go for the facelift model (2014 onwards).

Another typo? lol. I guess 2004 onwards

Is he likely to do his own minor repairs and maintenance?

He might put fuel in but that's about it. The rest will be 'Bob can you have a look at this mate' lol

 

[markjay]

Another typo? lol. I guess 2004 onwards...

Yup...

 

[a111r]

Not very rusty 202s still pop up on occasion.
Not as good on fuel, being IDI, but you don't STAR to keep them going.

Classic Merc front end. Head lights lenses made from a 'miracle material'.
And he'll have lots of money left to pay you for fixing it.