Older Mercedes Coupe good idea?

[stephen coy]

How did you get on with the Alfas? I seem to be chasing squeaks around the suspension which just drains my wallet, when I get it all sorted I say I'll never get rid of this car, a few months later and more squeaks, the engine and interior have been fantastic.

For the mercedes option I'm toying with a C Class coupe at the moment mainly there's less to go wrong than a CLK it has a hatch back which I find so useful about my GT. I've seen some good deals around £5k for sub 80k cars with nice spec but they are around 2004/2005 Does anyone know how to tell if the car is later facelift with the galvanized body?

Though I could just spend the money putting a 1275 in the Morris and changing the diff to allow lower revs on the motorway

147 was a great car, but for example, when the alternator replacement came to over £400 I knew repair costs were going to be impractical. 159 was a great looking car but rubbbish to drive.

CLK is a classier car than the Alfa's (IMO) and so far has been reliable and trouble free. Loads of room in the boot, as said,the back seats also fold forward.

 

[little.pete]

http://www.cartime.co.uk/used-MERCEDES-BENZ-C%20CLASS-Bury-Manchester-403181

So is this a facelift? Anything I should be looking for? Any service items which I need to be weary off ie impending cambelt change or gearbox service. I've never driven an Auto.

 

[little.pete]

What are the servicing and repair costs? for a car of this age I would use an independent dealer but keep the service up to date

 

[Dieselman]

ATF should be changed at ~40k miles, the 5 speed auto is a reliable and smooth gearbox.

Overall, a facelift W203 should be cheaper top run than your Alfa has been. Avoid 1.8 litre petrol engines, they are prone to valve guide wear.

 

[little.pete]

Still considering keeping the Alfa for another year am indecisive.

I'm leaning towards the C class coupe with panoramic roof and leather interior. diesel for sure is the 200cdi or 220cdi any better? I've never had an auto, the manuals seem to be hard to find. Apart from avoiding 2000-2004, is there anything else which I need to be looking out for, the What car reviews have had horror stories mainly about electrics but some transmissions being ruined through a leak and broken turbos, how rare are these problems. Do all the C class coupes have fold down rear seats or was that an option?