Phaeton to be binned - back to MB

[Palfrem]

Gents

For those regular readers of the "Phaeton" threads in the defectors section -some news.

As the heading suggests, I have given up on VW and all who sail in her. I'm negotiating the return of the Phat-one as we speak.

Full write up to follow as soon as the dried frog pills have kicked in.

Anyway, having flirted with BMW (eeek!) and Audi (zzzzzz) garages over the weekend, I'm going back to MB and need a car fast.

I've seen this and it looks (well sounds) nice. Hope some pictures materialise today.

Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars – Search Results

So, I'm thinking; here's a bit of V6 3.0 litre fun for very little cash.

Anything I should be concerned about with these? I had a 2002 estate version of them and it was dire. Electrical gremlins and dodgy build quality. I'm assuming things have improved?

If I place a deposit it can be brought to my nearest MB for a once over.

As ever, thanks chaps.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Which one is it?

It just shows a long list of 204s to me?

 

[Palfrem]

Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars – Vehicle Details :: C280 Avantgarde SE Sal Auto Avantgarde SE

It's the C280 Avantgarde SE @ £11999

 

[Ted]

Brilliant.
I shall prepare the fatted calf

 

[A210AMG]

I assume your looking at the C320 petrol advertised as a C230?

Looks good, but not sure I would spend that much on it, if it were a C320Cdi Estate then maybe.

Check your happy with the inside (size) its very small comapred to what you had.

I had a Hire car C180K estate the other week and compared to my E class... I wouldn't swap ok the engine was tiny and had no vrroom at all which didn't help? but the inside felt cheaper and less well put together?

I wouldn't rush into anything if I were you, you have put up with enough.

 

[A210AMG]

eidt sorry I thought you meant this one

Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars – Vehicle Details :: C230 V6 Sport Edition COMAND Drivers Memory 7Speed

 

[Palfrem]

A210 - It's a 320?

I hadn't spotted that, (hmm scratches chin and contemplates)

Not sure about the wheels on it - like the bodykit though.

 

[snoop51]

Check your happy with the inside (size) its very small comapred to what you had.

I had a Hire car C180K estate the other week and compared to my E class... I wouldn't swap ok the engine was tiny and had no vrroom at all which didn't help? but the inside felt cheaper and less well put together?

I wouldn't rush into anything if I were you, you have put up with enough.

+1. I had a new C180 as a courtesy car whilst mine was in for service. Nice enough if I hadn't had the E but no comparison really, rattles yes, underpowered yes, lack of space yes. Having said all that it was quite nice to chuck around corners in a "boy racer" type fashion.

I'd have a look for another E if I were you.

 

[Will]

Bit of a drop, going from a 5 litre CL-class, to a Phaeton and then a C-class saloon

Sure it's a newer car, and the facelift W203s are nice but is it what you really want?

Quite a bit smaller etc as already said compared to a Phaeton or 215 CL.

Will

 

[Howard]

Why not just get them to give you your CL back ? unless it's sold ?

 

[snoop51]

Why not just get them to give you your CL back ? unless it's sold ?

+1

 

[markjay]

You should have no problems whatsoever with a 2006 C-Class.

Mine has been exemplary - the only thing that went wrong was the front passenger seat occupancy sensor, and this is apparently a known problem which was put right by Olly with no drama at all.

Olly also said that the post-facelift C-Class (2005-2006) are rock solid and fully galvanised, and he very rarely sees any problems with these cars apart from routine maintenance.

Also, the one in the add is very very nicely speced - heated front seats, COMAND, cow, etc.

And it will be very fast - the C-Class is a light car (for a Merc), at around 1.5t.

Issues:

1. It is a small car, especially when it comes to legroom at the rear, think 3-Series to get an idea.

2. The ride is very very good for its class, but it is nowhere near an S-Class (or a Phaeton). If you factor-in the Avangarde trim and lowered sport suspension, you should expect a somewhat choppy ride. Not to everyone's liking. Try before you buy, and preferably not on a smooth even road...

3. Olly said that the 7-gear transmission can be problematic, and very expensive to fix if it goes wrong. The 5-gear boxes are apparently far more reliable, and easier to repair. So make sure you get a long warranty that covers the gearbox.

This does not contradict my comment regarding general bullet-proof reliability, the issues with the 7-gear box are apparently well known and sadly run across the whole MB range, so not particular to the C-Class.

So in short, it will not match the Phaeton in size, ride quality, opulence, and gizmos.

Apart for this - great car, great cabin (much preferable to the W204 in my opinion - which is why I am sticking with my W203), and very good value.

Enjoy!


PS - get them to throw-in the latest maps DVD, if the car does not already have it...

One more thing - make sure that all additional service items have been done - at this age/mileage the car would have already had ATF change, Spark Plug change, fuel filter change, and air filter change. And check when the coolant was last changed - it is due every two years.

No need to worry about cabin filter - it is changed as part of the B service, or the coolant, which apparently only needs changing only every 15 years (!)

Plus - mine is Obsidian Black, and it is the original inventor of the dreaded swirl marks... check the paintwork in bright sunlight, and insist on them getting the car professionally detailed (clayed, polished, and paint protected) prior to delivery. It could set you back at well over 200.00 to get this done privately, and if you don't you'll just hate to look at the car in the sun - been there, done that...

 

[Palfrem]

Gents

I'm on a three line whip over a 5.0 CL - Her Ladyship has now got an SLK, so due to the need to transport an elderly parent, a four door is compulsory.

I need a bit of a Q car, as since my heart attack every seems to think (with the kindest of intentions) I should be driving a 1.0 Fiesta.

Thought a nicely kitted out C would fit the bill for a while.

As to my CL, the plan is for me to get it back - if it's still in good nick. Just have some issues around insurance and road tax to sort out with the garage.

 

[Ted]

Gents

I need a bit of a Q car,

Thought a nicely kitted out C would fit the bill for a while.

/QUOTE]

C63 it is then, sir.

Fatted calf slaughtered, robe and sandals on their way.

Your sins are forgiven

 

[A210AMG]

I think you would be happier is your sticking to a Mercedes with a E class rather than a C class given what you have already had.

This would pehaps fit the bill

dnlmotors : E55 AMG FULLY LOADED . VERY CLEAN.


Or a little more sensible and as seem to like petrol over diesal ?

RMC : MERCEDES-BENZ E350 ELEGANCE AUTO

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2791570.htm

 

[Palfrem]

Ted - if only!

A210 - E55 Nice car - HL would probably kill me if I burbled up the drive in that, I'm sure she'd spot it wasn't like my old E320

 

[A210AMG]

Have you seen the CLK500 for sale?

Cheap v8 and low miles

 

[Palfrem]

Need 4 doors A210

 

[crockers]

Why not get a C320 cdi - fuelled by Satan Ultimate Q car....

As fast as the V6 petrol but less thirsty...

 

[markjay]

Why not get a C320 cdi - fuelled by Satan Ultimate Q car....

As fast as the V6 petrol but less thirsty...

Oh yes...

But I suspect that a C320CDI will be more expensive than the C280? Large-engined petrol versions have always been low on the demand ladder especially as cars get older...