W202 C250 TD opinions/advice sought

[Der]

Hello.

I'm considering buying a car for my parents and the one at the top of my list is a late nineties C250 TD. I know very little about these cars but like the fact that they have a pretty straightforward old type diesel engine with very little of the electronic control found in all modern diesels.

I've had two BMW 525tds' before, still have one of them in fact, and they've given me no real bother, but the parents consider them too big and prefer to drive something 406 sized.

So, my questions to you guys are, are these a pretty good machine? Are the W202 a solid dependable car in your eyes, or did quality tail off at any point in their lifetime? Is that 250TD engine, the OM605 I believe it's called, a good one?

I would like to buy something nice and straightforward but with a turbodiesel engine. I believe the manual box is a bit awkward to use when combined with the foot operated parking brake, is that true in practice and are the auto a much better choice anyway? We've never had auto's before but I reckon it's the way to go this time.

Der.

 

[stevesey]

Generally the 202 is a pretty solid car - early 203s really suffered from the penny pinching era.

Rust is the main thing to watch (switch to water based paint didn't help here) mainly on the wheel arches and boot lock. Also make sure the air-con works, don't be fooled by the "it just needs re-gas" line, as there is a high probability that no air-con = consdenor root, which will set someone back £100-£200 quid.

Make sure you get two keys (and both start the car). Again £200 for a new key.

 

[renault12ts]

Where abouts are you?

 

[Der]

I'm way down south, Waterford/Cork border area.