Would you folks mind looking this over?

[JamRocky]

Hey folks,

I know this is at the bottom end of the scale Mercedes wise, but some of you know I recent lost my car in an accident (still ongoing)

I’m looking at this on eBay and I’ve spoken to the dealer. Overall it’s a nicely maintained version of what it is and for its time had a few upgrades. It’s just been serviced, MOT’d and the dealer has said he would put a 3 month no quibble warranty. Registration NU08HJX

I’m looking at it for added practicality and although blander in design compared to the sport estates (which most are) I quite like the more understated external features with that colour.

I would REALLY value any opinions you guys have on it. I appreciate its pre facelift too, but more modern than the 203 I had.

*Just for note the timing kit and water pump was done 10k miles ago. It hasn’t just been done.

MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e | eBay

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[JamRocky]

Hey folks,

I know this is at the bottom end of the scale Mercedes wise, but some of you know I recent lost my car in an accident (still ongoing)

I’m looking at this on eBay and I’ve spoken to the dealer. Overall it’s a nicely maintained version of what it is and for its time had a few upgrades. It’s just been serviced, MOT’d and the dealer has said he would put a 3 month no quibble warranty.

I’m looking at it for added practicality and although blander in design compared to the sport estates (which most are) I quite like the more understated external features with that colour.

I would REALLY value any opinions you guys have on it. I appreciate its pre facelift too, but more modern than the 203 I had.

*Just for note the timing kit and water pump was done 10k miles ago. It hasn’t just been done.

MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Sorry forgot the reg number NU08HJX

 

[markjay]

1. Looks tidy.

2. The infotainment system is a very basic Audio20 NTG4, no navigation, so essentially just a radio.

3. The heated front seats is a great feature to have.

4. A 2008 Diesel car will not be ULEZ compliant (if that's relevant to you).

5. Check that the temp goes above 80⁰ (thermostat).

 

[JamRocky]

1. Looks tidy.

2. The infotainment system is a very basic Audio20 NTG4, no navigation, so essentially just a radio.

3. The heated front seats is a great feature to have.

4. A 2008 Diesel car will not be ULEZ compliant (if that's relevant to you).

Thank you. I did spy the grandad infotainment, but I had nothing modern in the last car and I’m a bit of a technophobe
Also, ULEZ isn’t needed at all for me so I don’t really consider it.
I thought the same that whoever bought it added some spec. Leather interior, heated seats and front and rear parking sensors. Better to have than not.

 

[grober]

These are generally sound vehicles, and the earlier diesel engine is less complex, more reliable than the later OM 651------ the big bill item to look out for is a rusted rear subframe which can suffer severe hidden corrosion / sudden failure*-- very common of C class cars of that age --- replacement is expensive --- ask if it has a written record of ever being replaced.

*Experience has shown a recent MOT is no guarantee from imminent failure unfortunately

 

[Skd884]

Ask for a new bush ?

 

[JamRocky]

Hey folks,

I know this is at the bottom end of the scale Mercedes wise, but some of you know I recent lost my car in an accident (still ongoing)

I’m looking at this on eBay and I’ve spoken to the dealer. Overall it’s a nicely maintained version of what it is and for its time had a few upgrades. It’s just been serviced, MOT’d and the dealer has said he would put a 3 month no quibble warranty. Registration NU08HJX

I’m looking at it for added practicality and although blander in design compared to the sport estates (which most are) I quite like the more understated external features with that colour.

I would REALLY value any opinions you guys have on it. I appreciate its pre facelift too, but more modern than the 203 I had.

*Just for note the timing kit and water pump was done 10k miles ago. It hasn’t just been done.

MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e | eBay

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www.ebay.co.uk

Not to throw a spanner in the works, but this C Class is about 200 miles away from me.
BUT
This E class is 50 miles away and available for the same price. Private seller though. What would you do?

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[JamRocky]

These are generally sound vehicles, and the earlier diesel engine is less complex, more reliable than the later OM 651------ the big bill item to look out for is a rusted rear subframe which can suffer severe hidden corrosion / sudden failure*-- very common of C class cars of that age --- replacement is expensive --- ask if it has a written record of ever being replaced.

*Experience has shown a recent MOT is no guarantee from imminent failure unfortunately

Woah! That’s good to know … It says the car has had a full health check in the advert but

 

[JamRocky]

Ask for a new bush ?

View attachment 135581

I know! Why wouldn’t you get it done?
I had my now gone CL203 MOT’d in September and although it passed it advised a new rear number plate and a drop link. I didn’t hesitate to have it done right away. You see so many with minor advisories not done though

 

[tonysmb]

The Mot history doesn't ring any real alarm bells, though a true 'no expense spared' approach wouldn't be having advisories for low tyre tread depth. However, I've seen far worse and it's a good starting point; check the spring referred to in the most recent Mot.

One advantage with the older 'elegance' trim is that it appealed to a different type of buyer, possibly more likely to drive 'less sportily' and I suspect that the leather trim is real leather. Possibly a more comfortable ride than a 'sport' on our 'developing country' roads. For me, if considering a car of that age, I'd be more concerned about condition than spec. The fact that somebody has had the timing chain/pump replaced on an older, high'ish mileage, car is a good sign (assuming it was done as a service/preventative measure, and wasn't done after a failure). If the service history checks out, that would be good supportive evidence.

 

[Flyinspanner]

And always check reviews of dealerships…..

 

[markjay]

Not to throw a spanner in the works, but this C Class is about 200 miles away from me.
BUT
This E class is 50 miles away and available for the same price. Private seller though. What would you do?

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I spot HID/Xenon, and COMAND NTG2.5, both of which are nice to have.

 

[JamRocky]

The Mot history doesn't ring any real alarm bells, though a true 'no expense spared' approach wouldn't be having advisories for low tyre tread depth. However, I've seen far worse and it's a good starting point; check the spring referred to in the most recent Mot.

One advantage with the older 'elegance' trim is that it appealed to a different type of buyer, possibly more likely to drive 'less sportily' and I suspect that the leather trim is real leather. Possibly a more comfortable ride than a 'sport' on our 'developing country' roads. For me, if considering a car of that age, I'd be more concerned about condition than spec. The fact that somebody has had the timing chain/pump replaced on an older, high'ish mileage, car is a good sign (assuming it was done as a service/preventative measure, and wasn't done after a failure). If the service history checks out, that would be good supportive evidence.

That’s good advice. I did question the dealer about the reason for the timing kit and water pump change. I asked was it for a failure? He said no nothing like that. It was part of the maintenance at around 110k. You never know the truth, but he seemed helpful compared to a few I’ve spoken to.

 

[JamRocky]

And always check reviews of dealerships…..

Will do! His eBay profile only has 24 sales, but still on 100% - Sometimes it’s those guys trying to build a good rep early on

 

[JamRocky]

I spot HID/Xenon, and COMAND NTG2.5, both of which are nice to have.

I think the E looks sublime by comparison, but it’s going to be more expensive in every respect from tax, fuel and repairs … If I did big mileage I think yes, but I don’t really. Also it’s black… and I’ve vowed never to have black again. I’ve had three black cars including a C Class and keeping it clean/scratch free drove me insane!

 

[m80]

I prefer the 646 to the 642 for reliability and economy,
but I prefer the 211 to the 204 as a car, even if it's more retro in design.

 

[JamRocky]

I prefer the 646 to the 642 for reliability and economy,
but I prefer the 211 to the 204 as a car, even if it's more retro in design.

I’m just looking for something half decent and practical now for not a huge amount of money. Not easy to do, but I want to stick to Mercs. I’ve had numerous other cars and always return to them, so no point looking elsewhere this time.

 

[m80]

I’m just looking for something half decent and practical now for not a huge amount of money. Not easy to do, but I want to stick to Mercs. I’ve had numerous other cars and always return to them, so no point looking elsewhere this time.

I feel fortunate that we have the S211 with the 646 engine. In black, but I'm happy with that.
Memory drivers seat would be a nice touch for us.

 

[JamRocky]

Hey folks,

I know this is at the bottom end of the scale Mercedes wise, but some of you know I recent lost my car in an accident (still ongoing)

I’m looking at this on eBay and I’ve spoken to the dealer. Overall it’s a nicely maintained version of what it is and for its time had a few upgrades. It’s just been serviced, MOT’d and the dealer has said he would put a 3 month no quibble warranty. Registration NU08HJX

I’m looking at it for added practicality and although blander in design compared to the sport estates (which most are) I quite like the more understated external features with that colour.

I would REALLY value any opinions you guys have on it. I appreciate its pre facelift too, but more modern than the 203 I had.

*Just for note the timing kit and water pump was done 10k miles ago. It hasn’t just been done.

MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS C220 CDI Elegance 5dr Auto Estate c class e at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

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The sport version of this car does definitely look better, but each one I look at doesn’t seem to have been maintained very well (4/5 stamps at 14 years old ) or colossal mileage.

 

[AMGeed]

The S204 is a comfortable car, nothing exciting but it does the job without fuss. The economy will probably be very good with that diesel engine and in estate form they are a decent load lugger for tip runs. Seems a reasonable price too.
Good luck with what ever you decide on.
If the sport version in Post#19 is a petrol model, beware of rattly timing gear. It has the infamous M271 engine.