Oshkoshbigjosh

So, this is my first post on this site (yay!). I've owned my volvo since late '13 and to be honest, I love this thing. However, lately its been getting poor mpg and it is very sluggish. I was going to sell it but knew I'd get ridiculous offers for it due it being a salvage title and it having just under 104K miles. Volvo's do not have great resell value. Anyways, I figured I'd consult with my parents (I just turned 20, please be nice) and I told them they could have the volvo if they helped me with a new car since I paid for the volvo myself. I told them what I was considering and why I was. They were a bit worried but understanding. Here is what I am considering in order :
1. C32 AMG (ofcourse!!)
2. Audi A3 (2.0T, TDI, or Quattro)
3. Mini Cooper S or JCW
4. A good fast car with 6 cyl or less.

When I first started driving, I was being taught by my mom and sister in my sisters car (which happened to be a Mini Coop S). I loved that thing. It was so, so agile that now I find myself regretting getting the volvo 2.4 and not the T5. I have the c32 in first place because of the mpg and HP. Jesus christ that HP is awesome. Since I already spend like 35-45 a week on gas alone it might as well be on a fast guzzler and not on a slug. I landed a good job a few months ago and have saved up 4300. Now I am not looking to pay 4300 only. I want a c32 with low miles. Every c32 in my area has over 100k and are looking for over 9K. I have a good job but its not that good when I have to fork out maintenance fees because its almost time for the the timing belt change or other important expensive part replacements. I'm not car savvy but I have done some work on my volvo and sisters mini, so simple jobs can be done here. Are c32 models any good for a new owner at 100K miles and up? Are the lower mile ones even worse? I am considering one out of California because its under 10K and has 55K miles on it. Are dealers to be trusted with these cars? Are private sellers to be trusted when buying up front? I'm not dumb so ofcourse I wouldnt just pay them and take off, but I've only purchased one car in my life and it was a private seller.

Also, everytime I go on craigslist all I see are "C230 AMG" or "CLK500 AMG". WTH? I am aware that AMG models reserve a 2 digit thingy. Are these ads simply saying they are amg badged or tuned?

Anything you contribute would be helpful, even if it is a burp. Thanks Y'all!

Dasauto

If you want one of the nicest C32's currently for sale with low miles (69,077 as of this morning) look at mine. It's a crap load of awesome car for under $10K and has so much done in the way of maintenance and very nice mods. https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...condition.html

kindafast

C32's are extremely unreliable, in 2.5 years, and about 39k miles of ownership I wasted $18.5k on mine, mostly on mechanical repairs. Bought it with 63k miles btw. It is the most unreliable car I have ever owned, there was always problem after problem, after problem. My suggestion is use the $4.3k, plus what ever else you can as a downpayment for a C55, way more reliable, a little quicker, looks better, handles better. Will save you thousands over the C32 in the long run. A simple header + tune for about $1k will get you +30hp.

C3Duece

Dasauto's car is probably the nicest C32 for sale in the country right now. If I already didn't have one I'd buy his.

I purchased mine with 49K on it and have probably put a total of 5K into it (parts/labor). Some of it was for maintenance and some for mods. I'm not done modding it but really all that's left is to install the pulley/injectors I've had for months and get a tune for it.

A used C32 will need repair at some point. It's not a car for a young guy on a limited budget who doesn't know his way around a tool chest. The smart guys do the work themselves and if you can't then get a good indy but never ever ever go to the dealership.

Bottom line is if you can't pay cash for the car then chances are you won't be able to handle the repairs either. Stick with a honda/lexus/toyota.

Oshkoshbigjosh

I want to get to some deal with you but I kind of agree with what C3Deuce said. I'd hate to front when trying to buy your car because I want a fair deal without inconveniencing you. I am afraid of craigslist scams and dislike shady sellers. I would proceed how you want with my input ofcourse. I am kind of in a complicated situation so depending on you want to proceed it would have to be treated with caution.
I mean complicated because work is slow at the moment because of the holidays and everyone is just waiting for black friday, cyber monday, christmas and we are getting customers only on weekends so fewer hours are given and are revert to stable conditions during non holiday seasons.

Oshkoshbigjosh

I completely agree with you. That is why I listed 4. A good fast car with 6 cyl or less.
The problem is a lot of them in my area have ridiculously high milage and/or cost a lot too. I don't want a ricer. I also mentioned that I would be receiving help if done through payments.

Oshkoshbigjosh

Thank you for the input. I find your comment to hold a valuable experience with this car and am glad you shared that with me.

blacksage

I've owned 1 C32 and 2 C55s. Go with a C55. The gas mileage sucks, but run the totals over a year, it isnt a ton of extra cash IMO. My C32 had issues in my short ownership. The C55s had issues too, but nothing crazy.

C32s have their issues. I think you would spend some time at an indy shop and probably a lot of cash you do not have in the bank.

I know you said no "ricers" but I picked up a RSX-S as a commuter a year ago and beat the hell out of that thing with over 200K on the clock and it did not give me any issues for about 15K miles. Just oil changes, not fast, but fun and frugal. I would have kept it, but I have a company car now.

Dasauto

I also agree with C3Deuce........although my C32 has been very reliable during my 4.5 years of ownership and I've make sure to maintain it well it's not a Honda or Toyota........it's a Mercedes and having a good indy mechanic along with some skills of your own is a HUGE help when owning a Merc/Audi/BMW. The information that can be found on this forum is very helpful and many things can be solved at a greatly reduced cost if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty. That said.......there is nothing quite like owning a very powerful German sedan. Puts a HUGE smile on your face for sure.

Doesn't really sound like you're in a position to buy right now but if I'm wrong hit me with a PM and we can discuss further. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Dasauto

Also.........you're going to get a lot of "C55's have fewer issues than C32's". That may be true, fact is with no supercharger or intercooler it's drive train has fewer components, however it's a W203 just like the C32 so much of the cars are exactly the same. It's all a matter of taste......some like the C55's (CLK) front end with the elongated hood/fenders. I don't and prefer the stubby/very short front clip of the C32. I also prefer force induction cars. Stock for stock the C55 is a little faster than a stock C32 but it's MUCH easier and less expensive to get big power from the C32 than the C55. It's all up to the owners likes/dislikes and what makes the world go around. In the end we all own/appreciate some pretty damn cool cars that offer incredible bang for the buck in the current marketplace. I now own a CLS55 with 43K miles with FULL warranty for less than the price of a Nissan Altima. How can you beat that??? Good luck in your search.

kuneefay

Honestly if you want a very reliable car that is adequately quick look at a wrx(im a previous 02' wrx owner and will defend the type until I die). That being said, if you want a luxury car that has ***** go with the c32 and specifically Dasauto's. I don't know the guy but after reading his FS thread if everything he stated was true I would feel 100% confident in picking that beauty up and DD it and just doing standard maintenance, he's basically done everything you really need to make them reliably fast and just overall reliable. My c32 has upgrades(suspension and engine) much like his and I love how solid and planted these vehicles feel. They don't feel quite as nimble as a 2800-3000lb car but my gosh theyre comfortable and adequately sharp in the corners(especially with proper sway bars). Plus its a benz and if your over that boy racer stage and are now a man racer youll love it for daily driving.

Oshkoshbigjosh

I'll try to send you a message soon. Hopefully it doesn't sell by then.

Oshkoshbigjosh

I looked into an impreza hatchback but they are more expensive in my area than Dasautos car or have crazy high miles and still have a price tag. Plus I never was in a boy racer stage. I guess you can say that I was born into speed, molded by it since I didn't touch a slow car (my volvo) till I was an adult haha I did tons of research on what I really want in terms of looks and affordability. I totally just winged it and now just want AMG for the damn horse power. I can do most of the easy work at home and can afford the parts. I know reliable indy shops near me so the work I cant do will be sent in for professional maintenance.

kuneefay

I understand that. If your confident in doing diy maintenance then a c32 that's been cared for is a good bet. I just did my radiator replacement which was easy albeit time consuming. And as long as it doesn't come with a valio you won't have an issue. Other than that to baseline maintenance one is about $180 for oem transmission service kit, probably $300 for oil/coolant/brake fluids and then just do full drain of brakes, power steering, coolant and replace with oem fluid or high quality synthetic(suggest red line if you go with anything other than Mobil1). You'll be solid. If you can nab one with full dealer or Benz specialist service records that's always a reaffirming way to go too. Good luck with your search!

Gramma_Benz

DITTO

kuneefay

I would like to hear what mechanically has failed on your guys' c32's. Weakest points are obviously the valio radiator, idler pulley, and some electronic components. Other than that the only issues seem to be developed by lack of maintenance or mistreatment

Dasauto

Exactly. My prior Audi's were way more problematic than my C32 ever was. Either you guys got lemons........or I got one of the better built ones.

C3Duece

I don't understand all the hate on the 32's reliability. I usually peruse CL and other car for sale sites and many of the 32's I see have WELL over 100k miles (like 150-170k) on them. Granted they're pretty well used up but damn that's A LOT of mileage to rack up on a "fragile, tempermental" german diva of a car.

I didn't spend a penny on maint this year other than oil changes and the rear pads/rotors which I did myself.

Oshkoshbigjosh

Speaking of lemons. I came across a local c32 with over 159k miles. The guy states in his ad he has all the maintenance records. The condition is excellent and he says it drives great and is priced just under 4 thousand buckaroos. I'm young and if I were to test drive his, I'm positive I would impulsively say yes solely for the purpose of it being a zillion time faster than my slug. I would love to get a PPI but I would prefer some insight from you and others before I get swindled by inspector gadget. I guess I'll admit I am a bit desperate. My ex had a fast car and she would tease me about my volvo looking fast but being a total turtle. Plus, as I stated before, the volvo is getting about 17 mpg lately and it sucks cause its slow and thirsty. I'd rather get 17 mpg with a torque monster. However, what if this car ends up being a total lemon and I'm out 4 big ones and stuck with the slowvo. I need professional help man.

kuneefay

Usually anything above 100k I would require a cylinder leak down test. Obviously take a magnifying glass to those service records. At that mileage assume the driveline disks and support bearings needing to be replaced, innercooler, possible supercharger rebuild(dunno how long they can run), idler pulley, 02 sensors, plugs and wires, full trans service, maybe radiator, cv axles, front hub bearings, probably suspension bushings and struts. Obviously I don't know all he has had done but those are things I'd expect. So price those out and add $1000 for misc maintenance and to baseline the car and you should be solid. Like I said its hard to give pointers without seeing it or service records.

CRod06

I hate to say it but everyone IS giving you good advice and you're still asking for advice. It sounds like you're just going to do it anyways. If I had limited money I would never buy a car that would be unreliable, especially when most every owner is saying don't do it. A car is absolutely the worst investment. Save your money, drive a reasonable car, when you have more money to waste you can buy what you want.
For 4k I would buy a camry with 100k miles where I know I would be able to get my *** to my new job...

thtguy

If you are looking for something you are planning to keep stock, but want the power and reliability, I would recommend going with a C55 over a C32, stock the C55 has more power and torque. they are slightly more reliable, because you don't have the complications that forced induction introduces. overall the the W203 is a very reliable car, doesn't have all the wizbang gizmo's that can go wrong like air suspension and the like. the C32 is a much better car if you are looking to make big power. just remember German parts are always slightly more than your average Japanese or Domestic. and are over engineered which is great until something does break. Example for maintenance a full tune-up (coils plugs and wires) will set you back around a grand if you use quality parts.

Dasauto

Ever year of you get what you pay for? It's true. You will get exactly $4,000 or less worth of C32 which is one HUGE head ache. Best of luck with your search.........mine finally sold and is now off the market.

Oshkoshbigjosh

I agree. I just am an amateur car dude so I accept the honest criticism. I'm already at 5800 saved. A camry would be just as slow as the slowvo so even for 3k it would be out of the picture. I'm just going to keep saving for now. Even if end up buying another make, I'll try to keep y'all posted. Thanks for your input m8.

Oshkoshbigjosh

The reason I was mainly looking at the c32 was the 6 cyl. 8 cyl for me would be too much and 6 cyl is kind of pushing it but manageable. I agree, maintenance would be costly but at least they wouldn't fail me for some time. I agree both german, american, and japanese makes could have issues regardless of the price but there have been more success stories with euro makes. Plus, the japanese and american makes in my area have really high miles and thats a total turn off :/