iheartbeing

I recently purchased a 1997 model from a guy for $400. The car runs pretty well besides a hard idle from long drives, it has a coolant leak so I'm assuming I will need a new radiator/hose, it needs new brakes and has a fuse going out on the dashboard I believe. I got the car a new alternator and everything, basically the car needs a new tune-up the guy kind of neglected the car. It's a wonderful car but my brother is telling me to sell the car because it's used and has issues so don't bother with it. The car has 256,000 miles on it, he said mercedes benz engine isn't good so I will need a new engine. I understand I have a used car and that's fine but he's really pressing me on selling the car for a car with a car note. Any advice as far as is the car good enough to keep and also are these considered major issues? this is my first real car.

oldsinner111

engine should make 400,000. However who cared for it before you.You can always,when motor goes buy a used one.If it looks like a Benz,paint,leather,equipment nice I'd restore it to former golry

m1943

It is really, really strange to hear someone say that "Mercedes engines are no good." However, at 256K anything is possible, like with any car. If you just got the car I'd say you need to figure out what problems it has or does not have at this time. Engine, transmission.... Lots of parts are available on junk yards, ebay and other sites, even engine ECUs and other supposedly expensive OEM parts. W202 is a great compact Benz.