Hey everybody,

I'm very new to the world of MB, I've been a Honda guy ever since I've started driving. Anyways, I'm looking to trade my 5 speed Honda in towards something nicer, and automatic so that my wife can drive while I'm deployed (I tried to teach her how to drive a stick, that didn't go so well) The car I'm going to check out tomorrow is a 97 C230 Sedan. It has 102k miles on it, and they're asking just 7000 for it. All the other MB's i saw around that price had 20-40k more miles, could this be a great deal, or is do you think there's more to it? I checked the carfax, and nothing out of the ordinary happened. Anyways, what type of things should I check for when driving/inspecting this car? I'm very excited about this car, which is why I'd like some help, I'm afraid if I'd overlook small things due to me being in awe of it being a MB. Any help, or tips on things to look for, or expect would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

J.C.

 

[QUOTE=_callMEunoDos;1912172]Hey everybody,

I'm very new to the world of MB, I've been a Honda guy ever since I've started driving. Anyways, I'm looking to trade my 5 speed Honda in towards something nicer, and automatic so that my wife can drive while I'm deployed (I tried to teach her how to drive a stick, that didn't go so well) The car I'm going to check out tomorrow is a 97 C230 Sedan. It has 102k miles on it, and they're asking just 7000 for it. All the other MB's i saw around that price had 20-40k more miles, could this be a great deal, or is do you think there's more to it? I checked the carfax, and nothing out of the ordinary happened. Anyways, what type of things should I check for when driving/inspecting this car? I'm very excited about this car, which is why I'd like some help, I'm afraid if I'd overlook small things due to me being in awe of it being a MB. Any help, or tips on things to look for, or expect would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[QUOTE]


Hi,

Don't forget to check the transmission for slippage and abrupt shifting... eearly 5 speed MB autobox are prone to breakdown (its normal for the tranny to jerk when shifting from 1st to 2nd though).

Run the car in the freeway to check whether the LCA (lower control arm) bushing is bad, if it is the car will swerve around making it hard to stay in your own lane.

Oh yes... maybe its not a wise idea to buy the car if the Check Engine Light is on......

I think that price might be excessive. You can get it for low 6000 ish.


Good luck

 

You should buy a manual and teach your wife on a Merc, within a month she will have mastered the car, and will never want to drive anything else. My partner naggs me flat out to sell my W203 and buy her my W202 manual back!
Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

That price seems a bit high. Definitely take it to a good independent MB specialist that you are sure is honest and pay him to go over the car with a fine-tooth comb. You might want to tell him that you are about to be deployed and want to make sure you are buying a car that will be trouble free while you are deployed so that your wife won't have to worry about/deal with problems.

Honestly, I really wonder whether this MB or any used MB is a good choice for your situation. This car is getting up in age at this point. There is so much to go wrong. There are some people who find thier particular example to be trouble free. Many have a very different experience. In general, I think these older used MBs should be owned by people who are mechanically inclined and who can (and do) enjoy working on there cars or people who don't mind spending lots of money and time at the dealer's. I enjoy my car but it comes at the price of a lot of preventative maintenance and careful attention to catch problems early. I just can't help thinking that a good used Honda or Toyota would be a better purchase for your wife at this time and then buy an MB for yourself when you get back and hopefully know you won't be deployed again.

My $.02...