Jay11

1999 with 126k, clean title, for 2 grand. If mechanically it's sound - engine, tranny-would you guys pay 2k for this or what would be your take it or walk away offer?
I will have my German auto specialist PPI it but I woul really like to know your opinion guys.

Dirgesan

You need to consider two things:
First, the condition of the car. It looks real nice, but how is mechanically? The engine and tranny, if well-maintained, can easily go way past 200K. What about things like tires, shocks, exhaust, etc... If it needs work now, how much is that going to cost?

Second is your repair plan. It's an 18-year old car. Things break. Are you going to do it, or have a mechanic do it? Do you have the tools and a place to repair your car? Most, but not all, of the parts are not that much more than any other car, and can easily be found online. Having all the work done by your local mechanic can get to be really expensive. Some examples: I just replaced the exhaust system behind the cats on mine. I got a new genuine Mercedes exhaust, the only one I could get, for $411 shipped. A shop could easily have charged double. The supercharger, while very reliable, can cost almost a grand for a rebuilt one and associated parts. A shop's price could be two or three times that. The big thing is the electronics like the ignition switch and ECM. Again, these are reliable, but if it breaks, having a shop fix it can easily run into the thousands of $$$. If I buy a car like this, I fully expect to spend at least a couple of thousand dollars over the next five or six years for repair parts alone, which still might be a lot cheaper than buying a newer model.

$2000 is not too much for that car if it's in very good shape. It has decent power, handling, and gas mileage. It was also built to handle the high speeds of the German Autobahn, and can comfortably cruise at 80mph+ all day long. It's your choice, but remember, the older the car the more expensive (usually) to maintain.

Jay11

Thanx for your detailed response. Yes I wrench my own cars. I drive 3 miles to work, about 5k/year. So I am thinking it should last a good while without needing too much works, if it is aok now.

Quick question, would you say $3200 is about ok for this 2004 c240 4matic 120k miles, or what would be your optimum value?

Jay11

Update, passed on this 4matic, found a 2003 C240 87k miles for <3k. From a PPI check out it needs a PS pump replaced. Everything else is peachy or close to.

Thanx for all your help!

Kimmer

if its in good shape buy it

ThomasLarouche

It's a classic trim but it looks nice !
If you can have an Élégance or Sport trim at the same price i'd say look for higher trims.
Otherwise, I have the same car (with elegance trim) and I absolutely love it !