slvrMB

Hi all,

Not and exciting post, but I'm at a crossroad and need an independant perspective.

I have an '02 C230SC with 118k miles. I drive alot for work... about 20k/yr. I had planned on owning this car for 10 years... I bought it new 5 1/2 years ago, but I'm at a point where I'm not sure it's worth the risk.

This car has not been the most reliable. I know that things got better after '04. I currently need about $3500 worth of work done. My concern is that I make the repairs, then 6 months later, I need another $2k. At that point, I could have made car payments and had a new car. I have not had a purely "maintanence free" year since owning the car. I had the alternator fail at 70k ($1000).

I'm considering throwing in the towel and buying another vs doing the repairs. So here are my choices:

1) Make repairs
2) buy a used MB for around $20k-25k with about 40k miles
3) buy new (probably a C230, but would consider other options at this point)

Looking forward to opinions.

--Jon

KIRA

lol if u know your C230 coupe had that many problem even you had it brand new, would you still consider a used MB??

i think if you are daily driving and that much a Honda last forever in lot of way
or if you also want look i would go for infiniti M35

my 2cent

splinter

If you are otherwise satisfied with your time behind the wheel, I would suggest you keep it.

You have already taken the big hit on depreciation. It is almost always more cost effective to perform necessary repairs than to buy a newer, more expensive model.

Most of us enjoy driving our Mercedes-Benz, but they do have their (often pricey) quirks. It is encouraging that you intend to stay with the marque. To have spent $1000 on an alternator repair is patently usury, no disrespect intended. What are the other items that need to be addressed for the $3500?

Perhaps with help from members of the forum, you can keep it running properly for far less.

slvrMB

I need the following... note these are dealer quotes... I've been to a few local guys, but have found them to be just as pricey and not as good with troubleshooting:

Brakes/rotors ($550 by dealer, could be done myself for less)
Emergency Brake actuator and pads need to be replaced ($500)
Torque Strut Bushings ($600)
Engine Oil Pan Reseal ($925)
Wheel Alignment ($150 - $260)
New Tires needed ($300 - $400)
A/C is leaking... had it recharged yesterday ($200), but still not working. Probably more $$$.

I had the vent actuators in the dash replaced 6 months ago.

rlee02135

I vote for option 2...buy a C32!

FrankW

if you want a new car (used or new) then do it. you don't need us to tell you that you should get a new car.

slvrMB

sorta the problem... I really don't want a new car... we just a bought an '06 Lexus RX400h, so my new car fever is being treated by that.

Again, there are numerous posts here regarding MB quality prior to 2004... do I simply have a car not well suited to make it reliably to 200k?

Thinking about some other things I've done:

4 windshields (first one was after 5k and was a stress fracture right up the middle)
3 brake changes (ok normal wear and tear)
1 Alternator (should not have failed at 70K)
2 rear strut mount replacements in the first 15k
3 6-disc CD Changer replacements
Front and rear O2 sensors replaced separately (apparently those only last ~90k?)

I do like the car... I'm not super excited about alternatives, I guess I just need a little nudge to lay down the plastic and get the repairs done...

I'm having a low self-esteem night

FrankW

no car's going to last 200k miles without major fixing. get it fixed.

rlee02135

shouldn't the windshield be covered by insurance?

FrankW

that depends on your coverage.

slvrMB

Windshields were covered... simply put... I've been no stranger to the dealer with this car. Every issue, covered by warranty or not, is downtime and some required multiple trips to the shop (like my current situation with my A/C).

My previous car I also bought new. Put 110k miles on it and aside from routine oil changes, I had a sensor fail and it cost $185 to repair it. I think total cost of ownership over 4 1/2 years was about $1200. I'm over $1200 in routine A and B services... nevermind the stuff that needed replacement.

Would this level of shop visitation and repairs be considered typical? If so, maybe I should go buy a Honda.

splinter

If you merely seek reliable transportation, other brands beckon.

Shake

I would buy a used car if i was you. If you buy a new car its going to take a big hit on the value with how many miles you put on it. I would get a honda or acura if you want no problems till 200k. I would def not keep your current car.

KIRA

sorry for hi-jack but just noob question

which engine tend to last longer??

M111 or M271?? ( i know it depends how the driver use it...) but japan made car last hella a time tho??

BlackLiquorish8

i say get another car, choice number 2 or get a honda or acura if you want something thats more reliable