slj333

Considering a 04 C230 or 97 s420 or 98 e320
Hello,
I am a newbie to the forums, but I was wondering if anyone would way in with their opinions on a two cars that I am considering.
1. 04 C230 sedan with 75,000 miles. This car is very clean and being sold by a mb dealership. Price is $12000. Dealer is heding about certifying due to 75,000 mile mark.
2. 97 s420 with 150,000 for $5500. Clean but from a private dealer.


I know the S class will be more luxurious and powerful. Which of these cars will kill me to maintain, and which one if well maintained will keep my kids college fund in decent shape.


I also live in Minnesota and this would be my daily driver all year long. Neither of these is 4matic.

Thanks!
SJ

laneshift

Is the S '97 or '07? It's different in your title and in your message itself.

slj333

sorry, it's a 97 s420

bdgdl08

I'd say to go with the C. The S is a higher end car, but with 150,000 you're looking at a transmission rebuild at some point I think. The C will probably last longer and be cheaper to repair. Really, it's about your taste.

JattMundazMerc

Go with the C unless u really need a bigger car.

slj333

Cool. Before I make my offer to the MB dealer for the 04 C230, what should I ask from them for maitenance? Brake fluid flush, oil change, brake status, new belts...?
Can anyone share the experiences good/bad with the C230 in ice and snow? I grew up with rear wheel drive, but I want to go into this with both eyes open.
Thanks,
Steve

mystery905

Get a set of winter tires for it. It makes a world of difference.

FraKctured

Go with the C unless you need a big car. I think the upkeep will be less, and at 75K, you've got a lot of driving to do before any major repairs (on average).

I had a 98 C230, and I loved it, but the RWD in Michigan winters was a nightmare. Snow tires are not optional--buy them NOW. I also put some sandbags in the trunk and that helped. With the snow tires and the extra junk in the trunk, it was almost manageable. But the winters have gotten colder, more snow, and more ice.

So, after a few years of white knuckling it on ice-covered Michigan roads, I decided that the RWD was just not enough. I traded it in and got a 4Matic, which is awesome.

For Minnesota daily driver, I would look for a 4Matic. It won't cost you that much more if you're buying used.

Good luck, and let us know what you get!

LILBENZ230

Did all of you miss the pricing part? The 97 S420 is less than 1/2 the price of the 04 C230.

I say buy the $5,500 1997 S420 and keep the $6,500 for possible repairs. The 4.2L V8 is a stout, solid, reliable engine. The 1997 year was a few years before the major quality control issues started plaguing this brand.

Knowing what I know about the W203, I'm more inclined to think you'll be facing repairs on the 04 before you will on the 97.

BUY THE S420.

OneOfaKindTrini

The s-class is wayy too big IMO. Hold out a bit long to minimize your loan. Or Look for another deal.

Hatchman

Go with the C: Newer, fewer miles, all smiles.

FraKctured

[QUOTE=LILBENZ230;3812681]Did all of you miss the pricing part? The 97 S420 is less than 1/2 the price of the 04 C230.

That's a good point, but figure the 8Cyl vs 4 Cyl gas costs for a daily driver as well. I don't have the exact numbers on hand, but I my old C230 got upwards of 27 combined highway/city. I'd be surprised if the S gets even half that. That is gonna add up over time.

Fun to read the different perspectives on this though!

LILBENZ230

The C will get better gas mileage, no dispute there. But $6,500 buys a lot of gas.

I say go with the S420. Mercedes began emerging from the really bad period around 2005. The 2005-2007 W203s are considered solidly reliable and I wouldn't buy one before 2005.

The S420 will run forever if properly maintained. Everyone remembers the old W124, right? The 1997 W140 is from that era in Mercedes. Those were good years for the brand and those cars are iconic. I have a friend who has a 95 420E and it is knocking on 300,000 miles without issue.

OneOfaKindTrini

But. Im Not Mercedes specialist, but the older model benz's are known to go for LONG without any form of problems. Did you notice how far up in mileage the maintinece is? As in how high it goes up.

omg its nate

I say the C and I live in MN.

LILBENZ230

For the record, I'd say the C-class, too.. if it were 2005, 2006, or 2007. I can't recommend the 2001-2004 cars in good faith. So those of you posting to get the C-class who own a 2005-2007 model, keep in mind the newer W203 cars have quite a few upgrades and advantages over the pre-facelift cars, especially 2006+ with the new powertrains.

kirax2

6k for a 12 years old european car is too much

kirax2

btw i also own a W140 S320 1994 in HK



as of today the car still have 20k miles on the clock after 15 years of driving

but its giving us hell money of trouble

LILBENZ230

20,000 miles in 15 years? I hate to say it but that's likely where the trouble lies. Cars are made to be driven, not as decorations. Long periods of sitting = deterioration. Give me a car with tons of highway miles over a garage queen any day! Been there, done that.

OneOfaKindTrini

Ahahahaha 20k miles in 15years? Wow. Is that possible. Was it driven a few times a month? And iF you knew you were going to not really use it why wouldn't you sell of trade up for something newer overtime?

BlackLiquorish8

Dude when did they have Corvettes in Hong Kong??? How much are they there? I remember going back when I was young and there were no american cars... more info please

aac85

im sure all cars there are pretty low mileage compared to north america

first off.....gas is freakn expensive...second, the commuting distance isnt as long as here

plus all cars there are 2-3 times the pricing here

mystery905

Does the '97 S420 have air suspension? If so, prepare to spend big bucks to maintain it.

I had a Lincoln Continental that had air suspension and it was a pain and fortune to keep it maintained. I finally spent almost a grand to replace it with a coil suspension.

JattMundazMerc

Yeah, my friend had a 2000 s430 and he got rid of his s class because of the airmatic suspension. Both the drivers side front and reason suspensions had to be replace at $1700.00 Canadian each!

dsalinasee87

I just got a c230 K 05' its great and has good pick up for a 4 cylinder. Does anyone know of any DIY's for the c230 w203?