Purchase advice 01-02 C
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Joined: Apr 2011
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2003 CLK500 Pewter
Purchase advice 01-02 C
I'm looking for a little advice. I am trying to choose between two C class MB's. One is a 02 C240 with 100K on it that I can probably get for about 8K. (2 owner, second owner has only had 3k miles).
Second is a 01 C320 with 90K that I can pick up for 7000. 3 Owners.
Both are clean. The carfax on the 01 is clean except it seemed to be at the shop fairly often between 20K and 60K. Pretty quiet after that. Haven't seen the carfax on the 02 but the current owner has a copy. No issues.
The 02 is a private owner while the 01 is at a small dealer. Both equipped the same, except for the engine. Both are clean with new tires.
You guys know these cars better than me obviously. Should I go with the 01 with the 3.2? That's where I'm leaning. Is the 02 any more reliable? Anything I should look for. I can have the 02 inspected at a MB dealer but the 01 is too far away. Thanks for any advice.
Second is a 01 C320 with 90K that I can pick up for 7000. 3 Owners.
Both are clean. The carfax on the 01 is clean except it seemed to be at the shop fairly often between 20K and 60K. Pretty quiet after that. Haven't seen the carfax on the 02 but the current owner has a copy. No issues.
The 02 is a private owner while the 01 is at a small dealer. Both equipped the same, except for the engine. Both are clean with new tires.
You guys know these cars better than me obviously. Should I go with the 01 with the 3.2? That's where I'm leaning. Is the 02 any more reliable? Anything I should look for. I can have the 02 inspected at a MB dealer but the 01 is too far away. Thanks for any advice.
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From: LA
'05 c230 Kompressor SS Mistress
I think you should look around a bit more and steer clear of the 01 and 02 models
Anything after 05 is going to be a better buy ... plus you get the facelift body . If that's an option for you that is. Bit in any case maybe the 01 c320 might work out once you find out the complete background on it
Anything after 05 is going to be a better buy ... plus you get the facelift body . If that's an option for you that is. Bit in any case maybe the 01 c320 might work out once you find out the complete background on it
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From: VA
THE C350
Well most will say 01-03 are not a good idea. If you want a c240 vs c320 in those years go for the c320 because it has way better power. My car has been very reliable it is at 167k with very little issues and has never left me stranded. That said if you get a bad apple from 01-03 they can get very expensive quick. Mine back in the day had a few issues that were covered under warranty but has not had a major issue since like 95k so hopefully the 01 you are looking at would be the same. I would say get a late 04-07 if possible but if you really want one of theses c320 is my choice.
Last edited by samaritrey; Oct 23, 2011 at 09:22 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 51
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2003 CLK500 Pewter
The carfax on the 01 showed it in the shop for repeated checks and fixes. Sometimes the same item 3-4 months apart. It must have worn the first two owners out but it got real quiet on the maintenance and repairs after 60k. Nothing since then but routine stuff and tires. Maybe they worked the bugs out. Gonna drive both again tomorrow and get underneath them for a good look. Thanks for the opinions...any thing I should look out for?
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From: VA
THE C350
Check the cup holder, Front bushings for cracks or leakage, go over speed bumps head on and at an angle to listen for squeaks from the suspension (very common), Find out if transmission has been serviced(if not have dealer take off 300-400 to have it done, run a test of ac by holding recirculate and defrost for 10 seconds and it should start going back and forth and move all the flaps and stop after like 30 seconds if it does not needs to have dash removed to fix, that is all i can think of besides a normal new car check.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Avoid the 01-02 models as though they have infectious diseases. It isn't a case of you might get a bad apple. It's can you pick out the good apple? 01-02 were very, very bad years for Mercedes in general and you will regret it. Get late 03+ or avoid the W203 altogether.
