Any tip in buying a 2001 C180 W203 estate
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Joined: Dec 2011
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W203 C180
Any tip in buying a 2001 C180 W203 estate
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and I'm lookging to buy 2001 C180 estate, which has done about 78000 miles. I'll be inspecting the car over this weekend, I'm just wondering what I need to look for.
I've been told, there may be some issue with the Air-conditioning (possible gas leakage), and the timing-chain was replaced about a year and a half ago (I thought, there is no need for the chain to be replaced or serviced during the life of the engine?).
Any ideas, guys?
Thank you in advance for your help!
regards,
I'm new to this forum and I'm lookging to buy 2001 C180 estate, which has done about 78000 miles. I'll be inspecting the car over this weekend, I'm just wondering what I need to look for.
I've been told, there may be some issue with the Air-conditioning (possible gas leakage), and the timing-chain was replaced about a year and a half ago (I thought, there is no need for the chain to be replaced or serviced during the life of the engine?).
Any ideas, guys?
Thank you in advance for your help!
regards,
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Personally, I would run, not walk, to the hills and not look back. 2001's are the first year, and they are notoriously unreliable. Especially with one with any miles on it.
If that hasn't scared you off, I'd look for:
Extended, transferable warranty?
Check for rust on all wheel well arches, and all over the front bumpers - 2001 and 02 had lousy paint
Listen for any odd noises with the hvac on
If sunroof-equipped, check to make sure that everything is square, and check the tracks with it open
Ask for records, including repairs, things covered under warranty, etc.
Drive it and pay attention to the shifting if it's a slushbox, and clutch feel if it's a manny
Put the windows up and down a couple of times, look for any vibrations
You're right - the timing chain should not need to be changed. Ask them why and demand a copy of the repair receipt, showing what was done at the same time - could be a ticking time bomb
Good luck, even though I'd still look elsewhere
If that hasn't scared you off, I'd look for:
Extended, transferable warranty?
Check for rust on all wheel well arches, and all over the front bumpers - 2001 and 02 had lousy paint
Listen for any odd noises with the hvac on
If sunroof-equipped, check to make sure that everything is square, and check the tracks with it open
Ask for records, including repairs, things covered under warranty, etc.
Drive it and pay attention to the shifting if it's a slushbox, and clutch feel if it's a manny
Put the windows up and down a couple of times, look for any vibrations
You're right - the timing chain should not need to be changed. Ask them why and demand a copy of the repair receipt, showing what was done at the same time - could be a ticking time bomb
Good luck, even though I'd still look elsewhere
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
It's generally stated that the 01 and 02 are both pretty bad; I do not have any knowledge of either being worse as a general rule. It's 2003 when they started to get their act together, add in the right paint additives for better rust protection, but they also went with the newer (but not better) engines.
Don't get me wrong - you could be buying a keeper. But the timing chain replacement would have me very worried.
Don't get me wrong - you could be buying a keeper. But the timing chain replacement would have me very worried.
