jetta02awp

Hey everyone! I just joined and I'm going to see a c230 kompressor coupe today and I'm looking for some insight. I've been a VW owner for the past 10 years.

Anyhow, the car has 66k miles, new rear diff, control arms and spherical bushings (whatever those are) He is asking $5300 and it comes with 2 sets of wheels and tires. The Benz wheels have snow tires on them. My biggest concern is rust. There is some on the hood by the emblem, a little on the one door corner and the worst spot is the one of the rear wheels wells. Other than that the car looks really good in pictures.

Do you guys think this is a fair price? I know what KBB value (about $5300 in fair condition)

Here are some pics








Thanks in advance guys
-Nick

tommy

Nick, that rust will cost you. If it's on that side, it's most likely on the other, but might not be as visible. I had both sides done for about $1200 or so. Then needed both rear quarter panel arches done, then both front fenders replaced, then hood repainted as well. The 2001-2s are very prone to rust; MB used inferior paint in those years due to new German regulations and didn't add enough inhibitors.

Did you take into account on KBB that it doesn't have sunroof or Bose stereo upgrade? Though seeing a manny is always a good thing.

My advice: if you can afford the eventual fixes and possible rust problems don't scare you, it looks decent otherwise. I would definitely have a mechanic give it a good going over before you buy.

Make sure to put it through the paces on your test drive, and feel out the tranny.

Good luck.

jetta02awp

Thanks for the quick reply. I just looked at KBB again and didn't realize that it defaults the options with moonroof. I took that option out and the value dropped to $4900. I was thinking of offering the guy like $4500. All he can do is say no.

I've had a soft spot for these car for a long time now. I bought my Jetta new in 02 and had looked at these also. At the time I didn't want to pay the extra $4k over what I paid for my Jetta.

Can you tell from the pictures that it doesn't have a moonroof? Either way it is no big deal to me. I never used the one in my Jetta and from what I have read, they are more of a headache on these cars.

Peydidy

Wish my coupe was a manual
But thats really low miles for a 02 and another thing to look out for is EIS issues, my EIS went out the week after I bought my coupe and that can be a hefty repair (around $1500+). I don't know to much about the rust issue because I have never had a car with any rust in my life, but obviously that can be a major issue. Other then the rust issue it looks good .

jetta02awp

The miles are what is drawing me towards it (and the 2.3l) My Jetta has 88k and I thought that was low

tommy

Oops, my bad - on the first pic, you can clearly see the line about a foot and a half from the top of the windshield.

It's a fun car when it's running. The manny will be more notchy than you're used to in the Jetta.

jetta02awp

I've read about the tranny being notchy. I would imagine its mosty due to the fact that its rear wheel drive and the shifter goes straight into the tranny. My dad has had 2 Miatas. A first gen and a 2nd gen and they were both notchy

edgarinho10

Where exactly is the car located?

C230 Sport Coup

Go for it! Low miles, no worriies about Valeo radiators leaking tranny fluid from the auto, or
issues with auto tranny fluid changes. That eliminates a lot of maint.
Check the cam sensor on the front to make sure it has the added connector, and check the connection at the ...oh wait no auto, so never mind.
Wow,not having an auto makes it easy.

So what I'm talking about is the leaking cam sensor (actually as I'm finding out, it's a cam adjuster)
that leaks on the front of the head, and fills the engine harness with oil and plays havoc.
Lots of threads on this and I can't find a pic for you, sorry.
But look under the grey plastic cover on the front of the head.
It's hard to remove without messing it up, but it's critical you check it.

In the US the dealer should have installed a 'dongle' or rather a 2nd connector piece between the harness and the sensor/adjuster to prevent the oil from wicking into the harness. It was a 'service bulletin' which means they do it for free IF you bring it to the dealer.
This is something you definitely need to get a look at it. As long as that added connector piece is there, likely you are ok.

Yes, please update your profile to show 'location'.

jetta02awp

So I'm guessing that these car are generally very reliable. I already know that there is no timing belt and I would assume as in most RWD cars that dropping the tranny to change the clutch wouldn't be nearly as difficult as FWD.

I'm waiting for the guy to call me back right now so I can go take a look at it

tommy

I wouldn't go to the track today then, with that kind of guessing ability.

The engine itself is pretty bulletproof, it's the sh*t around it that falls apart. As you already know, they rust, and the differentials tend to fry. As do random sensors, relays, and the occasional rear speaker cover.

As I said previously, you should have some money tucked away as a rainy day fund if you do end up getting one of these cars, because you're going to need it sooner or later.

jetta02awp

Well I'll have an extra $700 laying around since there is no timing belt

I've spent a good part of this week researching these cars specifically with the m111. So, I think I know what I'm getting myself into but of course there are always surprises.

I've been browsing this forum all day today and even went to autozones website to check prices on maintenance parts just to see how it compares to VW and other vehicles I've had over the years.

This car will never see the track...well maybe 1/4 mile once just to see what it runs

jetta02awp

I ended up buying it. He came down to $4900. Any less and he said he would keep the car. The rust actually looks worse in the pictures than in person, its usually the other way around. It does not have a moonroof, which I'm ok with (Never really used the one in my Jetta anyhow)

It comes with 2 sets of wheel and tires

The interior looks like no one ever sat in it.

Everything works except the cruise in 6th gear for some reason...Anyone have a clue on this one?

I checked the cam sensor for any leaks and everything is dry in the area.

I can't get it until Monday since banks close early on Saturday. I was dumbfounded by all the gadgets in the car. I guess in the end, its still a Benz. The headrest lowering when you put the seat forward for rear seat access was the most interesting.

I'll post my own pictures when I pick it up. I can't wait!

C230 Sport Coup

Congrats! Pano is a nice option, but if you don't care, that's one less problem down the road. Another coupe owner!
Spend the time to read the owners manual.
BTW- THat color blue in 2002 was like around an extra $1500 on top of the extra 700 for metallic paint.
I almost bought one that color, but decided to not spend an extra 1500 on paint, and held out
for one with the sport package with the lighter color blue.

Time to start modding! I'd say for for some new tails ASAP.
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Mercedes-Heck...item19be9dbcf3

Gilgorm

I just traded my 02 CL230. It had no rust at all and had lived outside its entire time with me. Check the cam sensor as mentioned. Codes include O2 sensors and a host of other problems. If sensor is oil free (very visible) and extension wire has been installed you should be good to go. On 02 there is only one on the very front-top of the engine. On 02s I don't think there is a cover.
BTW my trade value was only $5,000 CDN (at 4 dealers).
Bought new in 02.
Had Panoramic roof, leather, BOSE, CD changer, leather wheel and shifter, auto with 46,000km (28,000mi)
02 had 192 HP and 2.3L engine was only in car that one year (same as SLKs). It was a blast to drive and never left me stranded.
Check it out thoroughly.
GL

jetta02awp

I like the tail lights BTW. I looked through your thread. Are those the same or similar to what you have?

I'm so excited for tomorrow to drive it home! I agree the moonroof would have been nice but like I said, I rarely used the one in my Jetta so I'm sure the same would hold true with this one.

I definately agree with you on the reading the owners manual! When I took the car for a ride I started pushing buttons and the car started talking to me. LOL

I paid private party value in fair condition (which I'm ok with) I think about used cars that I've bought over the years and what I've paid for them and it makes this car look like a steal. Plus the 2 sets of wheels and tires are a nice bonus. I'm sure I can get a couple of hundred bucks out of either set if I choose to sell a set. I only need one. This car will never see another winter as long as I have it.

The wheels lead me to my next question. What size wheels will fit on these car. It has 17's on it now.
I'm looking at these. The first link is from a C-Class so I know they'll fit but the 2nd link is a staggered setup from an AMG
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/pts/3112196961.html
and these
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/pts/3050389790.html

The interior is immaculate. It looks like no one has ever driven it

You guys have been a lot of help. Thanks again! You'll be seeing a lot of me around here now

Peydidy

The car started talking to you? What do you mean? Congrats on the purchase! been getting a lot of new coupe owners in the past 2 days

jetta02awp

I pushed on the stalk on the top right behind the steering wheel and a voice came over the radio asking what feature I needed help with. lol


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