aboerens

I should be able to buy the car for around $5,750, I ran the carfax everything looked good. The car drives and engine sounds like it runs good. The car has low miles with 72000. I am just worried about this breaking down and costly repair. Never owned a MB before but would like to buy this especially for the price. Any insight would be great. thanks

BigN8

Where are you located?

what is the body condition?

aboerens

just to add on the above, drive my wife car after work and on the weekends. This car would be almost strictly a commuter car driving about 30 miles per day mon-fri

aboerens

I am in the slc utah area. It also has brand new snow tires which is a perk. The body looks good. I could post some pictures if that would be helpful

tommy

Pics would help. Is it a 4matic? That would be a good idea for your area.

I am always hesitant about recommending these cars, honestly, as any breakdown is very costly. On the other hand, the 240 has been proven to be very reliable, if v e r y slow at the same time.

Personally, I would get an Accord V6 in the price range instead, but if you have to get a used W203 sedan, this one's about as harmless as they come.

aboerens

I wouldnt even consider doing this, but it sounds like the c240 is considered a reliable car anywhere I look. I dont think this has the 4matic. But he did buy new snow tires which should be fine in the area I live. here is a few pictures

tommy

Looks decent enough, the MFD looks a healthy orange (they tend to fade badly over time when they're in hot weather).

I'd check the rear quarterpanels just behind the wheel arches. I'm assuming you're going to take it to an independent MB mechanic to give it a going over? If not, make sure to check the engine compartment for any signs of oil leaks. Do you have the service history? Check for normal oil changes, Service A and B, and any tranny fluid changes. There are some electric gremlins to be concerned about, but hard to spot 'em until they happen.

aboerens

Tommy, thanks for the insight. Would I just take it to a MB dealership and have them look it over. Do you know what they charge? I have a freind who works with cars but would prob rather have a MB guy take a look

glocati

Anecdotal testimony:

Bought my 04 C240 RWD with 39K - currently have 107K and it has been ROCK solid. I have had an alarm siren, and a cat converter ( covered under emisssions warranty) go bad. That's it. Routine maintenance from there.

And Tommy is right- the C240 is setting no speeds records. Great grocery getter however...

grege

Hi ab,
Some of these reports are understating the pedigree of the C240, I'd like to bump that up a bit.

For motor and running gear, these are very very good. If you search threads you will see some guy that did 400k mi and no engine / tranny repairs other than a starting motor I think. Bulletproof is a common term you will find.

Before I bought my 01 C240 wagon, I though these cars would be a bit light and not that good at hi speed travel, esp after my R129 SL which I still have and love.
Quite wrong, I love the C240, they are very competent high speed drivers, forget any idea of it as a to the shops car. I drive a lovely 400k drive weekly there and back, with lots of winding road and passes and thru forests, and its such a pleasure. No way would I swap this for what some others are suggesting!! Generally I step out of the car after the 400k journey feeling chirpier than at the outset. Adrenalin ia a great tonic, and its a lovely road!

Mine is a wagon, they are quite heavy at 1600kg, but I drive the 400ks in one hit mostly, and a lot quicker than most on the road. Given a good prod to get into 3rd, its quite good for passing, just love the intelligent auto.

And another surprise its actually very economical for its size / weight, and doesn't drop off much when pushing some quite quick speeds. I get 9.2l/100k on a pretty quick trip, best has been 8.2 on a 100k flat road. It never gets over 10 unless I'm really pushing hard and lots of passing. A lot of much lighter and very average cars may only marginally better economy, but nowhere need the solidity and comfort and pleasure of these.

Bought mine at 155ks, now has 220k year and a bit later. It seems to just gets better and better the more I drive it.
Main thing to check is the aircon flap steppers - you will see lots of stuff about these, common to all W203, mine needed doing and cost around 2k to fix, was some of the awkward ones.

Do your homework on a couple of fairly easily figured potential issues, and it could be the best value and most enjoyable drive you'll have, and I think a great first MB for someone looking for a good example of just how much MB cars are instilled with great driving and comfort. Even the factory Becker stereo sound reproduction is great. I always go for leather seats for better comfort.
That's my tuppence worth. :}

Glyn M Ruck

The C240 if in good condition is a million Km car. The drivetrain is proven & tough. My late 2003 C240 had one stoplamp, one transmission 5 cent plug washer & two castor bushes in it's 8 year life with me. Still running trouble free with a friend.

Common high mileage Taxi in Asia.