iamnathanmorrow

I'm turing 16 and I'm very interested in a particular Mercedes and I'd really like some input from experts like you. The car is a 2001 C320 with 49,000 miles. One owner, and it's listed for $7,800. Is this a good deal? Also, since the vehicle has low miles, (That are authentic, it's CarFax certified) I want to project my future with the car. What are common problems, issues, and annoyances might I expect with this vehicle? I'm expecting to have the car throughout high school and college and having a reliable, good looking car is important to me.

Any thoughts or concerns would be great, please let me know everything!
Hope to hear from a lot of you soon, thank you!

tommy

It's a horrible choice, honestly. Only worse one out there is an 01 C240.

It's the first year of a very troubling generation of the C class (at least 01-03ish). They have very bad electrical problems, rust is a serious issue time and time again, and the parts, while always expensive, are getting even more so.

Do you know why it has so few miles? That might not be a good thing.

I'd steer clear of this as a viable option. If you must go with a C class, getting through the mid-gen facelift is a better option.

Also, that price is way too high for any 01, even with the mileage, imho.

samaritrey

Price is way to high and millage way to low. A car sitting IMO is worse than one driven as seals tend to dry out as well as other issues seem to form.

I got my 01 C320 at 16 as well and while mine was the most reliable car on here still cost me to keep her going. Requires premium fuel, expensive parts, expensive diagnostics(unless you spend $500 on a MB diag system AKA Star), rust (early w203's) ect...

Also that price is way to high for that money you could get a 05-07 w203 if you have to have a MB but then you have to worry about the balance shaft issues 06-07.

I would look at something cheap to own, operate and fix as a Mercedes can eat you alive on little things depending on your budget check out a Honda SI, Toyota/Scion plenty of cheap super reliable cars for under 10k. In High School you have bigger things to worry about. Oh and an 01 MB won't do anything for the girls in your class

joemomma

I would go with a more practical option, its your first car.

Also there is a certain satisfaction knowing you've worked your way up.

C280 Sport

Stay away from a 01-04 C Class. Also, what the hell? For the price you stated you can find a solid and very reliable 2005 C240 or C320. For nearly $8,000 you are into CLK money as well. Consider that too.