Hello,

I have owned a few Mercedes and have always been happy. About a year ago, I sold my 2003 C32, had it for about 2 years, great car.

I do all repairs / maintenance myself, comfortable doing most anything.

My 16 year old daughter is looking for her 1st car, looking at W203 C230 and C320 sedan, budget of about $3500. Are there any specific issues I should be aware of, or looking for? Any issues with the compressor models?

Thanks in advance, Mike

 

$3500 will probably not get you any W203 in decent shape. How about nicely maintained low mileage W202 instead for around $2000 and keep the difference?

 

Thanks for the quick reply. There are a couple I have found out here in AZ. I realize I need to see in person, but they look decent, especially as a first car.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/6176836884.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/cto/6154417329.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/6172593154.html

 

The red car looks pretty decent if you like red, its also a facelift and sport package car, the price seems fair if there are no major defects found upon inspection and road test. It doesn't look like a kid has gotten ahold of it and driven it into the ground. You just need to go look at it and drive it. It probably needs several minor repairs at the least.

 

Get the 240/320 not the 230. The v6 is more reliable,cheaper and easier to work on and more powerful. There are far more failure points on both the m111 and m271. The m112 is bulletproof. The early m272 v6 is a nightmare.

 

Great, thanks for the info!

 

I just talked to the guy with this car....
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/6176836884.html

Dealer maintained with records, garaged, CA/AZ car, 9/10 in and out, he sounds very particular. Over the phone I have him down to $3k. Looking at it this evening, hopefully it pans out.

 

White with tint all around seems ideal for your climate. Good luck.

 

I could not agree more, going to be 121 here on Tuesday.

We ended up with the car for $2900, super clean and rides like a champ.