2002-2003 C230 Coupe opinions please
 

Hi all. I'm new to MB world and MBWorld. :)

My mom has a thing for MB and always wanted an SLK. However, that's out of the question pricewise. I'm hoping that later this year I could get her a used 2002 maybe 2003 C230 Coupe black with black leather.

Honestly, she is just looking for the badge, so how it handles or how sporty it is doesn't matter.

My questions is more around: is it a bad idea to buy a used MB without a warranty? Do I need another $5000 in the bank for the "occasional" trouble?

I'm hoping that since MB will stop selling them in NA this year, I can maybe get a good deal on one late summer.

Any advice?

Thanks.

Since you are buying used, the C2xx Sedan would be more appropriate for her; there are more of them meaning you'll have more to pick and choose from and the rules of supply and demand state that they will be less expensive (relative to new).

Normally a 3 year old is ideal because it still has warranty and has had the biggest depreciation hit. If it is older and out of warranty the price will be less. Put the difference in a bank account and use that fund to insure against repairs. Maintenance and repairs are the pitfall of any car, new or used – budget accordingly.

Your theory on the discontinuation could go either way - it may become a collector’s item and demand a premium. Also, your with the hatchback which is becoming popular with boy racers, your mom may not want to be mistakenly associated with that group. (The Acura Integra used to be a respectable car).

Other opinions may vary.

Thank you! Good points. I've tried to tell her that a sedan would suit her better, but she actually likes the coupe and doesn't like the sedan. Go figure.

Also, around here, they are not very common and there certainly no boy racers around here with them. But I do get your point. I'm hoping to get a good deal on one as I know there has been one sitting on one dealer's lot for a year. No joke. Silver, auto. I'm gonna get the scoop on it this week, although I'm not ready to buy for at least 6 months.

Currently, 2002s aroud here go for CAD$25,000 with around 60,000kms. Extended warranty for 36 months is $2,350. (All prices in Canadian $). I'm hoping that by the end of summer I'll be able to get 2003 for the same prices.
For comparison, new MSRP is CAD$36,450.

The Coupe is cheaper both new and used. Even the lowly C240 sells for a lot more new.

THe Coupe is also more fun to drive, as all Coupes have the lower and stiffer sport suspension, very few sedans do. The 2003 was the first year for the quieter and more refined 1.8, but its also down noticeably on power vs. the M111 from 2002. I'd shy away from the 1.8 in its first year....especially from a warranty standpoint. Besides, 2002's will be less expensive, and you can *accurately* tell her is the same engine as the SLK.

I bought a C-Coupe (2002) for my fiancee with 49K miles on it. I bought an extended warranty and that ended any worries. They're great values and really, REALLY fun and comfortable to drive.

Check on these forums. SlcV6 has a 2002 C230 Coupe (6-speed, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal interior) that has less than 5000 miles. That's still under factory warranty and it's fully loaded (with COMAND navigation, heated seats, etc.) That car is a good deal and pics can be found in this forum's classifieds. Or if your mom wants an automatic... I know another car (2002 C230 coupe, Brilliant Silver, Oyster interior, C5, C7, Automatic Transmission) in Phoenix that has about 30K miles.

Bob

See, if I was buying it, it would be 6-speed, AMG appearance package, etc. focus on fun.

Unfortunately, fun to drive and handling dynamics are not what my mom is looking for although she does speed. :) I'd go as far as saying that I would look for basic 16" alloys instead of 17" for her to give her a more softer/comfortable ride.

She loves convertibles and especially the SLK's coupe and cabriolet in one proposition. When I said that she should really be wanting the bigger SL instead of SLK, her response was "but that's too big for me. I don't want such a big car." That's why she doesn't want the sedan because it has 4 doors.

Thanks for the heads up on the ones for sale. I'm looking right now, just getting an idea for costs and such and hoping to get one in about 6 months.
I'd be looking for a 2002-03 Coupe, automatic, black, black leather, panoramic roof. Although I hear that early models had issues with the roof squeaking and such. Also, I am in Canada, so those are kind of far for me. ;)
However, I will look into importing one as there may be deals south of the border.

I appreciate all the input.

If she wants the smoot ride, definitely try to get the 16 inch wheels on the 02 or 03. In 03, they also have the C320 coupe which is good for the lead foot. Check Carmax and see how much they are going for.

eljay,
I have an '02 Silver/black leather C7 wheels. To find a black one with black leather isn't impossible but you will have to look around a bit. Madcow disease caused a shortage of leather '02's. I wanted 5 specific things on my coupe and had to look go two states away to find it.

I would not own this car out of warranty. I would also go with the 2.3 over the 1.8 but this is a matter of preference. Does your mother drive RWD cars well in the snow? Your best bet would be to find one that already has a MB extended warranty as it is transferrable.

Get the V6 if you can. It runs at a lower rpm than the I4, so it should last longer.