Folks, I am a newb here and I have only driven one w204 a 300, in the rain.
The following is ~120 miles from me. Is it worth a trip to see and test drive?
Seems a bit over badged and modded with at least exhausts. Not sure I like those canards. Its a 350 4 matic is about all I can tell.
Would you consider it or walk away?

• Here it is

 

From personal used cars buying experiences, I immediately recognized few deciding key factors in your case.
Pros: Car looks too nice to resist in picture with lots of complimentary options and that's about it. oh, decent mileage.

Cons: Car has been in accident (major factor).
1 opened Recall, undone as yet.
2. with 2 previous owners.
3. You are 2 hours away from this seller. That's all I got for you, I hope you will give it a good long thought.

 

Car is well optioned. Front canards are easily removed and that sticker is stupid, and you need to remove all the amg badging. As far as the Carfax goes, I agree with above except I don't really mind recalls unless there are many. The takata issue is a recall on our cars for driver/pass so that's 2 right there.

Overall not bad, I think could negotiate the price down a bit. The location for the accident doesn't seem to bad, also taking into account the details of the Carfax.

 

I'd personally walk. 120 miles is a bit far, and "if" you do drive there, there will be an inherently greater chance of you getting it even though your gut feeling may still be on the fence.

Here's why I personally wouldn't (please don't lynch me...these are just my personal opinions).

• The car doesn't appear to be from an enthusiast (my ideal seller). Instead, this appears to be from the exact type of seller I'd personally stay away from.
• While I do agree the car looks good, red flags pop up in that I believe the previous owners were trying a tad bit too hard and to me, this screams shortcuts in probably more ways than one.
  • Quick Examples:
    • Look at the bumper and how it is misaligned with the fender (signs of front end collision...and if it wasn't then that's just sloppy work from the initial "modder").
    • The single fin grill is a knock-off and it wouldn't surprise me if the headlights were also (but it would logically make sense to replace the grill if it was in an accident since to me this is can be considered an opportunistic type of mod, so why not). As for the headlights, an easy way to see if they're fake is to push the high-beam stalk forward. If you can engage the auto-high beam assist, then you are good to go. You can also start the car in a dark environment to check if the headlights auto-aligns itself by seeing it go up/down/left/right when it first turns on.
    • The car has a tow hook mounted license plate mount (primary reason for this is to keep your bumper in pristine condition), but there are holes on the bumper left over from the center mount plate, so this is most likely the OEM bumper...but then why is it misaligned?
    • Exhaust. That's not an aftermarket exhaust (it would actually be better if it was), but those are just quad tips welded to the existing piping. It also wouldn't surprise me if they replaced the OEM resonator with an X-pipe that is most likely very rusted by now (another thing to check if you do make the drive).
    • Tires. While I wouldn't overly criticize if the tires are new (can't see from the pics), the type of tire mounted (if worn) is another tell regarding the type of driver the previous owner is. The cheaper the tire, the less likely they care about the overall performance of the car (and possibly maintenance as well).

 

By decoding the VIN of the car, I can confirm that the car came with the factory bi-xenon headlights. Most likely OEM headlights were fitted to it if they were part of the repair.

Below is a list of all the options.

053 - YOM 12/2
100A - IMITATION LEATHER
108 - CONTROL CODE MARKETING
10A - OIL OFFSET AMOUNT +1000 ML OIL
121A - IMITATION LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE
149U - POLAR WHITE
1U2 - SNOW GRID
212B - OP. INSTRUCT. AND MAINT. BOOKLET-ENGL. FOR USA/CAN
218 - REAR-VIEW CAMERA
232 - GARAGE DOOR OPENER WITH 284 - 390 MHZ FREQUENCY
240 - LED DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
245 - TRIP COMPUTER / COMPASS
249 - INSIDE AND OUTSIDE MIRROR AUTOMATIC DIMMING
264 - LICENSE PLATE ATTACHMENT AMERICA
275 - MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
280 - LEATHER STEERING WHEEL AND LEATHER GEAR SHIFT KNOB
284B - AIRBAG LABEL - ENGLISH FOR USA
287 - THROUGH-LOADING FEATURE
291 - PELVIS AIRBAG (PELVISBAG)
293 - SIDEBAG IN REAR LEFT AND RIGHT
294 - KNEE AIRBAG
301 - ASHTRAY PACKAGE
309 - CUP HOLDER
312B - HEAD UNIT LANGUAGE - AMERICAN ENGLISH
342B - INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/HU LANGUAGE - AMERICAN
345 - RAIN SENSOR
348 - EMERGENCY CALL/SUPPORT SYSTEM
413 - PANORAMIC SLIDING SUNROOF/GLASS SUNROOF
427 - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED
428 - STEER.WHEEL GEARSHIFT BUTTONS/SHIFT PADDLE PAINTED
440 - TEMPOMAT (CRUISE CONTROL)
442 - MULTIFUNCTION STEERING WHEEL (12 BUTTONS)
461 - INSTRUMENT WITH MILES IND. AND ENGLISH LEGEND
475 - TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) HIGH LINE/MID LINE
486 - SPORTS SUSPENSION
494 - U.S. VERSION
512 - COMAND APS WITH DVD CHANGER
518 - UNIVERSAL COMMUNICATIONS INTERFACE (UCI)
51U - BLACK FABRIC ROOF INTERIOR TRIM
536 - "SIRIUS" SATELLITE RADIO COMPLETE SYSTEM
551 - ANTI-THEFT/ANTI-BREAK-IN WARNING SYSTEM
580 - AIR CONDITIONER
584 - ELECTRIC WINDOW REGULATOR
59V - SPEED- + LOADINDEX 92H XL+94H XL
600 - HEADLAMPS - CLEANING EQUIPMENT
608 - AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SWITCH (IHC)
615 - BI-XENON HEADLICHT W.ACTVIE CURVELIGHT RIGHT-DRIVE
634 - DELETION - FIRST AID KIT
636 - DELETION - WARNING TRIANGLE
668 - PRODUCT PROT.F.TRANSPORT VEH. W/ TIE-DOWN HOOKS
690 - EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE)
705L - UNITED STATES (USA)
731 - TRIM PIECES - WOOD BURRED WALNUT VENEER
763 - RADIO REMOTE CONTROL W/ PANIC SWITCH (315 MHZ)
772 - AMG STYLING PACKAGE-FRONT SPOILER, SIDE SKIRT
786 - AMG DOUBLE-SPOKE WHEELS 18" WITH MIXED TIRES
7XXL - NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
803 - YOM 12/1
810 - SOUND SYSTEM
873 - SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
876 - INTERIOR LIGHT ASSEMBLY
887 - SEPARATE TRUNK LID LOCKING
909 - ALTERNATOR MANAGEMENT
916 - FUEL TANK WITH INCREASED CONTENT
919 - AIRCON COOLING POWER PACKAGE
952 - SPORTS PACKAGE
986 - DEVIATING VIN WITH MODEL YEAR
989 - IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
A20 - DIRECT START
A63 - FE TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING-0
A64 - FE CONVERTER 0 MM
A68 - TRANSMISSION HOUSING WITH DEEP OIL LINE CONNECTION
A87 - U VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY WITH VGS 3
A89 - REDUCED-FRICTION
B03 - DIRECT START / ECO START/STOP FUNCTION
B09 - REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR WITH MAGNETIC COUPLING
B12 - WHEEL REPLACEMENT TOOL
F204 - MODEL SERIES 204
FC - COUPE
G960 - TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 60
GA - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HA - REAR AXLE
K15 - STEUERCODE FUER SERVICEINTERVALL 15000 KM
L - LEFT-HAND STEERING
M005 - VEHICLES WITH 4-MATIC-/ALL WHEEL DRIVE
M276 - V6-GASOLINE ENGINE M276
M35 - DISPLACEMENT 3.5 LITER
R02 - ALL SEASON TYRES
U10 - FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH WEIGHT SENSING
U12 - FLOOR MATS - VELOUR
U71 - DVD PLAYER WITH REGIONAL CODE 1, USA
VL - FRONT AXLE HALF, LEFT
VR - FRONT AXLE HALF, RIGHT
149U - POLAR WHITE
121A - IMITATION LEATHER - BLACK/ANTHRACITE
M276 - V6-GASOLINE ENGINE M276

 

You guys are awesome! So much help! Let me take it all in slow ...

 

Edgalang did a great job noticing the front bumper/fender misalignment - really nice job.

Also I don't actually know how our tow hook works, but if it pulls out I don't know how it pops back in - perhaps it is difficult so they went for a license plate mount... (lost the cap or couldnt put back, idk)


Honestly as mentioned there are signs that its not necessarily "enthusiast kept" - there are some "tasteful" mods like the diffuser, tips, and mirror covers, however it seems like theres a lot to cover up, as well as...well, you know, run as if is from that "crowd"

tl;dr - despite a well optioned (and c350 w/ 4matic) car, I don't think its worth it. I would aim for a stock one, or at least something more cared for I guess.

 

Tow hooks, front or rear, on MB vehicles is threaded and screws into the bumper support. The caps that cover the access point for the threaded hole have a little "strap" built in that allows the cap to dangle off the bumper while the tow hook is mounted. The cap isn't permanently attached and can easily be removed. Install is just as easy and pops right back in.

My guess is this car was originally sold in a state that didn't have front plates and later ended up in a state that did, hence the front plate bracket.

 

So I did not drive to see this car. Too much fake bling for me.
Special thanks to all of you for reading the carfax (I didn't bother!!!), for noticing the misaligned bumper, and for running the VIN.
This is a great community and I appreciate the help.
Drove 2 more Mercs yesterday and liked one a bit. Still looking.


If OK with you, I might post other potential buys here. Or, would the mods prefer I post a new thread for each car I see/drive/test?

 

Just post them in this thread, that's why we're here.

 

Post away. That is the reason why this board is here. Besides, we all like shopping...even if it's vicariously lived through you.

As for the previous car, you can still go for it. The difference is you now have ammunition to "haggle" with the dealer to point things out to hopefully score you a better deal. If you can get it for cheap, why not.

 

This one looks good, I love this interior package.
And as mentioned, with tune youd be near 330hp.
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/735218667/overview/

 

Aaaah, so nice, real leather and red stiching package. I read about that version, but but, I need the wood though. You guys are convincing me I don't need to search to frantically for the C350.
The C300 I drove yesterday was very good already and I really enjoyed the steering wheel feeling too.
Indiana, 3.5 hour away. Very nice example, clean mods, thanks for looking. I am keeping it in my sight, the price is friendly too. so is the mileage.

 

I'm not much of a wood trim guy, even though I have it. What is your postal code?

 

40503

 

Here's another, alas, no wood trim

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/735067170/overview/

 

Thanks Adi.

 

Still here. Drove Audi, BMW, and kinda want to drive a w204 luxury version...

Audi A5 2 door: too low, too tight, and I just can't deal with the steering wheel feeling in the city. On the highway, its OK, in the city it is just over powered or something and I am allergic to this. Can't see buying an Audi.

BMW 228 OR 335. 228 Was very nice. Still like those.

 

I'd pass. As others have mentioned, there are a lot of red flags. Go to a dealership and get a certified pre-owned. You can find them in flawless condition with less miles. Many include warranty and service, as well.
I've never understood why people "up-sell" their badging. You're going to feel pretty stupid when someone blows you away in your "AMG" in a quick race. Not to mention just taking it in for service. Silly.

 

Thanks CJG, I have most certainly moved on. The only problem with the approach you suggest is that my local Merc dealer has ONE C class car for sale from 2008. And that has been it for the past 3 months. I think of him as a useless dealer when it comes to selling used Mercs. That is not his strength. So I search and search and contemplate driving 150 miles each way.

Its OK I will take my time. And as I mentioned above, I might even try a luxury W204.

 

 

I did ask him if he was interested in transferring a car or 2 up here (there are tons in Florida for example). . . long story short, . . No!
I left him with my coordinates in case one came in or he would find one and I have nothing in 2 months.

Thanks for the encouraging words.

 

I'd try CarMax too, that is where I bought my car from 3 years ago. They allow you to search by many different criterias in all their stores across the country and can even transfer if you'd like some free depending how close they are.
https://www.carmax.com/car/15682595
https://www.carmax.com/car/15200856
https://www.carmax.com/car/14606015

3 well optioned samples.

 

Thanks, totally agree, I drove a C300 at my local carmax. I agree, free transfer is good and I am having a bimmer transferred this week. I will keep shoping for the right C300. The right combo isn't there yet there yet for me. I have narrowed my search to 2022 to 2014 C300. I would like to try and drive a luxury now.

 

So to continue the story on the search, I drove a 2011 328Xi yesterday and was impressed with a smooth ample good sounding acceleration. Steering was great too. I thought, this is great, I know what I like, and I have limited my search to the last years of the straight 6 from BMW and boom, lets start looking for the trims I like. The one I drove was black on black, stretched tires, the trim around rear doors was rattling, there were many dings and the inside was not very clean. So not the one. But I thought OK, I like that model, that year, that power is enough for me.

Of note, when doing the test drives, I always do a very slow (2 mph) 120 degree right hand turn into a parking lot (while braking) that has a nasty up elevation with a couple of hard road imperfections. Perfect for testing the chassis, its strength, and the car's behavior. Well, I was disappointed! I heard a lot of creaks and cracks and the suspension was a little rough. Sure, car is 7 years old but hmm, made me think.

So I turn to my wife. . .,


..., . . .," Seats uncomfortable, hard , too low ,. . ."


So then I step back into a 2014 C300 Sport 4MATIC. My own impression and personal opinions here. Remember that I started this thread talking about the W204. And I have driven a few since then but man, was I absolutely, pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it was because I did the 2 test drives back to back but I found that

The sound was smoother, deeper and less metallic that the 328.
The power was similar.
The comfort was very superior in the Merc. That same bumpy turn in was nearly unnoticeable, don't know how they do it but man, that was really really impressive. Yes it is a fresher suspension and perhaps the comparison is useless.

I honestly am thinking of continuing to drive more Mercs, maybe try the C250 as well. Luxury is another option too.

So to finish the long rap up.

I am driving this today. Could be another change of heart: