Alriko

Hi everyone! First post here, but I signed up because I've been doing a bit of research on my next car, and decided on a 2017-2018 C43 (I currently have a 2004 WRX with 180k on it I've had for 6 years and I'm ready to get something much newer).

I've found a 2017 C43 with every option I want (night package, AMG front seats, color, autonomous cruise, full LED headlights) but it has 50k miles on it.

​​​​​​Over the past couple months I've been looking for one that had closer to 20k, however nothing has come up locally yet.

I'm a remote IT Systems Engineer, so I hardly drive now during covid at all. So I've been taking my time finding the right car, since it's likely going to be another few months before I'm out driving more.

My questions to you guys who have 2017-18 C43s (The C43 with 50k miles does save me almost $7k on the average book price so this is nice):
1. Is there any upcoming standard maintenance items I would/or should need to be aware and factor in the cost of the car that I may not factor in with one that had say 20k?
2. I hear a lot of people say the engine is rock solid and pulls strong for a while - do you all have the same experience?
3. Honestly, I don't plan to keep another vehicle for 6 years. I expect this would be reliable for the next 3-4 years?
4. Is there anything you think a first time buyer should know you wish you knew before you bought your C4?

I'm purchasing a Mercedes (or at least on the lookout) so I do understand I'm purchasing a car that has above average maintenance costs. I just want to ensure I factor in the expected and projected costs when I'm purchasing the vehicle. Sometimes the costs up front outweigh the costs over time with an older vehicle.
Thanks so much everyone!

Sam Manuel

Unfortunately 7k savings isn’t worth it, it’s gotta be at least 20k savings and you gotta see maintenance records , engine might be rock solid but the build quality isn’t there and with an amg badge even c 43 , the repairs won’t be kind.

The dealer won’t be kind at all with repair costs.

matt.jessop

£7K savings on 30K miles is about right in my opinion. Are you buying privately or from a MB dealer ?
Servicing isnt cheap but Merc do have maintenance plans available, alternatively find a good local independent garage.

bzammitt

I have a '15 C400 (same engine as C43) with 80k miles and the drivetrain has been 100% reliable and solid. Oh and it's been tuned for 35k of those miles.

Alriko

I should be a bit more clear (but it's also possible everyone read me correctly!) The cost for the car is $36,000. (I mean to indicate that it's about $7k less than the 2017's with ~20-25k miles out there - so maybe the cost of the vehicle actually is higher than you guys were thinking, this puts me even further away from the mark). It does have all the options more stock 17-18 Mercedes C43s don't like I mentioned above, so there is absolutely more to 'break' and I absolutely am taking that into account. If I were to buy this car I doubt I'll get maintenance records. I'd have to rely on the report I have from Carfax and the vehicle service listed in it. I appreciate the feedback! I have definitely heard mixed reviews on the build quality in my time researching my next car but have also seen a lot of stellar reviews. It's good to hear you've been running solid with a tune for almost half of the cars life bzammitt! Ive definitely read others who have. Also to answer the other question, it's not being sold by Mercedes. It's another public dealer. It isn't a private sale. Thanks for the advice guys!

pete_w

Your local dealer can look up service records using the VIN of the car. Call them and see what they have to say.

stockbmw

Only option it needs is performance exhaust. If not pass.

And try the c43 subforum. More info there on pros and cons.

Alriko

Great idea on calling my local MB dealership. I'll see if they'll entertain me.

Secondly, it has the performance exhaust, but not the AMG performance exhaust you're probably referring to with the baffles you can open/close in sport+ mode. It has pretty much every single other option but that. Is it really the best option? Hah.

Lastly, I totally missed the C43 sub category! I don't know how. I definitely looked for it but apparently glazed over it good. Aww man.

​​​​​​Either way thanks for the additional feedback!

Alriko

If a mod is willing to move this I would be more than appreciative (I'm sure I could make another post too but I'd rather not make unnecesary duplicative posts either)!