Is 02 C32 w/120K miles worth considering?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Is 02 C32 w/120K miles worth considering?
As the title says: Is a 2002 C32 with 120K miles worth buying? I have yet to see the car in person, so I can't comment too much on the overall condition.
Seller is not the original owner and he does not have any service records with the car. He says it is in god shape and runs and drives great. Yeah..., isn't that what the sellers always say.
I could probably get the car for 8.5-9K, maybe even less, if I go check it out. I am pretty **** about the condition of anything I'm buying, so it is definitely out if it is not as good as it is described to be.
My main concern is that I remember some people commenting here and there that 02 is not worth the hassle. What does that mean? Usually those people do not own 02 model, at least not anymore. What are the common problems with 02s?
I know the Valeo radiator issue is one, but what else? Are there any C32 specific problems? Or are they all just the usual W203 related problems?
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Seller is not the original owner and he does not have any service records with the car. He says it is in god shape and runs and drives great. Yeah..., isn't that what the sellers always say.
I could probably get the car for 8.5-9K, maybe even less, if I go check it out. I am pretty **** about the condition of anything I'm buying, so it is definitely out if it is not as good as it is described to be.
My main concern is that I remember some people commenting here and there that 02 is not worth the hassle. What does that mean? Usually those people do not own 02 model, at least not anymore. What are the common problems with 02s?
I know the Valeo radiator issue is one, but what else? Are there any C32 specific problems? Or are they all just the usual W203 related problems?
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Last edited by TexFinn; Aug 7, 2011 at 10:02 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 10
From: Houston, TX
a car.
I say no, keep searching until you find one you don't second guess yourself about purchasing. The car is rare, bot not THAT rare. I'm happy with my 2004 and would recommend you spend a little more time looking.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Thanks for the comments. I'm not in a hurry to buy, but there's just something about that car that keeps me interested. Damn...
Anybody have comments on the C32 issues? Are there some 02 C32-specific issues that I have seen people at least indirectly refer to?
Anybody have comments on the C32 issues? Are there some 02 C32-specific issues that I have seen people at least indirectly refer to?
Banned
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
2002 C32 AMG alabaster white
I just bought a c32, three weeks ago with 108k on it, at a decent price in CA... its soo smooth, handling feels a lil' heavy but not overdone, acceleration is REDICULIOUS!!! like 60-120 in mere seconds, and lets not mention the stock supercharger, which if you listen close enough makes you smile! I wanted a 335i, but im grown, and getting my sexy on everytime I get into the C32.
no problems, remember its a AMG...special motor = special car.
Get one and keep up on it...dont be a speed racer, and dont over use the auto-manual function and youll be fine!
BUT GET IT DIAGNOSED FIRST FROM THE DEALERSHIP..IT COULD HAVE BEEN MISTREATED!
Just my 2 cents!?!
no problems, remember its a AMG...special motor = special car.
Get one and keep up on it...dont be a speed racer, and dont over use the auto-manual function and youll be fine!
BUT GET IT DIAGNOSED FIRST FROM THE DEALERSHIP..IT COULD HAVE BEEN MISTREATED!
Just my 2 cents!?!
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
Seat Heaters are always an issue on all years of the C32 and SLK32.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Argyle, TX
10 Tahoe LT, 07 Silverado Z71, 99 BMW R1100RT
Thanks for the comments, guys!
I did read about some people blowing their engines, but they all seemed to be at least somewhat modified. Probably not the only reason for the blow-up, of course, but could be a big contributor, though.
Then I read something about cam issues. After the radiator issue, that, to me, seems to be the second main issue. The IC pump seems to be fairly easy fix.
Seat heaters? Meh...
I've been around the block enough to know that cheap does not necessarily mean good, but I'm also not afraid of a car with higher miles. A car with low miles can still break if it has not been maintained. And the car in question does not come with any records, so checking everything out properly is a big must.
The possibility of spending another 2K after buying the car doesn't really sound inviting. But you never know... It might not need anything.
I guess I'll do some more research and if the car is still available in a few days, we'll see. If it is gone, not a biggie. I'm not going to rush into this one.
Keep the info coming, though.
I did read about some people blowing their engines, but they all seemed to be at least somewhat modified. Probably not the only reason for the blow-up, of course, but could be a big contributor, though.
Then I read something about cam issues. After the radiator issue, that, to me, seems to be the second main issue. The IC pump seems to be fairly easy fix.
Seat heaters? Meh...
I've been around the block enough to know that cheap does not necessarily mean good, but I'm also not afraid of a car with higher miles. A car with low miles can still break if it has not been maintained. And the car in question does not come with any records, so checking everything out properly is a big must.
The possibility of spending another 2K after buying the car doesn't really sound inviting. But you never know... It might not need anything.
I guess I'll do some more research and if the car is still available in a few days, we'll see. If it is gone, not a biggie. I'm not going to rush into this one.
Keep the info coming, though.
