Considering of joining with the pack :)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C32
Considering of joining with the pack :)
Would you recommend 2003 C32 AMG with 140 000 miles on it for everyday driver.
It has full service history and everything seems to be in great condition.
I'm a little worried about the miles, but I have read that AMG engines should last?
Looking for helpful opinions and what to look for before buying!
Thank you all upfront!
It has full service history and everything seems to be in great condition.
I'm a little worried about the miles, but I have read that AMG engines should last?
Looking for helpful opinions and what to look for before buying!
Thank you all upfront!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Wappingers Falls NY
1996 S420 2006 C55AMG 2002Mustang GT
well i mean i plan on taking my c55 till she dies but as long as you dont beat on it and its been maintained properly there is no reason why a modern engine cant last to 300K and beyond
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 754
Likes: 10
From: Houston, TX
a car.
That's about $4,000 over NADA value, and there are plenty of 2002 C32's with lower mileage priced accordingly. Private party or dealer?
As for the problems that could arise. There's the Cam Shaft issue some members have seen. The seals, gaskets and motor mounts on these cars seem to wear out quicker than they should. Possible fluid contamination from the Valeo radiator, if it's been replaced with a Behr you should be fine. Electronics in the seat can go bad, same with the heaters. The LCD display on the dash has given some owners problems. The intercooler pump is a crapshoot, some last forever, others die early. Minor niggles here and there that a quick search should return.
As for the good, the car is a blast to drive. Easily modded and fairly cheap if that's your interest. Nice back seat in a peppy sedan and the trunk room is pretty nice. Car looks great, I've always felt the W203 was the best C Class model MB made, especially with the AMG package. The majority of repairs can be done in your garage, some might be easier with a friend, but almost all issues have been documented by now and have DIY guides.
I'd pass on the car at $14,900. You could buy a plane ticket and purchase a lower mileage, newer model and still save money. Service records are nice but don't make that your major decision for paying well over value.
As for the problems that could arise. There's the Cam Shaft issue some members have seen. The seals, gaskets and motor mounts on these cars seem to wear out quicker than they should. Possible fluid contamination from the Valeo radiator, if it's been replaced with a Behr you should be fine. Electronics in the seat can go bad, same with the heaters. The LCD display on the dash has given some owners problems. The intercooler pump is a crapshoot, some last forever, others die early. Minor niggles here and there that a quick search should return.
As for the good, the car is a blast to drive. Easily modded and fairly cheap if that's your interest. Nice back seat in a peppy sedan and the trunk room is pretty nice. Car looks great, I've always felt the W203 was the best C Class model MB made, especially with the AMG package. The majority of repairs can be done in your garage, some might be easier with a friend, but almost all issues have been documented by now and have DIY guides.
I'd pass on the car at $14,900. You could buy a plane ticket and purchase a lower mileage, newer model and still save money. Service records are nice but don't make that your major decision for paying well over value.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: OH
E55 AMG
That price is way to high. Keep checking auto trader, and craigslist via searchtempest.com ( searches all of craigslist with in a given radius) There are deals you just have to jump on them when they pop up. I missed one that popped up for 11K with 80K miles sold a few hours after it was listed.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 537
Likes: 1
From: Washington, DC
2005 C55 AMG, 2010 VW GTI (Stage 1)
Good luck & keep us posted...
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 392
Likes: 21
From: Northern Suburb of Indianapolis
CLS55
way too much....I paid 13k for my 2002 two years ago with about 60k miles on it. That said, if you don't do your own repairs, don't buy the car. It'll nickel and dime ya to the point that buying a much newer car seems more cost justifiable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 27
From: North NJ
2002 C32 AMG, 2013 GLK 350/4, 2015 E63S AMG Wagon
If you are located in the US, then the price is too high. Even for the 2003. I'm at 130K miles, use it as my daily drive and still take it to the track.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C32
Wow, thank you all! I am very positively suprised that you all are so helpful.
I should have told in the beginning that I'm located in Europe (Baltics).
Prices are little different here. I'm also considering bringing the C32 from Germany, so no decision have been made yet. The car is definitely the one which I'm in love with, so bringing one from Germany would be meaningful as well.
In maintaining I'm not exactly a "honda-guy" so I can handle some spending on my favourite car.
Almost all the post's are what I love to hear, I'd like to do as much as possible around the car myself and would drive it daily as long as it runs probably, but I wouldn't like to make a big expence right after few days of driving.
I should have told in the beginning that I'm located in Europe (Baltics).
Prices are little different here. I'm also considering bringing the C32 from Germany, so no decision have been made yet. The car is definitely the one which I'm in love with, so bringing one from Germany would be meaningful as well.
In maintaining I'm not exactly a "honda-guy" so I can handle some spending on my favourite car.
Almost all the post's are what I love to hear, I'd like to do as much as possible around the car myself and would drive it daily as long as it runs probably, but I wouldn't like to make a big expence right after few days of driving.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
2018 GLE350
I'm not sure if that's normal for Europe but you can pick them up here for quite a few grand cheaper than what he is asking for
Other than the dreaded 1500 jerk, the car is simply amazing. I also envy the change to drive it in Germany
Other than the dreaded 1500 jerk, the car is simply amazing. I also envy the change to drive it in Germany
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C32
I checked Germany auto market and found that most of the C32 are around $14800 (about 11000€).
There are few cheaper ones, but there are various aspects that affect the price (where it's assembled for example). You could find a benz that is assembled in Africa and those cars have many problems. For example there's nothing to do with one in condititons which has snow - it will rust immediately. It is the same car, but it is not meant for that environment and because of that it's a bit cheaper. So when buying used car there is a lot of things that you can get spoofed with! I belive that it's is better to spend a bit more getting a checked car with full history (because there is always smth. that's not told or hidden) than trying to fix the unfixable later.
So that's that.
But I'm very happy about all the help I have got from you guys!
Well I think I'm still going to wait a bit, shop around and collect more info about this car!
Post any experiences and opinions about having C32 - it's more than welcome!
There are few cheaper ones, but there are various aspects that affect the price (where it's assembled for example). You could find a benz that is assembled in Africa and those cars have many problems. For example there's nothing to do with one in condititons which has snow - it will rust immediately. It is the same car, but it is not meant for that environment and because of that it's a bit cheaper. So when buying used car there is a lot of things that you can get spoofed with! I belive that it's is better to spend a bit more getting a checked car with full history (because there is always smth. that's not told or hidden) than trying to fix the unfixable later.
So that's that.
But I'm very happy about all the help I have got from you guys!
Well I think I'm still going to wait a bit, shop around and collect more info about this car!
Post any experiences and opinions about having C32 - it's more than welcome!
