would you rather

a 96 c36 with 30000 miles

OR

a 98 c43 with 108000 miles

both priced the same.

*grumbles* Im still trying to buy.....

c36 hands down IMO...its rare & even more so with those miles on it

miles are awesome... but C43 is a total beast.... either way ull be pleased

Depends on what the mechanic who will check it out would say. I didn't drive C36, and unfortunately I have to agree with (Unfortunately again!) Newbie about the BEAST thing.

Mercedes cars have a reputation that they'll last forever! In my opinion, well kept high mileage C43, is better than abused low mileage 10 year old C36. It's just a guestimate!

Everyone has opinions about mileage and age of the cars, but in reality I believe, everything depends on what condition you buy your car, and how you maintain it.

Godd luck to you with your purchase!

Get both cars checked

I would probably go for the c36 with the lower mileage, but maybe thats becuase I like inline 6s I dont know. C43 is a beast but the difference in performance between the two will come on at excessive highway speeds so its really a matter of what you like driving better.

I would do the C36, My MB mechanic has a C36 turbocharged at least putting down 400+ to the wheels, I now it sound ridiculuos but it isn't. When i drove it, it was crazy. Plus it has low miles i think it is a winner.

1) check the carfax
2) check the maintenance history
3) have an independent mechanic chek them both

If all things are equal, then I would say the C36 with the lower miles is the better car.

Thankyou all for the comments.

I took the c43 out for a spin a few weeks ago. Its worth it for that glorious sound alone.

Im going to go examine the C36 - check the records, get a PPI etc.



Well I have a good problem - a decision to make!

mm the sound i love it! good luck man!

Hmph.
I am investigated this c36 more closely. The story gets convoluted... an imported vehicle out of Hong Kong... all fine and dany I dont have a problem with that...

BUT

The VIN number I have been given, according to my lookup - shows it to be a C280.

Chasis no : WDB202028-2F-262703
Engine no : 104941-22-056888

According to my research:

W202 > C 280*
VIN: 202.028*
Engine: 104.941*

W202 > C 36 AMG*
VIN: 202.090*
Engine: 113.92*

W202 > C 43 AMG*
VIN: 202.033*
Engine: 113.944*

That makes it look like a C280 to me.
Now my question is that these numbers are constant, irrespective of where in the world the vehicle is delivered right? Thats the whole point of a VIN isn't it?

Pictures of the sheep in wolfs clothing here:
http://carpoint.com.au/used-car/MERC...s/1600796.aspx

Be carefull, imported cars from Hong-Kong have their miles rolled back! They do it a lot in the country I come from. They import cars from Asia roll back the miles and send them for cheaper.

The claimed 30000 miles for the C36 might not be true after all.

i believe someone ran into this problem before. can't remember what the outcome was. no pics of the engine compartment... that should tell you more.

If it's any help I think my Carfax account is active for another few days. You could PM me the entire VIN and I could look it up for you.

Id go look at it in person but its 1500km from my home and Im only going if Im serious about buying it!

I just came across this:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...posts=14&fid=3

Apparently all is in order... it certainly looks like a C36.