SLK/R170: Buying a used '98 230. Worth it?
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Mexico City
C200 Kompressor Estate
Buying a used '98 230. Worth it?
Hi. I came across a used 230 in this page: http://www.autos-usados.autoplaza.co...ida4422259.aspIt's the 1998 model, and they are asking about $20,663 for it. I am considering giving my '02 C200K Wagon (same price) in exchange. The thing is that I'm not sure if it will be worth it. I know that the car is a bit old, but it has only 32900 miles on it and from the pictures, I can tell it's been kept in great shape, so it shouldn't be that unreliable. What do you guys think? I have been in love with the R170 model since it first came out, but now I have the possibility to own one. Would the maintenance costs would be similar to the C? I haven't got a chance to really inspect the car in great depth, but I will tomorrow, so I guess that by then I will have a better idea of what I could be getting. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
-Mario
-Mario
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230
Thats not a good deal at all. I'm selling my 98 with only 54k on it, its in perfect condition and I am only asking 16,500$ Its fully loaded with every option they made avaialbe.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: San Antonio, TX
It's probably hard for us to make a fair judgment. I would assume that prices are going to be higher in Mexico than in the US. Overall, the SLK's have proven to be probably more reliable than the current-generation C-class (I own both).
Also, remember that your Estate is a lot more practical when it comes to carrying cargo and passengers than the R170...
Also, remember that your Estate is a lot more practical when it comes to carrying cargo and passengers than the R170...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
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From: Mexico City
C200 Kompressor Estate
Hi. Thanks for your replies. I have seen the car and it's in excellent condition. I mean: no dings, no dents, shiny paint, well kept interiors, clean and nice sounding motor, tires have about 70% of thread life left, the roof works without trouble, nice stereo, etc. I am drooling for this car, but still I do not know if it's worth it. As I am only 19 and in college, I do not need a lot of space for passengers or for carrying cargo. I just want to know if the general maintenance costs of this car are similar to those of the C. This week I'll show my car to the SLK owner to see if he wants to trade. I'll keep you updated and probably post some pics for you to see the condition of the car. Thanks again.
-Mario
-Mario
Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Grand Rapids Michigan
1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230
Dude, how tall are you? The main and pretty much only reason i'm selling mine is because I'm to damn tall for the car, its made for somebody that is about 5'7ish and I'm 6-2.5 it doesn't work for me after 8 months. I have back pains all the time and I know its from riding in that car. Oh and the space issue will start to get to you too if this is your only vehicle.
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From: San Antonio, TX
Believe it or not, the general maintenance costs of the SLK may be lower than the C. Why? Because the SLK has less electronic "bling" (¿come dice in español?) than the C (except for the top of course)...
¡Buena suerte!
¡Buena suerte!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7
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From: Mexico City
C200 Kompressor Estate
Hi. I am 6' tall, and since I usually drive my car for very short distances, I guess I could stand the limited head space, Besides, if it isn't raining, there's always the possibility to put the top down... So it seems that the slk is a reasonable choice to suit my needs, but I have a problem. The same day I went to the dealer to see the car, a girl reared into my car and practically destroyed the right front fender (or bumper?) to the point that the door wouldn't open. So, now my C is getting repaired and I will have to wait about two more weeks until I can do anything about the trade. Oh and thanks page62 for clarifying the maintenance question.
-Mario
-Mario
