C Class W202
 

I currently have 2 W202 "C" cars so far this is the fifth W202 I've owed. 96 is a good year.

98 ML320
97 C230
95 C220
95 318ti

To answer your question about 200,000 miles, yes it'll reach that distance with proper maintenance.

If that '96 has had the head gasket and wiring harness issues address, I would recommend it for sure. Have your mechanic check it out first, of course. The M104 engine (inline 6) and the 722.4 transmission (4 speed auto) are proven durable when maintenance requirements are followed. I'd be surprised if you didn't get 200,000 miles out of it. The 2000 C280, which was a problem for one of the other posters, has a completely different engine and transmission.

Thanks everyone. I drove the car quite a bit yesterday and had it inspected at a shop, who turned up some minor things and a possible heater core leak. Then they quoted me $2100 to replace the heater core! I thought that was more in the range of $600- $800.

I brought the car back to the owner and told him what happened (showed him the report) and he called his own garage and got a ballpark of $600 to repair.

I probably shouldn't have driven the car around quite so much, because now I really want it and am not objective anymore. :-)

He has 2 other cars (2006 e350 and a Jag) which is why he is selling.

gee, given the choice I would sell the jag..