1998 c230 w/163k pre purchase
 

Ok first let me say it’s cheap and it’s clean with a sexy carfax. That’s the only reason I am considering this. It has new a/c. New brakes. Tires. Stereo etc. you can eat off the paint seats and carpet even. No wrecks original shinypaint. I just need a cheap daily. I have never even glanced at a w202. What are some things to look for while checking this car over today? Thx

I have a 97 C280 with the inline 6 and electronic trans, also have a 2000 C230 parts car.

The 97 C280 is best of breed, last year for inline 6, last year for non CAN body control, last year for metal key / first year for 5 speed 722.6 electronic trans.

Other than a mileage check, ignore car fax and others as an in person professional inspection beats any car reporting company. ( see posts 2 , 3 , 4 in the thread https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/ml-gl-g-wagen-r-class-unimog-sprinter/397370-check-out-carfax-ml350.html

Does the seller have proof that the following parts were changed: AC compressor , all hoses , expansion valve, evaporator , condenser , dryer?

If all of this was not changed, the AC isn't " new " .

The interiors of these cars hold up well, given your location I'd expect the clear coat to be suffering, look closely to see if it was repainted. A repaint isn't a big deal unless it is hiding lots of body work.




These engines tend to eat timing chains then bend valves. At 163 K it should have been changed by now or is close to being due.

The supercharger will need it's oil checked or changed.

The 202 is generally a well built car, think Toyota Camry.

For 230 specific info look at these threads.

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/395751-2000-black-black-c230-kompressor-ppi-s.html

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/386088-timing-chain-problem-1998-c230.html

https://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/385079-1999-c230-opinions-please.html

might work too

Had a 2000 c230kompressor sport. I liked it a lot .. it never really gave me any issues. It got about 32 mpg and went fast when it needed to. Someone ran a light when my wife was driving it. Totaled it. I’d definitely buy another if I can find one that isn’t clapped out and neglected. With the 2.8 are they prone to the head gasket failure like the 3.2?

Thanks for the advice guys. It is a sweet little ride. Tons of service and repair paperwork. BUT only pieces of a/c were replaced so that’s not great. It is cold and blows pretty strong. Warm day here in Ga. really cruises nice on freeway. 85 mph...no problem. Some of the wood has crack on both front doors. I would want to replace those because the others are perfect. Not sure about the timing chain. Will it rattle when revving the engine? Also this is the n/a engine. No supercharger. Still got around pretty good. Paint is solid and original. I can tell. Been around this block before. Paint chips in common areas. Fading pin stripe. Looks like clear could start going soon on hood. But decent right now. Drove tight. No clunks. Shifted well. I offered 2300. He came back a5 2500. I left and told him I would dream on it. Hmmmmm

Pics

The 2.8 and 3.2 are from the M104 series. Head gaskets are no worse than any other aluminum head on an iron block.

So I sold this car for $2800 to a guy this summer. He calls me 2 weeks later saying he lost the key. Well he gets a quote for a key and can’t afford one. This was in July I see the car pop up on FB market place for $1300 today. I reach out and He says if I will come today he will take $800. He’s homeless now and back on drugs. That car was damn near perfect when I sold it to him. Trying to decide if I wanna buy it back since he is so desperate. Hmmmmmmm

Give him $500

I would not go anywhere near this guy, nor would I want him to be aware of my existence. Desperate drug addicts will do anything to get a fix including showing up at your door step for a forceful entry visit.

Well he already knows where I live. He bought the car from me. I think it’s to big of a gamble. I give him $500 then how much is a key? $300? Then it won’t start. I’m f’ed. It was just such a well preserved model. With ALLLLLLL service history. He only drove it for 2 maybe 3 weeks. Before he lost the key. But hell he could have jumped the damn thing over a homeless camp on day one.

Here is how it plays out:

He buys car from you at 2800 , promptly loses key , you tell him that a key is 300 , he grumbles - goes away - mostly forgets about you.

After falling off the wagon again, he tries to sell anything he can to get a fix. You show up offering him a fraction of what he paid, he then recalls how you " screwed him over by selling him a bad car " ( his twisted drug induced thoughts not mine ).

Desperate for a fix he sells the car to you, later when he needs more cash, he decides to show up at your door step to get money / items he can sell. " I'll get that guy that ripped me off. "

There is a reason that many drugs are illegal, it warps a persons thinking. Unable to hold a job, they lead a life of crime.

Point well taken

You can find another one, although they are getting fairly rare these days.