View Single Post
  #4  
Old 01-30-2004, 04:25 PM
blackmercedes's Avatar
blackmercedes blackmercedes is offline
Just a guy
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 3,492
Have a good PPI done by someone that really knows the cars. That's your best bet.

The 1995 cars are good except for the wiring harness. The M111 dohc engine has no flaws, and seems to run forever. I've seen some very high mile examples that run like new. The four speed automatic is good for at least 150K-miles without problem if maintained properly.

Make sure the AC blows cold and the ACC system is working. The 1995 cars have a little different system than 1996- and is relatively problem free, but can be costly to repair.

Ensure the vacuum system is working. Cycle the ACC through each of the vents to make sure it changes the air flow. Make sure the door locks and trunk lock are working. Check that the rear headrests retract when the button is pushed. Make sure the fuel door locking system is operating properly.

Bounce the front end and listen for noise. These cars wear through front lower ball joints. Not too costly to repair, but check 'em out.

The M111 has a double row timing chain, so no real worries there if the engine has a good oil change history.

If the car has been to "Lube-it" places, they often overfill the crankcase and blow out the front main seal. Easy job ($200 at the dealer) but check it and the oil level.

The belt tensioner and shock wear every 4-5 years or so. Listen for squealing belt or rattling sound from the front of the engine.

The W202 is a bullet-proof car in four cylinder form. It's not the fastest gun in the west, but for durable transportation, they're tough to beat.
__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif
Reply With Quote