General impressions of the 1994 C280 (for purchase)
 

I am a Financial Advisor and have several clients that drive MBs. A couple of them are the little old ladies that drive "only to church and to the store". Well, one of them calls me today and says, "You still want to buy my car?"

1994 C280. Dark green, moonroof, beige leather, new Michelins, all service, no problems. Looks new. Miles? Unbelievably only 41k!

Anyway, the dealership (she bought a new one) tried to low ball her and she said she wants $6,500 for it. Now, I've done the blue book and edmunds values and know that this is ballpark for private party transaction -- but this isn't your typical car, either.

Bottom line: I have a 1991 190E 2.6 but don't know a lot about the C280. I'd love to hear a few impressions and things to watch for.

Thanks mucho.

The only two things to look out for are:

1. wiring harness - M104 engines from 1993-1995 are bad.

2. head gasket - early M104 head gaskets can leak oil at the right rear corner of the head gasket.

I love the W202 C class cars. Very solid, and in my view, a 7/8th version of a W124 sedan.

$6,500 seems awfully low to me, especially with the low miles. I'd buy it.

I have a 1997 c230 and a 1995 c280. They are both fantastic cars but i prefer the c280 as it is smoother and more powerful. I haven't had the harness or head gasket problem but it seems that this has been a problem for some people. The price seems pretty good considering the vehicle has only 41k. I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

The dealer is probably offering her $4100 - 4600 Trade in.

buy it now...I have never even been in one....but with that mileage and ownership background....I would take her cash....

If she bought a new one, she probably had it serviced at the dealership as well...they p[robably have the records there....but at that mileage..it probably just needed oil changes....

I would buy it and immediately change every fluid and filter......

Snatch it up right away!! I have had both the 190E and a '96 c-class (although a C220). The c-class saved my life! I was able to walk away from an accident that was not deemed survivable. Never had a problem with the car in the short time I owned it (3 years). I would still have it if it weren't for the accident!!

Anyone else? Thanks for all the info so far.

I say go
 

What you describe is exactly my wife's car, right down to the color. I paid $12K when it had 98K miles (from mB dealer, early starmark thing). I think it blue books for $6K now. it just passed 160K miles, with the following problems:


water pump seal leak, replaced for 600$ total.
key ignition jam - replaced for $400
small leak in head at front driver side, but no ill effects. apparantly every 94 C280 will develop this problem. I keep an eye on it., when it crosses 200K miles I will fix it. the car is running strong.

I don't think you will see any problems until 100k miles, and they are fixable. I'd say the car is good for atleast 150k more miles, so 6500$ is a real good deal.


it does drive really nice.

Sounds like a fantastic deal. Take it to a PPI and make sure that everything is in order (sometimes on these low-milage cars, things can get briitle and beak simply from lack of use), and if it checks out fine, then buy it. If you don't buy, I will gladly drive down to Nashville and take it off her hands :).