Would you pay $7900 for this 2001 C240??

[mommybwalsh]

2001 Mercedes C-Class C240 88k miles sunroof, leather - $7995




Also, do you think the dealer would go down on price? I know the NADA & KBB are almost 10k but just curious. This will be my first Mercedes, I plan on having my mechanic look at it too.

Thanks!

[mbzman]

2001 was the first year for the W203. I would lean away and maybe go with one that is a few years newer if your budget allows or maybe a late model W202. The price is only relative the condition of the car and how well it has been taken care of.

[tjts1]

M111 and M112 engines in the W203s are the ones you want to own. M271 and M272 are colossal heaps of unadulterated garbage. There are all sorts of cam and timing chain failures on those engines.

[ILUVMILS]

The car would have to be absolutely perfect for that price, and I don't mean look perfect, I mean check out perfectly.

Other than the obvious stuff that a used car inspection would include, I would check the transmission adaptation values for signs of imminent trouble (this can be a real life-saver). I'd also look at the "smooth engine running" values as well. This will tell you if the car will need plugs/wires (not cheap even if DYI) in the near future. You can also look at the fuel trim data. This can give you an idea of how long the MAF sensor is going to last, or other possible issues. You can even check to see if the engine is an oil burner by checking the record of "engine oil replenishments".

These are just a few of the things i check when performing a PPI for a potential buyer. Of course, you'll need an SDS, or equivalent to check all this stuff, but it's worth it. I could fill volumes with horror stories I've seen myself.