Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this car?

[Bugeater]

So some big shot at my wife's company is selling this car, and my wife is creaming in her jeans over it. I know Dodges, Toyotas and Chevys, I don't know anything about freaking Mercedes-Benzs. But it looks like a bitchin' ride.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/cto/2542460085.html

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Coupe

Brand new rubber, maybe 2,000 miles on the tires
19.5" chrome wheels
Bose sound system
Auto rain-sense wipers
Auto lighting all around
AM/FM/Cassette/6-CD Changer
Heated seats in front
Auto and manual heating/cooling environmental controls
4-Position memory seat, mirror and telescoping steering-wheel driver side -- 4-position memory seat for passenger
Awesome front-to-back sun roof with shade
Airbags, both front and side curtain impact
All leather interior
Brand new battery
Much more, but here are the official specifications:

Powertrain

Engine: 4-Cyl, Supercharged
Horsepower: 192 @ 5500 RPM
Torque: 200 @ 2500 RPM
Gas Mileage: City 19/Hwy 26
Bore x Stroke: 3.58 x 3.48
Compression Ratio: 9.0
Fuel Type: Gas
Fuel Induction: Sequential Fuel Induction
Valve Train: Dual Overhead Cam
Valves Per Cylinder: 4
Total Number Valves: 16
Transmission: Automatic
Drivetrain: RWD

I guess my only real concern is maintenance costs.

Any thoughts?

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Tytanium

For that price, I'd rather buy a nice, low mile Miata and save on maintenance and gas. Miata. You'll easily match the price of the car in maintenance by the time the 120k is due.

A Miata? Dude!

[Tytanium]

Originally Posted by Bwana

A Miata? Dude!

If you've ever driven a Miata, you'd want one too. They have about 30 less HP than that supercharged C coupe, and they're about 10 times as much fun to drive.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Bwana

If you have a sack of money for future repairs, go for it, if not, pass.

Heh, yeah. I've been reading reviews on kbb.com, and as like what's been mentioned already, it sounds like overall the reliability is good but IF something goes wrong...holy **** look out. It's probably too risky for a primary vehicle, but it would make a great toy. I'm not sure that I'm ready for that shit again just yet.

One strange thing I read is that you only have to change the oil every 10k on these, I don't understand how that is possible.

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Heh, yeah. I've been reading reviews on kbb.com, and as like what's been mentioned already, it sounds like overall the reliability is good but IF something goes wrong...holy **** look out. It's probably too risky for a primary vehicle, but it would make a great toy. I'm not sure that I'm ready for that shit again just yet.

One strange thing I read is that you only have to change the oil every 10k on these, I don't understand how that is possible.

You're right, the car is great "if" it's running well, but if issues start to develop, ouch. Have you considered a Miata?

[griZZly64]

Originally Posted by pr_capone

For the car, I can only echo the sentiments of others. Typically reliable but if you have to fix anything... it is extremely expensive.

Did find this though.

http://mbworld.org/forums/1637794-post5.html



Look at the cost of the 100k tuneup. Look at the miles on the car (94k). That sucker is about due a $2k balloon payment in about a year. Betcha that is the motivating factor in getting rid of it.

Who the **** brings their car to the dealer? Shmucks lmao. 700 for brake pads.. thats hilarious. Go get your shit from an auto parts store. Thats like 7x regular price because youre ****in with the dealer.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Bwana

You're right, the car is great "if" it's running well, but if issues start to develop, ouch. Have you considered a Miata?

Probably going to have to pass on the Miata, although the most recent version of it is far less feminine that the original.

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by griZZly64

Who the **** brings their car to the dealer? Shmucks lmao. 700 for brake pads.. thats hilarious. Go get your shit from an auto parts store. Thats like 7x regular price because youre ****in with the dealer.

Well this may be a stupid question, but are M-B parts readily available at an auto parts store?

[Bwana]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Probably going to have to pass on the Miata, although the most recent version of it is far less feminine that the original.

I guess I haven't seen the most most recent version. The old one's were either driven by chicks, or guys that like to hang out at the Blue Oyster.

[Param]

I've always liked that car. But, I'd pass. Maintenance on that car, who wants to pay that?

[Bugeater]

Originally Posted by Bwana

I guess I haven't seen the most most recent version. The old one's were either driven by chicks, or guys that like to hang out at the Blue Oyster.

I guess it's called the MX-5 now.

[Silock]

I would PASS in a heartbeat. Nice car when new and when everything works, but those are smack in the middle of the years when reliability was beyond terrible.

Way too expensive to maintain.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

I guess it's called the MX-5 now.

Miatas are awesome. Fun to drive, and they get great gas mileage.

That being said, I wouldn't buy one again. I loved mine, but I much prefer my S2000.

[Tytanium]

Originally Posted by Bugeater

Well this may be a stupid question, but are M-B parts readily available at an auto parts store?

Not really. Dealer only.

What sucks about it is that now, the overwhelming majority of new Mercedes are manufactured in the US(in Alabama, no less), but parts are still imported from Europe.

The Miata has always been the MX-5 Miata. The new ones are pretty nice, and the fender flares make it more aggressive looking than the older ones. The 90's Miatas definitely aren't very masculine looking, but they're a hell of a lot of fun to drive.

edit: S2k would be my other roadster choice, but they're sooo much more expensive, and I'm too tall to fit in one.

[Silock]

You can get an AP1 for less than 10k now. They're coming down to 2nd gen Miata prices.

The only bad thing about the Miata is they kept getting heavier as they got newer.

[TinyEvel]

HEre you go, $7800 and change right now...



http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ponti...t_14758wt_1167