Tell me about C43's.
Discussion
Hi,
I'm contemplating buying a C43. I've a tight budget with which to purchase one (4K), but need to know the pitfalls and what to look for. It'll be doing journeys of 20 miles per day max but used on a daily basis. I'm expecting high teens mpg, but what other costs can sting the unwary buyer? Do they corrode? Interiors fall apart?. Please enlighten me with your knowledge. Complete MB novice here...
Many thanks,
Kurt
I'm contemplating buying a C43. I've a tight budget with which to purchase one (4K), but need to know the pitfalls and what to look for. It'll be doing journeys of 20 miles per day max but used on a daily basis. I'm expecting high teens mpg, but what other costs can sting the unwary buyer? Do they corrode? Interiors fall apart?. Please enlighten me with your knowledge. Complete MB novice here...
Many thanks,
Kurt
Hello Kurt,
The later 202 chassis cars( c43's) appear to suffer from rust more than the earlier cars. Its not usually terminal, but you can't really expect to buy a decent AMG for 4k. Many of the consumable parts for the c43 like brakes, are hugely expensive too.
With your budget, Id go for a 320 coupe
The later 202 chassis cars( c43's) appear to suffer from rust more than the earlier cars. Its not usually terminal, but you can't really expect to buy a decent AMG for 4k. Many of the consumable parts for the c43 like brakes, are hugely expensive too.
With your budget, Id go for a 320 coupe
Edited by mickyveloce on Wednesday 26th March 08:07
In 1999 they changed to a water-based paint. All Mercedes from that era suffer as a result and they rot in the most strange places. This was corrected in time but I still see SLKs as late as 2004 rotting round the edges. And it is very tricky to have Mercedes accept a claim under Mobilo.
By contrast, 1998 cars don't suffer. I owned a 99 and 98 C43. The former (before it was stolen) was bubbling in the middle of panels, on the sills, middle of the roof, bonnet etc. I replaced it with the 98 car which was rock solid. Incidentally, that car - Obsidian Black, circa 75k miles now - was on ebay recently and didn't sell at a ludicrously cheap £2k...and the guy who bought it from me was the seller, so it's still a low miles, low owner car. I so nearly bought it back, but I already have a serious car "problem"...
By contrast, 1998 cars don't suffer. I owned a 99 and 98 C43. The former (before it was stolen) was bubbling in the middle of panels, on the sills, middle of the roof, bonnet etc. I replaced it with the 98 car which was rock solid. Incidentally, that car - Obsidian Black, circa 75k miles now - was on ebay recently and didn't sell at a ludicrously cheap £2k...and the guy who bought it from me was the seller, so it's still a low miles, low owner car. I so nearly bought it back, but I already have a serious car "problem"...
My car is on 100k miles and every annual service has cost about £1000 (London labour rates though) for 4 years. There is always something to be done, given that it is a 15 year old car with 200hp/ton.
None of it has been major mechanical stuff at all, but just age related stuff which can really add up like aircon overhaul, HVAC fan replacement, brake pads, some brake lines, change of spark plugs, change of gearbox fluid, the odd track rod or steering link etc...
Bear in mind that the engine is holding £100 of oil alone.
They ain't cheap to run, but you won't find a 200hp/ton V8 saloon that is cheaper to run! Great cars with a ridiculously cheap entry price.
None of it has been major mechanical stuff at all, but just age related stuff which can really add up like aircon overhaul, HVAC fan replacement, brake pads, some brake lines, change of spark plugs, change of gearbox fluid, the odd track rod or steering link etc...
Bear in mind that the engine is holding £100 of oil alone.
They ain't cheap to run, but you won't find a 200hp/ton V8 saloon that is cheaper to run! Great cars with a ridiculously cheap entry price.
I bought an average one for 3k in 2009. It did have nigh on full Merc history, but was neglected really.. Which I only found out after buying it..
It needed some bodywork (which I obviously knew about) ( front wings, rear quarter panels and n/s/f door). But mechanically I needed:- crankshaft pulley (nightmare!), bushes / arms at the front all round, rear subframe bushes, full service and gearbox service (essential!), front discs / pads and rear pads (a bloody fortune!).
Plenty of other bits and bats! Can't remember them all!
Ok I probably went overboard - I do like my cars to be pretty much spot on - but they ain't cheap to look after!
I worked at a Mercedes main dealer at the time and spent c£2.5k on it. And that's probably a conservative estimate!..
Loved it though and it was bloody quick! Quicker than an E36 M3 in a straight line, but not quite as good an all-rounder...
It needed some bodywork (which I obviously knew about) ( front wings, rear quarter panels and n/s/f door). But mechanically I needed:- crankshaft pulley (nightmare!), bushes / arms at the front all round, rear subframe bushes, full service and gearbox service (essential!), front discs / pads and rear pads (a bloody fortune!).
Plenty of other bits and bats! Can't remember them all!
Ok I probably went overboard - I do like my cars to be pretty much spot on - but they ain't cheap to look after!
I worked at a Mercedes main dealer at the time and spent c£2.5k on it. And that's probably a conservative estimate!..
Loved it though and it was bloody quick! Quicker than an E36 M3 in a straight line, but not quite as good an all-rounder...
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