W202 Buying guide

[Laughingman21]

I've seen a mid nineties C280 near me that is very tempting, but does anyone have some advice on what to look out for before parting with my cash?

[UltimaCH]

Look for any trace of rust in the usual places, wings, sills, bottom edge of doors, ... Those cars had a tendency of rusting which is not up to par with MB reputation. How does the car run? Is it an automatic or manual? Proof of regular oil changes with ATF too? They are pretty bullet proof cars

[mickyveloce]

These makes good buys and the previous post makes good points . The early cars rust less , and pre 97 models have simpler electrics . Watch out for headgasket issues and burnt wiring looms on the M104 280 engine , but both should be obvious

[mbtech01]

Check for poor running / misfires - If deteceted its either likely to be faulting ignition coils/plug leads/plug caps or as previously said burnt/brittle engine loom. The loom tends to harden with age & becomes brittle causing loss of voltage to the coil pack & resulting in a misfire.