Mercedes C240 QUESTION

[Robert Adams]

Looking at a sick 03 C240 wagon some distance away from me. I have family in the area so I have someone who can do leg work, but thought I would ask the collective experience of this board before going to all the trouble.
Here is what I know:
Under 30k miles.
Has engine knock?
Owner will not come clean or doesn't know specifics, so upper end rebuild?
Worse case?
Do these cars have timing belts? I would think it would last more than 30k, but then the car is 6 years old, so maybe it broke from age?

Anyone have experience as to how reliable are these cars to begin with. I've heard not so good about later Mercedes, although CR rates this model as a buy.

Owner is asking under $7k, so probably need to negotiate a bit. I've seen under 45K cars in the $11 to$14 range without engine issues, but who really knows when you talk about buying a used car.

Thanks for any comments!

[berettafan]

U R FN NUTS


Move on to something that doesn't have issues. Jeebus man.

[Rick V]

Run. I have an 02 and I love the car, it has been a bullet proof tank. and is still top notch at over 100k on it. But it has no engine noises. You wanna go broke fast, buy an MB with engine issues.

[mike monde]

Own a 2003 C240 Wagon, one of the best cars I have ever owned.
Keep looking....these cars are not cheap if you are chasing problems. IMO, plenty of nice examples out there if you look. Try a dealership and get an extended warranty. Otherwise, great car!

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by Robert Adams

Under 30k miles.
Has engine knock?

That's really all you need to know. Unless you DIY, it'll be hard to come out ok on this one. Even then, you'll probably end up having to swap an engine, and have a car that's harder to sell and worth less money. At the not so cheap price of $7k, either pass or throw out a lowball offer.

[Robert Adams]

nuff said,PASS!