1999 C230 for a college girl?

[Loomis]

My college freshman niece is considering a 1999 C230 as her first car. It has had the blower replaced and is in very good condition, 85K mi. I know the prevailing wisdom is usually a Toyota or Honda for a college kid, but in searching online it seems like the C230 isn't all that much of a maintenance time bomb. Asking price is $6K.

Thoughts?

[biosurfer1]

I looked at them for a commuter car. Not the best gas mileage but not terrible. One thing to factor in is as gas prices skyrocket, it does require premium so it gets expensive going back and forth home (if she's close enough) otherwise I'd say if the maintenance is up to date and she takes care of it, it should be reliable.

[MRM]

No. It will draw unwanted attention. Even though it is an old, affordable commuter car, it is still a Mercedes and will not fit in well at college. Spend the $6,000 and buy a newer Toyota Corolla or Camry, Mazda 3, or some such appliance. A newer Toyota/appliance car will have updated features and will probably be enjoyed more than an aging entry level near-luxury car.

[Bill Douglas]

Corolla.

[HardDrive]

She should get a clean Ford Taurus. $6k will get her a lot more car, cheaper to maintain, and I would venture safer as well.

[billybek]

1999 C230 for a college girl?

That is a good trade!!

[URY914]

It will be broken into the first week.

[Burnin' oil]

Originally Posted by billybek

1999 c230 for a college girl?

That is a good trade!!

hahahahahaha

[gtc]

Originally Posted by URY914

It will be broken into the first week.

Which one?

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Corolla.

No joke, I've beaten on a corolla for 57k miles and nary an issue. Just fluid changes and tires. I've even autocrossed it a time or two.

What gets me is my folks just picked up a Kia Spectra 5 for mom... My corolla at 57k has fewer rattles, squeaks, etc, than the kia at 25k....

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by MRM

No. It will draw unwanted attention. Even though it is an old, affordable commuter car, it is still a Mercedes and will not fit in well at college. Spend the $6,000 and buy a newer Toyota Corolla or Camry, Mazda 3, or some such appliance. A newer Toyota/appliance car will have updated features and will probably be enjoyed more than an aging entry level near-luxury car.

well, it might depend on the college... it is surprising what kids drive these days even at public universities

but I think that is generally good advice, esp. given stolen property crime rates on many campuses, not to mention kids smacking into the car and damaging it while parked

I'd go Honda tho...

better advice would be no car allowed during freshman year

[porsche4life]

Webby has a point, its shocking how many new full size trucks, SUVs, camaros, mustangs, challengers, etc are running around on my campus. I've even seen an SVT Raptor....

[ChemMan]

We had the same M111 engine in our slk230. Very easy to work on. Basically trouble free. I cannot think on any major issues that came up. I cannot speak anything other than the engine though.

[gprsh924]

Depending on the school, the benz will fit in better. It certainly would have during my time at Miami of Ohio. Despite the obscene amount of money that I have been pumping into my E39 in the last few months, I'm still much happier with it than I would be with anything of a similar Japanese variety.

[Loomis]

Thanks everyone. I think MRM hit the nail on the head. Every kid's first car should be a beater and slightly embarrassing at that.

[teenerted1]

single speed mountain bike. since they should be living on campus as a freshmen no need for anything more than the most basic of transportation. save the rest for bus/plane trips home for the holidays.

[Flieger]

Moostangs seem pretty common around here. The best car I have seen is a Z4 coupe, and some M3s. I think there was a Raptor. Lots of big trucks.

My E21 has been doing fine. It is too noisy, smelly, and slow to take people in so it is great for just me. Hauls lots of stuff, and fun in the corners.

But then BMWs are like belly buttons in California. In my hometown there are three major dealers within about a 20 mile radius of the house.

An old Merc would not get a second glance here.

So it depends on the school and the student.

I've even seen a couple 944s, 914s, and 2002s.

I use the car for groceries, going home, and other 'business'. I take my bicycle to class. Bikes are nice.

[porsche4life]

My 944 was my first car, but its too nice for campus. I started college with a G60 corrado, but then I grew up and started driving the corolla.


But I miss my 'rado. With that blower that screamed like a banshee, and the torque steer from hell....

[Flieger]

The E21 requires maintainance but it is very reliable. Pretty good for a 1983 model. Back when BMW still built cars to last forever.

I hear you on the nice car stays at home thing. I would never dream of bringing the 911 up here without secure storage, including something to keep the rain out of the interior.

[Flieger]

One of my friends has an old PT Cruiser (that his parents gave him). It does not even have power locks it is so basic! I did not think you could get a modern car without power locks. I mean, my Dad's cheap older Ford Focus has power locks.

Then there is the guy with an old diesel Merc.

And of course the big trucks. It seems mufflers are not in fasion on diesel pickups. I think one even has stacks. And of course he loves to gun it up the parking lot row right in front of my window. Usually around 10PM.

College kids are terrible/idiot drivers for the most part. Especially when there are girls involved. Just like Top Gear said.