I have an opportunity to purchase a 96 c280 with 58000 miles from a one owner with 6 cylinders. And I have questions?

Is this car pricey to maintain?

Do I have to put premium gas in it?

How much is a tune up?

How much is a oil change?

I'm mechanically savy, does it require special tools for a tune up, brake job, etc?

Any recalls on this car?

What is the MPG on this car?

They want $7000, the private owner blue book value is 6500, dealer book value is 5500, is 7k a fair price.

 

Sounds like a good deal to me - that's low mileage and if it's got a FSH then you shouldn't expect any major engine problems.

Take a look at www.honestjohn.co.uk and check the car-by-car breakdown section. You won't find the answer to all your questions there, but you'll get an independent review on what's good, what's bad and also any recalls.

 

If you can i would see if it ispossible to take the car to a mechanic and have the look the car over or do a safty inspection. this way you can get a good look under the car. the only special tool i would say you need is the oil filter removal tool. it comes in handy for oil changes. brakes are easy. fluid changes are easy.

 

Hi,

I would strongly recommend to get the car to a mechanic and also make sure those 58K milles are really REAL ! That kind of milage is very rare and unusual for 11 year old car.

 

Definitely take it to an independent mechanic that specializes in MBs. Pay the money for a good inspection.

Yes, if you go to the dealer, and even independent MB mechanic, these cars are expensive to maintain. They aren't too bad if you are willing to do the work yourself. Buy the Haynes manual. Even though the engine just covers the 4 cylinder it is still great for everything else. Then get a copy of the MB WIS software off of Ebay for the rest. You can also by a CD from MB.

I think that price is too high for that car. Talk them down on the price.

 

I bought a 1995 C280 in Dec. 2006. 75,000 miles on it and Sharp looking. I had to spend $225.00 in January to fix the automatic door locks - a small piece was missing from the door that told the lock that the door was shut. The only other problem I have had was every once in a while when I turned the car on-I got absolutely nothing! Turns out it was the Safety Neutral Switch. I did not have that replaced, I just put the car in neutral when the problem occurs and it starts right up. I did not spend any money on that problem. I love my car!!! I think I got a great deal for that age of a car.