howdy and greetings from down under [Australia]


I'm considering my next car in a few months time and as I am originally from Germany I am considering a Merc C-Class [sedan] etc.

I did look for an aussie merc forum but it couldnt find one. Well I did find one but there were as many active users there as their are pork slices at a jewish wedding.

My question is, should I buy a merc? I have heard terrible stories on website etc BUT then again, most people only post personal review if they have a lemon. Lets face it, most people don’t bother going on the internet to post positive comments but are more likely to complain if there are negatives [about their car].

In my price range I am considering a 2001 - 2002 model.

What do you guys think? Be honest and shoot me down if you think its not worth buying a merc.

Oh and one last thing, I wouldn’t consider the older w202 model. The interior just doesn’t go down with me.

 

2000 and later models are okay.

there are thousands of mb now and only few got those nasty problem, a good number complaining about aftersales service.

 

Dont buy a W202 or a W211. W202 interior is poorly made and has many nonsense problems. The W211 has electrical glitches.

 

Thanks or the reply, what merc would you suggest in that price range? If not a Merc, any other German small sedan?

 

What exactly is our price range? I would suggest a W210 E Class(E320,E420,E430, E55) They are a great. Built very strong and are resonably priced.

 

I have a 2001 C240 I picked up at the factory. I'm not sure if I'd buy another MB. I have 105K miles on it now and it has had more problems than other vehicles I have owned with >250K miles. I've replaceda wiper motor ($500) and a drivers side door lock ($725). A battery and some other items were replaced under warranty. I do as much of the work as I can because I like to and the dealer gets $115/hr. I've replaced brakes & rotors all the way around (86K) andupper & lower front control arms (86K). The car drives great and gets better mpg than MB states but replacement parts are expensive. I don't believe a car manufacturerof this stature/reputation should need more than normal wear and tear items replaced. I never had much go bad with my Saab. I was thinking E or C Bluetec but may be back to a Saab or Boxter next. Good luck.
Bill

 

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A MERCEDES IS A WONDERFUL CAR TO HAVE,ALSO A WARRENTY IS A GOOD THING TO HAVE ON IT JUST IN CASE, EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY OWNS ONE WITH NO PROBLEMS, ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS THE SWAY BAR LINK, AND STEPPER MOTOR WHICH IS ALL UNDER MERCEDES WARRENTY, EVERYTHING IS UNDER WARRENTY THE ONLY THING YOU PAY FOR IS BRAKE PADS FOR WEAR AND TEAR GO FOR IT

 

I bought a USA spec C2804matic and the only problem I have had was the differential which was replaced under warranty. Thus far I like the car and it's like a Panzer tank in the snow and ice (though I must confess my ignorance as this relates to weather in the down under-do you get snow?) if not, no need for 4-matic. You asked about another German car of the same class and I will be branded a heratic for this but BMW's are a good alternative and like all German cars, with proper maintenence will run for many miles/kilometers. You may also wish to consider Volkswagens but only if they are built in Germany as the Mexican built ones sold in the USA have many problems due to poor quality control-(one is tempted to suggest that while the Mexicans produce some good marijuana, they should not produce cars). Finally, my mantra as this relates to German iron is to IGNORE THE LIFETIME FILL BULL**** THAT THEY TRY TO SELL YOU AT THE DEALERSHIPS AND SERVICE THE DRIVETRAIN EVERY 30-40000 MILES.
Best of luck and watch out for the "roos".

Will

 

I just love German cars. They are the onlycars I will drive. My Audi A4 (winter car) went 10 years and 90,000 miles and still looked brand new. Rock solid and rust free but costly to maintain. Timing belt, rotors, AC, radiator,misc this and thats.Costly to own. Now my BMW (summer rag top) is 7 years old and has only needed tires, gas and oil for all 58,000 miles of its life. The Audi was just traded in on a 2007 C280 4matic with 8300 miles on her. The '07 is the last of the W203 platform and all the bugs have been worked out at this point. It is quiet, fast and behaves so wellI am impressed every time I drive it. Buy the newest one you can afford and hopefully that could be one with a warranty. My '07 is a CPO car so I am covered for 5-1/2 more years and 100,000 miles. Add the fact that I got it for $10K off the sticker and it was a steal. I believe I have seen CPO cars as old as '05. Might be worth a look.

Good luck, Greg