1996 C220 - Opinions

[Hook]

Question for the collective group. I've been looking for a car for my daughter. We stumbled across a 1996 C220 in a used car lot. The thing is in fantastic condition (body and interior), the engine sounds good, the only "problem" is 200,000 miles on it. My wife drives a '98 C280 and loves it (granted it only has 35K on it).

Was surprised when I ran a CarFax and found it was a 1 owner vehicle with a complete/regular service history.

What is the groups thoughts on a higher mileage car like this? Any inputs on the longevity of the 4 cylinder engine in these cars?

[Pagz]

Hey,
My M111 had next to no wear at 100k Km's. get someone to hold it at high rpm low load for a while(high vaccum) then load it heavy while you watch,if theres no blue smoke i would say the engines fine.
200miles is a fair amount so suspension and trans would be likely weak points but it all depends on how and what it was driven on.

Paul

[Flyingbanana]

200K seems like a bit much, especially if it's for your daughter.If you're good with working on it, i would not. Repairs are expensive, parts are expensive.Even though it has a solid engine, things are bound to start wearing down at 200K. For example A/c compressor repair is about 1500 to 2000.

So unless it's close to free or comes witha warranty, I would not.

[black96benz]

My 96 c220 runs great... just passed 233,000 miles on the original motor and trasnmission and still running strong. I drive about 2,000 miles a month with no problems. As long as you change the oil these cars last a long time.

[Hook]

Thanks for the replies. After checking into it more decided to pass on it. There were a number of suspension parts that needed to be replaced, but the big thing was the ABS controller not working. Too bad as it was cosmetically a beautiful car.

Thanks Again!