C200CDI / C220CDI

worc

Was originally looking for a diesel VAG saloon for ~€7.5k but not loving what I'm coming across - A4 too small in back / any mechanic or person I know who is into cars tells me to steer clear of new model Passats in that price range / Superbs...will I'm just not that into them...

Had a poke around a 2005 Merc C200 CDI the other day and liked it - just not sure about MPG and reliability as I'm reading very variable MPG rates, problems with electrics and rust. I'd be roughly 65:35 motorway:city and doing 15,000 miles a year - would like something that driven well could get 45mpg or more.

Could anyone throw a complete no hoper some advice on these? WhatMPG only cites the C220 CDI MPG and since both have the 2.2 litre engine the tax would be the same so not plused about which one.

Any help very much appreciated.

tw0nk

Hi OP, I drive a 2005 C200 cdi, I cover 142 miles per day, mostly moterway driving, really comfortable car, perfect for motorway. I average 47-50 mpg and its 53 before I hit Dublin in which the start/stop driving drastically reduces the mpg. If you have any specific questions just let me know, I have mine 3 years now without any real problems.

worc

tw0nk wrote: »

Hi OP, I drive a 2005 C200 cdi, I cover 142 miles per day, mostly moterway driving, really comfortable car, perfect for motorway. I average 47-50 mpg and its 53 before I hit Dublin in which the start/stop driving drastically reduces the mpg. If you have any specific questions just let me know, I have mine 3 years now without any real problems.

Hi tw0nk, cheers for the offer! Great to hear the MPG - that's that box ticked! I've heard of different MPGs and you never know the driving style but I don't have a heavy foot so would hope to see what you're seeing - MPG was my main draw to the VAG 1.9TDi's so getting very similar in the C200 is nice.

The primary worry for me is reading about electrics being a bit wonky in the pre-facelift models (which are my price range models - though the private market might get me the post-facelift). Have you heard of that yourself or is it just one of those things that came up on forums a bit and isn't as widespread in reality?

Any signs of rust? Also heard they could turn into rust buckets and no chance of the 30 year warrantly if it isn't serviced by MB garage - I'd be going to my local indy so wouldn't hold onto that warranty!

Are there any specific things beyond the norm you've found out you should keep an eye on with this model or check before purchase?

Thanks for your help!

lomb

tw0nk wrote: »

Hi OP, I drive a 2005 C200 cdi, I cover 142 miles per day, mostly moterway driving, really comfortable car, perfect for motorway. I average 47-50 mpg and its 53 before I hit Dublin in which the start/stop driving drastically reduces the mpg. If you have any specific questions just let me know, I have mine 3 years now without any real problems.

Auto or manual though?

worc

lomb wrote: »

Auto or manual though?

Good call - should have mentioned I'm after a manual.

tw0nk

worc wrote: »

Hi tw0nk, cheers for the offer! Great to hear the MPG - that's that box ticked! I've heard of different MPGs and you never know the driving style but I don't have a heavy foot so would hope to see what you're seeing - MPG was my main draw to the VAG 1.9TDi's so getting very similar in the C200 is nice.

The primary worry for me is reading about electrics being a bit wonky in the pre-facelift models (which are my price range models - though the private market might get me the post-facelift). Have you heard of that yourself or is it just one of those things that came up on forums a bit and isn't as widespread in reality?

Any signs of rust? Also heard they could turn into rust buckets and no chance of the 30 year warrantly if it isn't serviced by MB garage - I'd be going to my local indy so wouldn't hold onto that warranty!

Are there any specific things beyond the norm you've found out you should keep an eye on with this model or check before purchase?

Thanks for your help!

Hi worc, sorry for late reply!

I have had no problems with electrics but in saying that, had to change my battery a few months ago, for some reason when the battery was on its last legs, the sensor for the brake light in the rear window kept saying bulb needed changing, when I changed the battery all was ok again. My car is Irish and no signs of rust at all anywhere on car.

One thing that went wrong with my car when I got it was the rear seat headrests, there is a button on the dash that collapses them all, mine didnt work as a pipe was loose, it was fixed under warranty though no probs.

I have changed the headlamps in the car about 4 times since I bought it, slightly more frequently than any other car I have owned. Also I would change the oil more regularly than suggested, it keeps the car running smooth.

I cant think of anything else that I would be worried about, it has a timing chain instead of a belt, do the usual checks...

- check all buttons work inside the car, to put your mind at ease with electrics, uncluding cruise control and electric windows etc
- bring the car through all the gears (manual is 6 speed) should max out about 190kmph if geared well
- check the foot brake (instead of hand brake) lots of people forget about it and start to drive with foot brake still engaged, so make sure it works fine


hope that helps!

worc

^^^ Cheers for the help! Much appreciated