Mercedes-Benz C 200 Problems
No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Mercedes-Benz C 200 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.
Mercedes-Benz C200 1998: Buying tips
The W202 C-Class is generally a very good car and well worth considering as a used car buy if you appreciate driving a nice car. In my view used Mercedes-Benzs make good buying, but you have to understand that they too break down like any other car, and they can be more expensive to repair. The main thing is to find a Mercedes- Benz specialist to work on the car, that way it won't cost you an arm and a leg for servicing or repairs. Same as it is when buying any used car, low kays are always better than big miles and a service history is essential. A later model Japanese car may well be cheaper to run, but it won't be nearly as enjoyable to drive.
Dealer no deal
PERHAPS you could give the owner a deadline and tell him you will walk away from the deal if the car is not ready on that date. It sounds as if you are being given the runaround and I would have already walked away.
Which small car to buy
LIKE you, I prefer rear-wheel-drive cars for the way they drive and feel on the road. I'm also in favour of buying used BMWs and Mercedes-Benzes because you get to drive a better car than you might otherwise be able to afford, but they can be expensive to service and repair. For that reason I am loathe to recommend them. But I also agree that some of the cars coming from Japan look good, and I particularly like the new Lancer. I wouldn't be concerned about front-wheel drive at all, there's nothing wrong with the way they drive, handle, steer or brake.
