C cclass w204 facelift 11-14 - help buying one

[Jimbo21]

Hi People

New to this forum.
I'm in the hunt for a w204 class facelift model to replace my company car.

I'm no longer doing the mileage and decided to opt out of company cars to avoid the crazy tax.

I haven't bought a used car in a considerable time and I've read numerous reviews.

I've decided to limit my budget to £6k just in case I need to cover some small maintenance.

I really like the Sport or AMG line models and my budget seems to stretch to an early facelift models in 200/220/250 CDI with 80-110k on the clock.

I've heard the 200 is under powered and should be dismissed. However, mixed views on the 220/250 engines.

Read a number of reviews saying the 250 is good but is the least reliable - is that true or is it pre facelift models that had problems?

I've looked at 2 cars and viewed a number of cars online and they all seem to have a similar issues:
- drivers seat bolsters crack/tear (not sure it's actually half leather)
- Alloys are corroded near the bolts

Any other issues I should be aware of and are the points raised easy to fix?

Due to the mileage and age of the cars I'm looking at I'm a little nervous looking at automatic models - very expense to fix.
At least with manual boxes I can budge for new clutches, if needed.
Should I be nervous about the mercedes Auto boxes?

Also, should I buy private or trade?
Do trade budge on prices advertised, as the tend to me more expense.

Really appreciate feedback.
I've never owned a mercedes before.

Thanks in advance.

J

[cjb44]

Firstly let me say that I have found the C200 perfectly adequate unless you need to get everywhere in a real hurry. Secondly, manual boxes have a poor reputation and you will find others will tell you to avoid, nearly all used Mercs have auto boxes and very good they are too, budget to have the oil and filter changed (about £300), this will ensure it continues to work as it should and will transform the changes if it has never been done.
My 2013 has been my most reliable Merc. to date it has never cost me a penny apart from standard service and the gearbox/torque converter oil change, even as an estate I have found the performance more than adequate although if you need to take off from a standing start in a hurry there is some hesitation, some of that is due I believe because it will in normal mode start in second gear, the answer I guess is to tap the Tiptronic into lower gear; personally I can not be bothered because if you must do this you are probably trying to pull out of a junction to beat a car coming in the other direction causing a dangerous situation.
Hope this helps good luck with your search.