W124, W208 or W209?
Discussion
If buying a high mileage example, let's say 150K miles, which would be the most reliable and cheap to run as a daily driver? Which one would you rather have?
I'm talking examples with a MOT.
Basically,
CLK W208 200 or 203
CLK W209 200
W124 Coupe. So really C124. One of the 4 cyl.
Thank you.
I'm talking examples with a MOT.
Basically,
CLK W208 200 or 203
CLK W209 200
W124 Coupe. So really C124. One of the 4 cyl.
Thank you.
Hi CM2020,
As has been said, they are all older cars now and 150k miles is still quite a chunk of wear on a car for further daily use, so you should certainly budget for some larger bills.
I guess the main thing with the 208 and 209 will be rust, but even the 124 is corroding in places other the well-established jacking points and front wings. My car has required extra rust repair work to the rear arche inner arches, engine bay rust (behind the headlights) and some boot floor plus major works to both sills.
One could argue the 124 will be more simple to work on, with fewer things/electrics to go wrong. Then again, as a daily driver you may wish for more toys you'd get in the more modern options.
I'm sure more learned folk on the 208 or 209 will be longer to offer much better help, but I understand the 4 cylinder Kompressor motors do have well-known issues, often surrounding the superchargers.
C-class models of the 209-era (W203 model) had suspension springs break, so this could translate to the CLK, too.
Gearbox faults aren't uncommon in any of the three generations.
124 can have the usual wiring harness issues as mentioned. My older 8 valve 230E had distributor cap and head gasket problems and the exhaust manifold cracked, too.
Electric window motors and regulators, along with central locking vacuum leaks, suspensions damper wear were additional things to go wrong on that car.
All 3 models can be reliable, but all have their known issues which can throw up larger bills.
If it were me, I would look at which era of Mercedes I prefer to sit in and drive. Decide how important extras and toys are, too, and then go from there.
Then buy the best example you can for your budget, looking out for a good history and decent condition to help stave off instant big bills.
Good luck with your search
Darren
As has been said, they are all older cars now and 150k miles is still quite a chunk of wear on a car for further daily use, so you should certainly budget for some larger bills.
I guess the main thing with the 208 and 209 will be rust, but even the 124 is corroding in places other the well-established jacking points and front wings. My car has required extra rust repair work to the rear arche inner arches, engine bay rust (behind the headlights) and some boot floor plus major works to both sills.
One could argue the 124 will be more simple to work on, with fewer things/electrics to go wrong. Then again, as a daily driver you may wish for more toys you'd get in the more modern options.
I'm sure more learned folk on the 208 or 209 will be longer to offer much better help, but I understand the 4 cylinder Kompressor motors do have well-known issues, often surrounding the superchargers.
C-class models of the 209-era (W203 model) had suspension springs break, so this could translate to the CLK, too.
Gearbox faults aren't uncommon in any of the three generations.
124 can have the usual wiring harness issues as mentioned. My older 8 valve 230E had distributor cap and head gasket problems and the exhaust manifold cracked, too.
Electric window motors and regulators, along with central locking vacuum leaks, suspensions damper wear were additional things to go wrong on that car.
All 3 models can be reliable, but all have their known issues which can throw up larger bills.
If it were me, I would look at which era of Mercedes I prefer to sit in and drive. Decide how important extras and toys are, too, and then go from there.
Then buy the best example you can for your budget, looking out for a good history and decent condition to help stave off instant big bills.
Good luck with your search
Darren
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