C270 cdi?

[mikey-r]

Hi chaps,

I'm after some advice or recommendations I'm afraid. I'm looking at one of these today (2003) and was wondering if anyone had any views on the car/engine? It's a well spec'd Avantgarde SE for a shade under £13k with FSH, 58,000 miles and auto.

I've never had a Merc and my current car's a Subaru Impreza but I need a more economical car as I now have a sizable commute but still want to retain a bit of performance.

Would this hold it's value and is there anything I should be looking for? Would I be better getting a C220 or are these under-powered?

Any comments or recommendations would be gratefully received.

thanks

Mike.

[niva441]

The later 220's are alright for power at 150bhp, but the 270's just have a little more (170bhp I think) but feels better. Also they are smoother with the extra cylinder. Although the power of the 220 is adequate if the 5 cylinder had been available in the Sport Coupe, I'd have gone for it. I don't think it's much thirstier as it's not working as hard.

[Mikey_W]

I haven't driven a 270CDI so i can't comment on the performance etc..

Have driven quite a few of the last shape C220CDI's & always thought the performance was just "enough" especially for commuting - it might be worth having a test drive to see what you think?

One benefit over the C270 would be a newer car for 13k...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

If you could stretch your budget then i would recommend a C320CDI (200bhp & 500nm torque)

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/MERC...

[cidersurfer]

I've had a 2003 C270 CDI for the last 18 months. It's returned an AVERAGE of 36.5mpg in that time and will get up to 44mpg on a 70mph motorway cruise. It's got a Tunit powerbox on it which allegedly ups the power to about 200bhp (from 177bhp) and nearly 450Nm of torque. It's far from slow and will play with most cars quite happily, the mid range grunt is pretty good. Had an RX8 prior to it but couldn't live with 24mpg. For quick getaways, like getting out onto a busy roundabout, I find it's better to select 1 on the tiptronic box than wait for it to sort it though... It will feel completely different from the Scooby though as its power delivery is completely different...

[Deva Link]

C Class was facelifted mid 2004 and, although the exterior didn't change much (clear headlights and front fogs is about it) there were a lot of changes under the skin to suspension and steering.

I'm not very up to date with pricing but £13K for a 2003 sounds a very "full" price.

I have a late 04 C270CDi estate and I'm pleased I got that rather than a 220CDi. It's not really an "ear-holing" car, but the bigger engine makes the drive a lot more effortless, and it is a robust and easily chippable engine, if you want to.

I really only use mine for long motorway runs and can beat the fuel consumptions previously mentioned - mine will do low 50's on a steady 70 run.

One thing I would say is that it takes quite a while to warm the engine up (the a/c works in reverse to heat the cabin so that's not a problem) but it probably wouldn't be a good idea to use one for a daily short commute.

[stuarthat]

sounds to much money paid 12.5 for my 03 2,half years ago good spec 1 owner low mileage met blk , new injectors new cats though .not a bad car goes well nice tip box .