C-Class Coupe

[x12yhp]

I am looking for a little run around type of car. I don't really fancy the boring little clio/206/corsa idea and was thinking of spending £4k odds on something a bit nicer. This puts me at the bottom end of the market for a C-class coupe but just enough. What are they like to run? Is there much goes wrong and is there anything to specifically look out for with a used example?

Thanks

[r129sl]

Everyone on here seems to hate them because they are not a hardcore 3-series clone. So far as I can tell, they are very good for what they are: a smart hatchback. Look for rust. Other than that they are fairly strong. The handling can be wayward in the ice and wet. Most that I see about seem to be horribly neglected so it will be a matter of looking out for a good one. They particularly suit the metallic red/orange launch colour called "sunburst orange". Pre-facelift cars (badged C-Class rather than CLC) look a lot better to my eye, too.

[x12yhp]

Thanks. I am going to have an air-cooled 911 as a second car so I am looking for something comfortable, not hardcore!

The pre-facelift is what I would be after since there is no way I would get anything else within budget!

I will have to get out and drive some cars ASAP.

[Dog Star]

I love the OHs C220 CDi Panorama Evolution (to give it it's full moniker).
Parts are cheap as chips. Very easy to work on, very reliable. Been fab in the snow and ice running a set of Kleber Quadraxers

Only downside (02 model) is the rust - jesus!

[x12yhp]

Where does the rust show? I find it shocking that a car of this era would really suffer!

[niva441]

I was very pleased with my 06 C220 CDi SE and struggled to find anything that could provide the same combination of relatively compact dimensions, comfort, large boot and fuel tank.

In fact the only reason I changed it is that my father wanted it and I'd had a couple of cars off him that he didn't really want to sell.

[Dog Star]

x12yhp said:

Where does the rust show? I find it shocking that a car of this era would really suffer!

Front wheel arches (really need new wings), the corners of the bonnet radiator grille apeture, rear arches (lesser extent) and random places in the middle of body panels.

It's scandalous.

[mikea4tdi]

Sorry to hijack the thread,
I've been looking at a couple of these this weekend.
I've fallen for teh evo panorama in manual but looking at the diesels to get reasonable fuel consumption.
I saw a tidy one from a good dealer who had lots of mercs.
the only down side was teh front arches had started to go, nothing bad not really spread round the lip of the arch. It was a good price at £4500.
Should I walk away due to the arches and be more patient and find one without rust?
After driving my audi for 5 years it was nice to drive one of these, it felt reasonably quick, handle ok and definately has the coupe style feel.

[x12yhp]

I have to admit you have me just a little touch scared!

[niva441]

The improved quality is one of the main advantages of the post facelifted cars (2006)

[mikea4tdi]

I've looked a at a few others now they all were going rusty, this is truly shocking,
I've decided not to bother with one which is a shame as I love the cars.

I did find an early black one with no rust so did wonder if its colour related with certain paints being thicker than others, shame the rest of the car was terrible

[niva441]

How old are the cars you've been looking at?

[mikea4tdi]

02-03 really, budget won't stretch to the newer ones

[Dog Star]

mikea4tdi said:

02-03 really, budget won't stretch to the newer ones

Just spent a few hours this weekend doing some more Dremel-ing of rust on the OHs. It's an otherwise lovely car (used to have an A4 and it's miles better than that) but I can't remember anything this side of a D reg Orion that suffers rust like this.

Ideally I think it needs new wings - they aren't expensive - but it's just the hassle. It's also got bubbling rear wings too. And around the drivers door handle. And a patch in the middle of the drivers door. (This is on a car that is kept inside overnight).

[richard300]

I Have a CLK230K with all the toys including Xenons, Full AMG styling and wheels, Climate, electric seats etc. Buy its a W208 and i am prob a little to far away from you....

[richard300]

Ha, Just realised i was being dumb (you are talking about the 3 door hatch) as opposed to the CLK (which lets face it, is a C-class coupe) My appologies.

[niva441]

I think it would have been more appropriate to call the Sport Coupe the Compact, however BMW already made those and it wouldn't be the done thing to be seen copying them.