Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy??

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Mon 2 Jul 2001 14:59
Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - Richard
To replace our huge 4x4 i have been offered a 1990 230 estate with full history from new by a relative. Only problem is its done 156k miles. They want 3500 for it. It will need to be able to tow a small trailer with a formula ford on it, about 600kg. It has never towed before and looks really good. Opinions welcome
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Mon 2 Jul 2001 16:34
Re: Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - Roger Jones
This is the very same model owned by two friends, each for a decade or more and both still swear by it. It pre-dates the build/rust quality problems reported on the latest 210-chassis E class. Its mileage shows that it has probably been used sensibly and you can make your own judgement about the present owners and their understanding and treatment of cars. It's probably good for half a million miles or more unless it has been neglected or misused. But I am not impartial, as I run an E320 Coupe myself.
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Mon 2 Jul 2001 16:42
Re: Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - honest john
It's underengined for towing, especially if it is an auto with a/c. These are one of the best estate cars ever built but they are far from problem free. See car by car breakdown.

HJ
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Mon 2 Jul 2001 22:51
Re: Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - Richard
Thanks for the advice. It is automatic but no air con. I suppose if we are going to use it for towing I had better get a transmission oil cooler fitted. Its only a 2 wheel braked trailer anyway so we can't go that quickly and its very light most of it is aluminium. However is the transmission likely to slip? or does that only happen when it overheats? It doesn't have any of the problems that are in the list (er...yet!)
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Tue 3 Jul 2001 18:00
Re: Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - honest john
Make sure there's a convenient ex-Mercedes dealership independent service specialist in your area, and good luck.

HJ
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Tue 3 Jul 2001 20:55
Re: Mercedes 230 estate with big miles good buy?? - David Woollard
One day I would really like a TD Mercedes Estate of this age. It might happen, wonder if the engine is as good as the Citroen TD?

David
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Tue 3 Jul 2001 22:11
Ex-Mercedes Dealers! - David Lacey
I think there will be a surge in the number of so called 'Mercedes-Benz Specialists' soon due to MB axing it's dealer network very soon....
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Wed 4 Jul 2001 22:24
Re: Ex-Mercedes Dealers! - dafydd tomos
They are great cars.
I've just sold a 1990 7 seat 200TE with 123k for £2900.00 after being offered 2400-2600 in part ex. - unless the car is mint try and knock the price down a bit.
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