Hello all, long-time reader first time poster with a wealth of questions about buying my first MB, all of which I hope you can help me with :)
Firstly the background, originally I wanted an early C180K Coupe but once I got wind of the lack of zinc galvanising from that time I decided I would save up a bit of extra money and aim to spend approx £5k on 2005 model (I also like the interior a bit more!).
So the questions I have are:
1) I'm not really concerned with the engine size but which would think I should go for?
2) I was originally looking for a manual gearbox (personal preference!) but I'm presuming most of you guys have auto? If I were to get an auto how often is the transmission fluid changed and is this done as part of a standard service? Don't want to get caught out buying one that will need this done fairly quickly
3) Is there anything in particular around the 2005-06 models (new shape and galvanised) that I should be aware of and looking for when I check the car out/any questions I should ask as the rust issue should be eliminated by the galvanising I presume?
So the Coupe was my first choice but I see a lot of 2002+ SL350/500 drivers on here and have been severely tempted to look out for one as I have a few auctions I will be visiting and sources I am hoping will keep their ear to the ground for me...so a few questions
4) Is there any problem with these cars having a high mileage? It's an old adage from a good friend of mine who owns his own garage that "Mercs will go on for years if looked after properly" but is this true of the SL?
5) Any problems (aside from the fixable boot leaking that affects the central locking and roof rattling) that I should be aware of before buying the car?
And the final question I suppose, is that I was looking for a Coupe as an entry-level merc with a look to getting something else in 2-3 years...obviously everyone will say to get the SL if I can but with limited financial resources is this a good idea? As I said I have contacts at a garage who will help me fix things myself but apart from the fuel MPG and the rusting issue (which the 2005 Coupe wouldnt have) is there anything else I could expect to go seriously wrong with a 100k+ SL?
Sorry for the ramble but I'm sure you will have some good replies. Thanks in advance!
Firstly the background, originally I wanted an early C180K Coupe but once I got wind of the lack of zinc galvanising from that time I decided I would save up a bit of extra money and aim to spend approx £5k on 2005 model (I also like the interior a bit more!).
So the questions I have are:
1) I'm not really concerned with the engine size but which would think I should go for?
2) I was originally looking for a manual gearbox (personal preference!) but I'm presuming most of you guys have auto? If I were to get an auto how often is the transmission fluid changed and is this done as part of a standard service? Don't want to get caught out buying one that will need this done fairly quickly
3) Is there anything in particular around the 2005-06 models (new shape and galvanised) that I should be aware of and looking for when I check the car out/any questions I should ask as the rust issue should be eliminated by the galvanising I presume?
So the Coupe was my first choice but I see a lot of 2002+ SL350/500 drivers on here and have been severely tempted to look out for one as I have a few auctions I will be visiting and sources I am hoping will keep their ear to the ground for me...so a few questions
4) Is there any problem with these cars having a high mileage? It's an old adage from a good friend of mine who owns his own garage that "Mercs will go on for years if looked after properly" but is this true of the SL?
5) Any problems (aside from the fixable boot leaking that affects the central locking and roof rattling) that I should be aware of before buying the car?
And the final question I suppose, is that I was looking for a Coupe as an entry-level merc with a look to getting something else in 2-3 years...obviously everyone will say to get the SL if I can but with limited financial resources is this a good idea? As I said I have contacts at a garage who will help me fix things myself but apart from the fuel MPG and the rusting issue (which the 2005 Coupe wouldnt have) is there anything else I could expect to go seriously wrong with a 100k+ SL?
Sorry for the ramble but I'm sure you will have some good replies. Thanks in advance!