Value Gumtree Ads

FiestaST said:
Just R25k gets you this fairly sport looking Proton Satria Neo

http://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-bak...-model-r25-000-cash/1001356488850910016940109

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With its tow-hook cover missing at the back, which is never a good sign lol. Definitely had at least one break-down/accident, and probably not transported by a reputable company if they go lose the cover (i.e. wasn't insured through a proper company that pays for decent break-down support ... owner trying to save money ... may not maintain vehicle ... etc etc).
 
I was looking at some 5series/C-class coupes last week, slightly newer oneam Seems I can get about R120k if I sell my Corsa privately.
 
^ agreed depending the year of course R120k sounds on the high side considering new model is out & previous gen took another knock.

So the question can you *really* get R120k or *theoretical* R120k. Big difference.
 
You are both right-ish so let me rephrase, dealers can get R120k for it. Here is one exactly like mine except it has 45,000km more on the clock and scratched alloys. Perhaps if I try privately I'll get the same, but then again we have dealers... :D
 
Woooah! 7G-Tronic V6 diesel for the same money as a Corsa D. That is insane value :love: maybe when I grow up I'll have a Merc.
 
FiestaST said:
But but it's such a good deal & pics look neat.

Can you provide some info the issues.

So lovely torquey motor bru...
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That was one of the first of those motors and there were some reliability issues with them. The inlet port shutoff motors are prone to dying, the glow plug controllers were also a weakness, and while it's got good specs, it chews fuel compared to the C270Cdi, which has plenty of torque and also has a reputation of being one of Merc's best motors for reliability. It's a beautiful motor when it's running well, but can be a money pit. When you're buying a 8-10 year old car, go for reliability and long life ahead of pure grunt.

The 7G gearbox on that model is also one of the first, and most reckon the older 5 speed was much smoother and more reliable. Many of them have "clunky" gear changes, especially between 1st and 2nd when cold. The other thing to watch out for is that when they were released Merc claimed that the gearbox fluid never needed changing, and so many have never changed it. It does need changing, roughly every 60 000km, and it needs to be done meticulously - get the level even slightly wrong and you will have issues. The plates that control the gear shifts are a weak point on that box. There have been a number of software updates for the gearbox, but some guys complain that the updates made matters worse.

Edit: Just a quick note on the ad - there is no service history, yes it looks neat, but I've driven many beautiful looking W203 Mercs and without exception the cheaper ones without service history had issues. One was even in limp mode, but the EML was disabled so that the dash looked neat and pretty when you started it up. I've done over 500 000km in my two W203 diesels and when I replaced I looked at and drove on average 5-8 cars before finding one that I felt confident in buying. The last time I couldn't find one that I was happy with in the time I had and bought a BMW instead. There are sometimes good deals, but usually if the price is low, and there's nothing obvious wrong with it, it just means you have to look deeper to find the reason.
 
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Very nice and in excellent condition. I know of two people that had timing chain failures on the 180K, but in general they are very robust. My folks have a 2003 C180K and it is close to 200,000km with no problems. The MBTex they use for the upholstery is durable and does not show wear easily.

At R80k that is very tempting.
 
chickenbeef said:
Any common problems with this year/model?
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As Roux said the timing chains aren't great in these. They are single chains, not double and stretch over time, causing the pulleys to wear. The parts are difficult to source other than from Merc, and it's a costly repair. At that mileage, it might already have been done.

That looks like the classic trim, which wasn't genuine leather IIRC, but it's good enough that it's hard to tell. The 180 is just a little slow, I'd rather go for the 200 or the 220Cdi.
 
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