COE Mercedes - Reliable?

[Sdf4786k]

hi all senior out there,

 

Need some guiding here,

A friend is selling his c200 kompressor, w204 pre facelift

Coming to 10 years alr this nov.

 

Should i take over? Worth it ? Can drive another 10years?

 

Thank you all very much.

usual 3 big ticket item.

 

Oil leak. GB electronic, ignition coil and the water pump (seldom).

 

Need to get a workshop that has the scan tool ( not taopo type)and you good to go.

 

Parts are expensive so you may want to have a workshop that is familiar with the car and not any workshop that volunteer to take your 150 dollars to look see, look see.

[JackTan_256616]

Thanks for the reply

 

1) if i want to get will have to renew coe

 

2) any recommended workshop that is familier with the car to intro?

 

3) cause i will be driving the car for about a week to test it out and i can send to do a check.

 

Thanks

[Meanmachine]

I used to owned E class Kompressor ( AvantGarde model ) and found the car average +, subject to many wear and tear, try to avoid Kompressor due to older model, after 4-6 yrs, the parts start to show signs of maintenance, so w/s has a laugh, even though i get my spare parts fm regular authorised distributers, Merc parts are considered cheaper than Beemers and Audis.

 

Although German cars has many wear and tears issue, If need to change you need to change, must be resourceful to find parts, ( no issue with me ), I get it once it's available and sent to my local w/s  . . . if you want cheaper labour then it JB shop,  ( near Pelangi ) I drove my car there to have them do a pre-inspection and thy tell me that to buy and what not necessary, just pay them labour fee and difficult part to install like shock absorbers.

 

I still like Merc car, if you want comfort and lesire drive after a hard day work, get 7G tronic better, market value higher.

 

My 0.02cts

[JackTan_256616]

 

Hi bro thanks for all the previous advise,

 

Anyway some quick update,

I manage to get the car i thinking of taking over ( c200k w204) to test drive a few days,as my friend the owner went oversea a few days.

And today i went down to kee yong at sin ming,

The guy service was good, i called him and ask if they can help me do some diagnosis of the car,

He help me check on the bonnet and plug in the computer and found no major problem,

Best prt he didnt charge me hhaha.

But he only said 2 things

1) mileage quite high 150k

2) need to prep about 10k for ware and tear repairs things like suspension / absorber etc

 

So all bro out there do u think i should go for it yes or no? Any advise hahaha

 

Thanks

[makeanewcall]

Hi bro thanks for all the previous advise,

 

Anyway some quick update,

I manage to get the car i thinking of taking over ( c200k w204) to test drive a few days,as my friend the owner went oversea a few days.

And today i went down to kee yong at sin ming,

The guy service was good, i called him and ask if they can help me do some diagnosis of the car,

He help me check on the bonnet and plug in the computer and found no major problem,

Best prt he didnt charge me hhaha.

But he only said 2 things

1) mileage quite high 150k

2) need to prep about 10k for ware and tear repairs things like suspension / absorber etc

 

So all bro out there do u think i should go for it yes or no? Any advise hahaha

 

Thanks

Wah 10k for wear and tear, that's really costly.

 

Then again if engine/gearbox is fine, you are paying about 70k for Coe renewed c200 including the 10k maintenance.

[JackTan_256616]

I think is not 10k straight hahahaha he say best can put a site incase anything happen.

Is along the way cause after all is a 10 year old car

So far gear box and engine he say dont have problem at least from the system he see.

Thats why still considering hahaha

Any advise?

[Meanmachine]

Be prepared to set aside 7-12K during the course of owning and driving your car once you confirm, beauty is the eye of the beholder, see and admiring the car is one thing, there are many hidden agenda in a Merc, the more you look , you would neglect your wifey, coz you would throw in all your love & $$$ for the mistress merc.

 

wear and tear are very common issue of a Merc, learnt from my mistake, do not jump in and repair one after another issue, do a research of where to get your reliable Merc stockists here, at lease 3-4 stockist or distributers.get 2-3 quotations fm w/s and don't ever be sway by sweet saccharin mouth w/s boss or mechanic . . . these are their strategy , if  not their w/s will soon close shop.

 

Compare OEM parts vs Original

Reliable w/s in and around town, depends on your ideal location, ( the further away could be affordable) less competition.

Read up on Why, How and What can really happen to an old Merc regardless of model or spec, I happened to changed all parts immediately and sold away coz it gives me issues continuously next 3-4 months , thinking it's a Lemon.

 

At times best to get reference fm ex-merc owner/s more willing top share than whining over their losses. ( Im one of them ) Haha ! 

 

The amount quoted by the w/s is only a guide, it's what thy say and subject if your ear is light or heavy, if you're "kang-chong " spider, then thy got you lor, If you are slow and steady type and not making a fuss over your Merc temperament then you'll enjoy your ride more down the sun-set boulevard . . .

 

Drive Safe 

 

 

[JackTan_256616]

@Meanmachine,

Thank you so much for sharing as it really minds alot, cause i am still considering whether to get it or not, love everything about it but scare about the maintainence and repair as well lol.

 

Mind share with me more about what happen to you, ur car and why sell it in the end after changing so many parts alr, how bad could it be? Really apprieciate if u can share thanks.

 

Will love to hear from more merc owner as well

 

Thank u very much.

[Mkl22]

@Meanmachine,

Thank you so much for sharing as it really minds alot, cause i am still considering whether to get it or not, love everything about it but scare about the maintainence and repair as well lol.

 

Mind share with me more about what happen to you, ur car and why sell it in the end after changing so many parts alr, how bad could it be? Really apprieciate if u can share thanks.

 

Will love to hear from more merc owner as well

 

Thank u very much.

Just buy if you like it. Hesitate and ask so many questions will not get anywhere. Of all the conti makes, Mercedes parts are the most accessible. Conti for sure have to spend more on wear and tear.

If you want cheap and reliable it will still be a toyota.

[JackTan_256616]

@Mkl22 thanks man u are right hahahaha.

Apprieciate ur most true and right advise hahaha

[Jb15]

A COE Merc will be easily one of the cheaper option to maintain of the other conti makes out there. Given its wide range of parts from stockist which are cheaper than BMW and it's quality.Plus point is the demand and resale value. If you aren't willing to pay for it then better go for the Honda/Toyota range which will serve a family man just fine too.

[car50]

u need to take a little risk and if the major items are OK then the risk is relatively small

 

150k mileage not really an issue, u need to maintain well esp in our hot weather

 

some common issues for older merc c series, ignition, coolant leaks, throttle, aircon etc, all not big ticket most workshops prices are ok

 

after change transmission oil and tuning, the ride can be very smooth

 

 

I think is not 10k straight hahahaha he say best can put a site incase anything happen.
Is along the way cause after all is a 10 year old car
So far gear box and engine he say dont have problem at least from the system he see.
Thats why still considering hahaha
Any advise?

 

[JackTan_256616]

Hi all senior just want to double confirm my seller actually sell me at $64500 (selling price) but after include insurance rd tax first month loan etc total amount become $69000, i will down payment $12000 so my loan become $$58000.

Just want to check those selling at sg car mart, they put $68000+ got include insurance all these alr?

Anyway this car register 2009 nov

Thanks

[Ody_2004]

Hi all senior just want to double confirm my seller actually sell me at $64500 (selling price) but after include insurance rd tax first month loan etc total amount become $69000, i will down payment $12000 so my loan become $$58000.

Just want to check those selling at sg car mart, they put $68000+ got include insurance all these alr?

Anyway this car register 2009 nov

Thanks

Generally selling price don include insurance.

 

Used car dealer or even authorized agent all got many pattern when come to advertisement/pricing strategy

 

That's why need black and white to state clearly what included what not. 

[Ct3833]

Hi all senior just want to double confirm my seller actually sell me at $64500 (selling price) but after include insurance rd tax first month loan etc total amount become $69000, i will down payment $12000 so my loan become $$58000.

Just want to check those selling at sg car mart, they put $68000+ got include insurance all these alr?

Anyway this car register 2009 nov

Thanks

It depends, some do sell with road tax some do not, but insurance excluded. Did you add up to your first month, insurance and road tax to ensure it tie back to 64500 ?

Looks like you bought a COE car, hope all is good. All the best.

I just renew my COEs today .

Be prepared to set aside 7-12K during the course of owning and driving your car once you confirm, beauty is the eye of the beholder, see and admiring the car is one thing, there are many hidden agenda in a Merc, the more you look , you would neglect your wifey, coz you would throw in all your love & $$$ for the mistress merc.

 

wear and tear are very common issue of a Merc, learnt from my mistake, do not jump in and repair one after another issue, do a research of where to get your reliable Merc stockists here, at lease 3-4 stockist or distributers.get 2-3 quotations fm w/s and don't ever be sway by sweet saccharin mouth w/s boss or mechanic . . . these are their strategy , if not their w/s will soon close shop.

 

Compare OEM parts vs Original

Reliable w/s in and around town, depends on your ideal location, ( the further away could be affordable) less competition.

Read up on Why, How and What can really happen to an old Merc regardless of model or spec, I happened to changed all parts immediately and sold away coz it gives me issues continuously next 3-4 months , thinking it's a Lemon.

 

At times best to get reference fm ex-merc owner/s more willing top share than whining over their losses. ( Im one of them ) Haha !

 

The amount quoted by the w/s is only a guide, it's what thy say and subject if your ear is light or heavy, if you're "kang-chong " spider, then thy got you lor, If you are slow and steady type and not making a fuss over your Merc temperament then you'll enjoy your ride more down the sun-set boulevard . . .

 

Drive Safe

I just renew my e200 and I cant imagine have to spend so much on repair in one shot, my car has been reliable so far, mind sharing your problems ?

[makeanewcall]

Hi all senior just want to double confirm my seller actually sell me at $64500 (selling price) but after include insurance rd tax first month loan etc total amount become $69000, i will down payment $12000 so my loan become $$58000.

Just want to check those selling at sg car mart, they put $68000+ got include insurance all these alr?

Anyway this car register 2009 nov

Thanks

Just an advice, if you are asking such a question whether car selling price includes insurance, please do not be the next carrot head.

 

Furthermore, Coe loan interest rate is higher than usual at 3%+. Unless the dealer has a partnership with maxi cash for their 1.99% deal. Sounds like the dealer factored in ur insurance into the car price and made it into part of the loan as well.

 

A tip for you, tell the dealer to sell u the car at 64k flat no bulls**t and include either 6 months or 12 months road tax. Take ur own insurance outside and if dealers says no, simply take ur money and move on. Dont complicate matters by putting your first year insurance cost into the loan, that's just dumb.

 

Suggest you get from a direct seller, there are a few 2009 mercs with less than 2 owners in sgcarmart via direct selling. At this rate if you go to a dealer, I've a feeling you will end up paying more than what you are supposed to and not even getting the car in the end.

I think is not 10k straight hahahaha he say best can put a site incase anything happen.

Is along the way cause after all is a 10 year old car

So far gear box and engine he say dont have problem at least from the system he see.

Thats why still considering hahaha

Any advise?

Who say? Anyway the k models aka kompressor models have issues with the turbo down the road. If you are looking at those then get the c200k instead of c180k since they should be going for around the same price.

 

Consumption gonna be less than 10km/l as well so be prepared. Getting a Coe renewed mercs did cross my mind but the $$ I gotta burn down the road for maintenance, ain't ready for that yet.

Edited April 24, 2019 by makeanewcall

[KimiR]

Bought a COE Merc (R170 SLK200) in 2009, the previous owner renewed COE early. Still driving the car daily. COE expire next year. Spent $9k in repairs since then.

 

Fuel pump, fuel hose, fuel tank, gearbox overhaul, replaced ESP module, replaced O2 sensor, replace brake booster pump, replaced 4 brake discs, 3 sets of tires (2 pairs of front and 1 pair back), replaced 4 sets brake pads, repair roofliner, replaced rooflight module, replaced both side mirror electric motor and engine mounting. Replaced rearview mirror ecause my son broke it.

 

Convertible roof was working fine until 3 months ago. Seals harden and hydraulic fluid leaked, drained the fluid out. Mechanic suggested I buy the rubber seals from ebay and he will replace for me instead of buying new hydraulic pumps. Aircon thermostat spoilt, so mechanic closed off pump to heater pipe, aircon working but cannot adjust temperature. Aircon always at coldest mode (feels like winter but wife loves it)

 

Thinking if I should scrap the car and get new car. So far car has been fairly reliable. Towed to workshop 2 times (once due to battery drained and once due to fuel tank leak). Or should I renew the COE next year. But squeaking noise here and there due to plastic hardened.

[Mkl22]

Bought a COE Merc (R170 SLK200) in 2009, the previous owner renewed COE early. Still driving the car daily. COE expire next year. Spent $9k in repairs since then.

 

Fuel pump, fuel hose, fuel tank, gearbox overhaul, replaced ESP module, replaced O2 sensor, replace brake booster pump, replaced 4 brake discs, 3 sets of tires (2 pairs of front and 1 pair back), replaced 4 sets brake pads, repair roofliner, replaced rooflight module, replaced both side mirror electric motor and engine mounting. Replaced rearview mirror ecause my son broke it.

 

Convertible roof was working fine until 3 months ago. Seals harden and hydraulic fluid leaked, drained the fluid out. Mechanic suggested I buy the rubber seals from ebay and he will replace for me instead of buying new hydraulic pumps. Aircon thermostat spoilt, so mechanic closed off pump to heater pipe, aircon working but cannot adjust temperature. Aircon always at coldest mode (feels like winter but wife loves it)

 

Thinking if I should scrap the car and get new car. So far car has been fairly reliable. Towed to workshop 2 times (once due to battery drained and once due to fuel tank leak). Or should I renew the COE next year. But squeaking noise here and there due to plastic hardened.

 

whats your new car going to be? something similar? will still be cheaper to renew and drive on. SLK is a lifestyle car, thus mileage shouldnt be too high.

 

maintenance with a conti will always be higher, you get crap like to change the fuel tank and hoses, ESP module, brake booster pump, rooflight module which most japanese cars will never need to.  

 

having said this, the SLK isnt a car that easy to sell off also. maybe you can take a punt and renew now and try to sell off in a few years when the coe is higher. but probably you also need to get a new car soon also.