Andy F Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 Sadly the Renault 21 sold before I got off holiday so... I have been in two minds as to what to do about my Xantia. It's MOT expired whilst we were away on holiday. It is entered in for an MOT on Monday but I need another car for work and to be honest fancy a change. Can anyone offer any advice on Mercedes C220 CDi 2002 please? Off to see one locally at 1pm Reasons to sell the Xantia/ bad points Lacquer peel on bonnet and in front of the sunroofInterior fans work if you give the wiring a jiggle under the glovebox. (laziness and a broken soldering iron on my part)Hinge failed 2 years a go on the drivers door so it has a spare door I have on it, still red but different colour. I have the original door which will need the hinge repairing but comes with the carWindows on drivers side dont work. (door needs changing anyway) Reasons not to sell/ good points2.0 HDi uses no oil or water, pulls well and last tank returned 52.8mpg. Always over 50mpgNice leather seats, heated and electric all working and in good conditionI can't believe it's not wood trimsun roof worksSuspension goes up and down as prescribed by the God of HydractiveIt has lots of neat touches like an auto dipping passenger mirror when you put it in reverse.Handles brilliantly Currently no MOT, but like i say its booked for Monday. Open to offers with/ without MOT About 20,000 miles ago Mmm profile trapped by a bus in the school carpark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadgetgricey Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 Always loved the headlamp washers on mine....Never realised they popped for the first couple of months.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougiefourspeed Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 I'd keep the Xantia over a W203 Merc at that age. Motherfourspeed had a 2003 C220 CDI which was horrendous for fuelling/injector/derv pump issues and that was at less than six years old. At least the Xantia is a known quantity so to speak. Tamworthbay and Cavcraft 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 I'd keep the Xantia over a W203 Merc at that age. Motherfourspeed had a 2003 C220 CDI which was horrendous for fuelling/injector/derv pump issues and that was at less than six years old. At least the Xantia is a known quantity so to speak. This is still a possibility. Going to test drive a C class later, but will wait until I get the Xantia MOT results before deciding. The Xantia has been faultless and superb really. All of my Xantias have been actually. In fact, every time I own one, I sell it, regret it and then replace it with another Xantia. Usually one that's older and has done more miles. Because progress. However, I do fancy a change and the merc has a lot fewer miles than my Xantia. Who knows what will happen. Stay tuned dougiefourspeed 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 I have a w203 and love it. Mines petrol though, the diesels are fairly complex in comparison to the XUD you are used to, and probably no more economical. I think the 220 is the more reliable diesel option mind. Non engine wise they do suffer electrical faults, I've only had one so far which was the ignition module forgetting my keys.....£150 to have it recoded by a specialist and at least it happened at home.... I occasionally get false warnings flashing up about ABS and stability control etc which dissappear after a restart. Oh and rust. Rarely structural unless you are very unlucky but they do rust everywhere especially arches and wings. I think post 2003 or 2004 facelift models have far better corrosion protection as a result. Otherwise they are extremely comfortable, mine handles very well which might be due to the lighter 4 cyl petrol engine rather than the boat anchor diesel over the front wheels, I would even describe it as moderately sporty. Mine is quite quick too with 160bhp. Make sure you buy one with mbtex/leather and toys, there's plenty about so don't suffer a poverty spec one. Also automatic every day of the week, the manual gearbox doesn't suit them IMO. I was a die hard stick shift man before I bought mine so to admit the auto is better takes some doing Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skattrd Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 I've got a cuple of 203 Mercs atm including a 2002 c220. When starting the car check for ticking in the dash - a/c stepper motor, depending on which one it is it could be a dash out job.Black carbon on injectors. That's leaky injector seals, not a major job and only a couple of quid for a new washer and bolt.Glow plug light stays on after starting means duff glow plug … More difficult on coupes as the engine bay is a little tighterMy c270 started fine all last winter with 3 of 5 glow plugs working.Intermittent ABS/BAS light often is the brake light switch, c220 not that quick, a magic box can help on these. I've also got c270 cdi, which is the better option imo.My c220 got around 43mpg when standard which was the same as the c270. A bit of help got the c220 up to 48mpg, but I'd still go for the 5-pot every day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 I have a w203 and love it. Mines petrol though, the diesels are fairly complex in comparison to the XUD you are used to, and probably no more economical. I think the 220 is the more reliable diesel option mind. Non engine wise they do suffer electrical faults, I've only had one so far which was the ignition module forgetting my keys.....£150 to have it recoded by a specialist and at least it happened at home.... I occasionally get false warnings flashing up about ABS and stability control etc which dissappear after a restart. Oh and rust. Rarely structural unless you are very unlucky but they do rust everywhere especially arches and wings. I think post 2003 or 2004 facelift models have far better corrosion protection as a result. Otherwise they are extremely comfortable, mine handles very well which might be due to the lighter 4 cyl petrol engine rather than the boat anchor diesel over the front wheels, I would even describe it as moderately sporty.Mine is quite quick too with 160bhp. Make sure you buy one with mbtex/leather and toys, there's plenty about so don't suffer a poverty spec one. Also automatic every day of the week, the manual gearbox doesn't suit them IMO. I was a die hard stick shift man before I bought mine so to admit the auto is better takes some doing Sent from my F3211 using TapatalkThanks for this info, that's great. The one I'm looking at is 2002 (so will be sure to check rust) auto. I have heard Merc manuals ruin the package. Never owned an auto before (although driven a few) but looking forward to being able to eat my pasty straight away rather than having to wait until i'm in 5th. Xantia is HDi so common rail and computered, although never had a problem with any of them. Any particular test I should put it through on the test drive? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen01 Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 always wanted one of these, the citroen that is, Jag is booked in for MOT Monday also, I wasn't worried until it cut out twice today in traffic. I'm sure this is just a coil. I tend to say keep your current car, but rarely follow my own advise.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 I've got a cuple of 203 Mercs atm including a 2002 c220. When starting the car check for ticking in the dash - a/c stepper motor, depending on which one it is it could be a dash out job.Black carbon on injectors. That's leaky injector seals, not a major job and only a couple of quid for a new washer and bolt.Glow plug light stays on after starting means duff glow plug … More difficult on coupes as the engine bay is a little tighterMy c270 started fine all last winter with 3 of 5 glow plugs working.Intermittent ABS/BAS light often is the brake light switch, c220 not that quick, a magic box can help on these. I've also got c270 cdi, which is the better option imo.My c220 got around 43mpg when standard which was the same as the c270. A bit of help got the c220 up to 48mpg, but I'd still go for the 5-pot every day.Didn't realise the C270 CDi would be as good on fuel. Thanks for the things to check, I'll give it a good once over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 Thanks for this info, that's great. The one I'm looking at is 2002 (so will be sure to check rust) auto. I have heard Merc manuals ruin the package. Never owned an auto before (although driven a few) but looking forward to being able to eat my pasty straight away rather than having to wait until i'm in 5th. Xantia is HDi so common rail and computered, although never had a problem with any of them. Any particular test I should put it through on the test drive?Make sure it shifts smoothly, and goes into lockup in top gear. Gearboxes usually bulletproof mind. Like I said it was my first auto and I'm converted now! Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skattrd Posted September 4, 2018 Share Posted September 4, 2018 Didn't realise the C270 CDi would be as good on fuel. Thanks for the things to check, I'll give it a good once over Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 4, 2018 Author Share Posted September 4, 2018 Scrapped the idea of that C class. RottenGearbox didn't kick downRottenHad a rat investation under the bonnetrotten a bit more.Generally quite untidyDoor lock issues- drivers door wouldn't open and it kept flashing error messages on test drive Also nowhere near as wide as the Xantia on the inside or the boot. Was a pretty nice place to be though, so will probably look a bit more seriously at E classes So I still don't currently have a work hack. (still got the wife's car and camper so not an emergency just yet.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 6, 2018 Author Share Posted September 6, 2018 So, the Xantia goes in for MOT on Monday, so I have decided to wait and see its fate and proceed from there. If anyone is still interested it will be taxed to get you home and cheap if it fails. Might even roffle Only thing I know it will fail on at present is a crusty rear door jam/ sill. Still drove spot on up until I parked it up and took the camper on holiday. Looking forward to taking it to the MOT station on Monday. purplebargeken 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMC Rebel Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 don't suffer a poverty spec one. Referee!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
They_all_do_that_sir Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Referee!!!!!!Normally I would agree but on a modern merc you want a few comforts!! Sent from my F3211 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 10, 2018 Author Share Posted September 10, 2018 The MoT verdict is in and it's not great news. It failed on a fair amount of welding. Both rear sills up to and including near the rear seat belt mounts. I trust the garage and so when they said it wasn't worth paying for welding, i believed them. Perhaps a project for someone on here? £100? To sweeten the deal, I have a nearly complete spares Xantia you can come and take your pick for parts! Otherwise, I'm afraid it's another rare Citroen going to the bridge TBH I'm quite saddened by this as Xantias have powered my business for more than 10 years and I am at a complete loss as to what to go for next. D Spares & Tyres 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bramz7 Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 Decent 406s are worth the money... essentially the same car and in my opinion better interiors. Not the easiest to find but not as hard to come by as a Xantia. Andy F 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chancer Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 Its all well an good for the garage to say it isnt worth paying for welding...to them its just another car. aside from that is the car in good condition? Does it run well and is it needing anything else for MOT apart from welding? If the car is good otherwise id be throwing a few hundred quid at putting in some new metal...what else will you replace it with for that kind of outlay? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 10, 2018 Author Share Posted September 10, 2018 Its all well an good for the garage to say it isnt worth paying for welding...to them its just another car. aside from that is the car in good condition? Does it run well and is it needing anything else for MOT apart from welding? If the car is good otherwise id be throwing a few hundred quid at putting in some new metal...what else will you replace it with for that kind of outlay?That is all true. Mechanically I'll have a good go at fixing most things, but welding is something I have never done, or know anything about. By the time I got it back it was dark this evening, so will have a crawl underneath tomorrow and see just how bad it is. I do trust the garage, but maybe it can live again. Other fail points were very minor. Insufficient wind screen wash on passenger side ( car had sat for a couple of weeks so probably just needs a pin in the nozzle and a rubber seal on a anti roll bar joint off the top of my head. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 10, 2018 Author Share Posted September 10, 2018 This has just come up in Stoke On Trent, but I can't spare the time work wise to visit a car that might be no good. https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201809040144213?onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&model=XANTIA&postcode=gl29eg&advertising-location=at_cars&sort=distance&price-to=5000&make=CITROEN&radius=1500&page=1# Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Spares & Tyres Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 I'll have the Xantia please! Rather miss my last one, it was a beauty and still a bit sore that the buyer weighed it in. Welding holds no fear for me. somewhatfoolish, forddeliveryboy, Broadsword and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 10, 2018 Author Share Posted September 10, 2018 I would be delighted if it were to ride again, consider it yours! I'll get some photos of the lacquer peel and rust underneath to try and put you off if you like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D Spares & Tyres Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 If you want, I don't mind. I know where Xantias rust and while they can get rather ripe, there is usually good metal not far away. Also laquer peel is no issue. I have a ZX with 10% laquer left at most. Am waiting for the rest to fall off so it looks more even. I'm not going to be too fussy for £100 Bren 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bren Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 Cosmetically xantia's can look A1 but be rotten underneath. Good 406's are sought after and clean ones can be pricey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 15, 2018 Author Share Posted September 15, 2018 So, I went car shopping today for a large, diesel estate, but sort of got it a bit wrong. Or very right. I did take a photo but can't seem to upload it right now. Collection tomorrow. A mile walk down the road. Poo count likely to be low Bren and dome 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 Over done collection thread commences. Waiting for a lift, I'm too lazy to walk. Dirk Diggler 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 Also, how do you change the topic name please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Floatylight Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 Also, how do you change the topic name please?I think go into the first post in the thread and edit it.. Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy F Posted September 16, 2018 Author Share Posted September 16, 2018 I think go into the first post in the thread and edit it.. Sent from my Moto G (5) using TapatalkDone! Thanking you. Insurance sorted. Tax next Floatylight 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hairnet Posted September 16, 2018 Share Posted September 16, 2018 and I am at a complete loss as to what to go for next.avensis estate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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