Please give me some thoughts on this Mercedes Estate

[PeterL]

The W204s are quite reliable. The biggest issue is the timing chains. Replace every 100k kms as preventive maintenance. They are also from the last reasonably well-built generation of Mercedes. They are quite thirsty though. Not v8 levels obviously but more so than competitors.

The 2011 that you mentioned in your OP, is that a facelift or pre-facelift? The prefacelift is lacking abit in the tech department.

It's a facelift. However, my wife says she won't look cute in a station wagon, so I shifted my focus to an SUV.

 

[PeterL]

Looks clean. Missing xenon lights. Yes a bit overpriced I think around 210k would be fair but the one owner, accident free and FSH is probably what's driving it up as these are rare factors.

I didn't realize xenon lights were such a big deal. I guess, since I never had them, I didn't factor it in.

Is there any room for bargaining with used car dealerships in SA, or is that generally a waste of time?

 

[Riaad]

I just went and looked at this X3 - https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...087?vf=2&db=1&s360=0&so=1&pl=1&pq=0&pr=3&po=1

It was in very good condition. I'll take it to a mechanic first before I buy it, but from everything I could see it was well taken care of both inside and outside. I think my one gripe is that the X3 was rather boring to drive. However, for the purpose of driving my dogs and future kids around it seems ideal. How do you guys feel about the price? My feeling is that the car is perhaps 20K over what I would pay from a private seller, but that it's not terribly priced.

This X3 is a proper poverty spec. ..but does appear to be clean in the pics.

At that price point, id be more inclined to look at a Msport variant...These look better and in theory should retain value better than a Base model.

Maybe check if there are any available on the forum

 

[PeterL]

This X3 is a proper poverty spec. ..but does appear to be clean in the pics.

At that price point, id be more inclined to look at a Msport variant...These look better and in theory should retain value better than a Base model.

Maybe check if there are any available on the forum

It's the Exclusive version so it does have some features at least. Can I ask exactly what you think it's missing other than xenon lights? I have chatted to one forum member about his X3 M-sport, but I feel I'm created too narrow of a market for myself if I only do M-sport.

 

[MR_Y]

It's a facelift. However, my wife says she won't look cute in a station wagon, so I shifted my focus to an SUV.

Mazda CX5 is all she needs.
My wife still misses her CX5, even though she has a G01 X3 now.
Ease of driving and the way the car feels nimble to drive, but still remains a decently spacious, medium SUV are key points with the female customer.
Interior quality on the facelifted model rivals that of the Germans.

 

[///M Individual]

I didn't realize xenon lights were such a big deal. I guess, since I never had them, I didn't factor it in.

Is there any room for bargaining with used car dealerships in SA, or is that generally a waste of time?

Xenons make a huge difference and also very hard to retrofit so always preferable to get one with.

You can bargain and make an offer. Nothing better than trying.

It's the Exclusive version so it does have some features at least. Can I ask exactly what you think it's missing other than xenon lights? I have chatted to one forum member about his X3 M-sport, but I feel I'm created too narrow of a market for myself if I only do M-sport.

My must haves:

Xenon's
Sunroof
PDC front and rear
Bluetooth and USB (Thought this was standard on the F25's like F30's but realised it was not when I got my 2012 30d - my biggest gripe with the car)

 

[PeterL]

Xenons make a huge difference and also very hard to retrofit so always preferable to get one with.

My must haves:

Xenon's
Sunroof
PDC front and rear
Bluetooth and USB (Thought this was standard on the F25's like F30's but realised it was not when I got my 2012 30d - my biggest gripe with the car)

Great post. Very helpful both regarding the xenons as well as the must haves.

 

[PeterL]

I’ve decided to up my budget and go with an X3. I’m most likely buying a 20d, but until I find the right one I decided to view a couple of 30d’s. I went to see this one on Wednesday- https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...594?vf=1&db=0&s360=0&so=0&pl=0&pq=0&pr=5&po=1.

I have to say, it was a fantastic drive. It was actually so much fun, I’m wondering if the prior owner did some work on it. I asked the salesman, and he said they themselves the car might have had a remap done on it. They apparently bought it from BMW, where it was a trade-in, so he didn’t know for sure. I’ve a very small sample size with X3’s, though, so perhaps I’m wrong and the 30d is just that enjoyable. It made me wonder how many people do a remap and don’t tell potential buyers about it. Not that it would bother me if well done, but it would be nice to know. Thoughts?

 

[///M Individual]

I’ve decided to up my budget and go with an X3. I’m most likely buying a 20d, but until I find the right one I decided to view a couple of 30d’s. I went to see this one on Wednesday- https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-fo...594?vf=1&db=0&s360=0&so=0&pl=0&pq=0&pr=5&po=1.

I have to say, it was a fantastic drive. It was actually so much fun, I’m wondering if the prior owner did some work on it. I asked the salesman, and he said they themselves the car might have had a remap done on it. They apparently bought it from BMW, where it was a trade-in, so he didn’t know for sure. I’ve a very small sample size with X3’s, though, so perhaps I’m wrong and the 30d is just that enjoyable. It made me wonder how many people do a remap and don’t tell potential buyers about it. Not that it would bother me if well done, but it would be nice to know. Thoughts?

Even stock the 30d is a massive difference to a 20d so maybe drive another one and compare. Yes most guys won't mention a remap if trading in as it will probably result in a lower value.

 

[PeterL]

Sorry for the lack of updates, but last week, I bought a 2012 X3 20d. I got quite lucky, as @KPM3_30 had just found the X5 he was looking for and wanted to sell his X3. I went up to Joburg to see the car, and, as one might expect, it was in great condition. I feel fortunate buying a car that has been so well taken care of by both KPM3 and Kyle before him. Also, KPM3 was very helpful with sorting out the paperwork and advising on insurance and transport. He even went the extra mile to make sure the car was in great shape before handing it over.

I really appreciate everyone who posted in this thread with advice or who sent me PMs. Special thanks to @FILV , who met up with KPM3 and me to show me his tuned X3 20D. Overall this forum is a fantastic resource and a great community. Everyone I’ve spoken to, either over PM or in person, has been very stand-up and honest.

 

[KPM3_30]

Congrats on an amazing car Dan, awesome meeting you and Fil, was a good catch up actually. I was very sad to see the car go, but also happy for the new adventures that await you and your family with it.

The X3 had moved us up to Jhb and brought both my sons home, so a lot of sentimental value. Served us exceptionally well for the 4 years and almost 50k km that we had the car, absolute gem.

I'm glad it has gone to a good home and I'm looking forward to your showroom thread!

 

[FILV]

Congratulations!
Was Awesome meeting you, and looking forward to your showroom thread and some pics of you with it in your beautiful city.

 

[///M Individual]

Hi bud

Mercs, petrol or diesel, are not as reliable as a BMW diesel unfortunately.

Can you stretch budget to get into an F25 X3 xDrive20d maybe?

Wow congratulations @PeterL!

So glad I posted the above and got you to look at an X3 instead of the Merc.....and you have undoubtedly found one of most meticulously maintained X3's at that knowing @KPM3_30 and @Kyle.

Wish you many happy happy kms!

PS. Had I not found my F25, this car was first on the list having chatted to KPM about it a while back.

 

[PeterL]

Wow congratulations @PeterL!

So glad I posted the above and got you to look at an X3 instead of the Merc.....and you have undoubtedly found one of most meticulously maintained X3's at that knowing @KPM3_30 and @Kyle.

Wish you many happy happy kms!

PS. Had I not found my F25, this car was first on the list having chatted to KPM about it a while back.

I'll admit, the thought of buying an X3 hadn't crossed my mind when I started this thread, so I'm glad you mentioned it! While I had to go over my initial budget, I also got a lot more car for the money. Not that the Mercedes Estate is necessarily a bad car, but I feel like I'll be happier driving the X3.

 

[PeterL]

Congratulations!
Was Awesome meeting you, and looking forward to your showroom thread and some pics of you with it in your beautiful city.

Thanks! I'm terrible at taking pictures so I'm unsure about the showroom thread, but I definitively owe you a few beers so please hit me up when you're in Cape Town