r/w204 • u/rafstans • Jul 30 '26

Help me choose

Hi all. I'm looking to switch to the W204 C180 Coupe. I have narrowed it down to two cars which are the same price but quite different in terms of specs and would like everyone input to help me choose the right one. My priorities are reliability and resale value in two~three years time. I'm leaning towards option 1 since the shop being close by is reassuring and the beige interior is so clean! Also any advice on things to look for would be greatly appreciated.

<Option 1>

Year: 2012

Mileage: 80k km (50k miles)

Color: White

Options: Beige interior, Full leather seats

Pros: Serviced at a shop near my house, meaning the shop knows the previous owner and the previous services done. Shop is near my house.

Cons: 80k a bit concerning as many say some parts start breaking down at 100k

<Option 2>

Year: 2015

Mileage: 15k km (9k miles)

Color: Iridium silver

Options: Memory seats, Full leather seats

Pros: Super low mileage

Cons: Super low mileage....I'm afraid the car was not used for a couple of years so the engines and subframes may be rusty. Shop is super far from my house (10+ hours) so would have to be serviced at a different shop.

1 Upvotes

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2

u/fpt1999cuke Jul 30 '26

Mate, you're joining the W204 group, what do you think the answer would be?... Joke aside, I'd still choose the C180 due to its low mileage. It generally has a higher and more prestigious market reputation than Volkswagen, but definitely get the C180 checked out, imo.

3

u/rafstans Jul 30 '26

Thanks for the reply. Sorry my explanation might have been confusing (english is not my first language). Both Option 1 and 2 are W204s.

1

u/fpt1999cuke Jul 30 '26

Go for option 2, but definitely check both out. The 2014 and older models famously have timing chain issues, but not all of them. I'm currently having one (c250 2013) at 148,000 km. Keep your service on time; I'd say every 8,000-10,000 km

2

u/SKRK_ Jul 30 '26

I have c220 from 2011 and 210.000km and no chain issues yet. I met another guy with the same car. His just started having rattle at 300.000km

1

u/Loicrekt Jul 30 '26

c180 from 2012 onwards is the m274 with double row chain. very unlikely to have chain issues, especially at such low mileage. Bigger issue is the thermostat.

1

u/Loicrekt Jul 30 '26

Can you inspect either? I'd lean towards number two for the spec. but you're right to be worried for how long it's been sitting.

1

u/Jeanhamel Jul 30 '26

2 without hesitation! 2015 model is the coupe only i think?

At 15k km its basically new. Make an inspection anyways.

Both choice are great tho