Seeking C 350 Estate 204

[Hoddo]

I am seeking a C Class (204) 350 Sport/AMG Sport petrol. Ideally with Nav (is that called command?). They are like rocking horse s**t. Are they are scarce as they appear to be, how many did Merc make?

Aside from Pistonheads (non) and Autotrader (2), where else should I look?

Any one know of any for sale?

[SwissJonese]

Looks like only 28 in the UK and doesn't say how many are estates:-
www.howmanyleft.co.uk

It took me ages to find mine and I even bought it without test driving it. I've had it for 2 years and it is hard to find a better replacement. We had the Hardon Kardon sound system with Navigation - well worth it, full panoramic sunroof, twins love looking out at the sky, and loads of other goodies. I went for a high miler at 70k when bought, the only downer is flipping 480 quid tax. I always believed Mercs need decent engines with loads of torque and ultimate warp factor, the C350 doesn't disappoint (well apart from missing the sound a C63 makes).

[Hoddo]

SwissJonese said:

Looks like only 28 in the UK and doesn't say how many are estates:-
www.howmanyleft.co.uk

It took me ages to find mine and I even bought it without test driving it. I've had it for 2 years and it is hard to find a better replacement. We had the Hardon Kardon sound system with Navigation - well worth it, full panoramic sunroof, twins love looking out at the sky, and loads of other goodies. I went for a high miler at 70k when bought, the only downer is flipping 480 quid tax. I always believed Mercs need decent engines with loads of torque and ultimate warp factor, the C350 doesn't disappoint (well apart from missing the sound a C63 makes).

How has it handled the mileage? Is command essential?

There are two on Autotader at present.

This one in Fire Opal looks fantastic, however the car supermrket do not know if they have it in stock or not! They are also unsure if it has command.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

The second looks good, still lacking command and does not appear to have a sunroof. Is this one a little over priced?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[SwissJonese]

Hoddo said:

How has it handled the mileage? Is command essential?

There are two on Autotader at present.

It has handled the mileage really well, interior is perfect, outside is a little stone chipped but nothing that couldn't be fixed. No squeaks or rattles and everything works as it should. Front disc are only at 70 percent worn at 79k, backs where changed at 60k which is surprising being such a big heavy car. I have the 18inch AMG alloys and although it looks lovely the ride is a little harsher than the 17inch winter alloys I have.

Up to you if you think Command is essential, to be honest the Sat Nav is a bit rubbish and you could probably by a better portable one for 100 quid off Halfords. However I prefer everything to be integrated and so it works for me. We also use the bluetooth hands free kit a lot and it is really excellent. If you don't have people fitting in the back much don't worry about sunroof, however it does add a lot of light into a large car. I would also recommend the parking sensors as it is quite a long car.

For reference I paid 16k for mine 2 years ago with 67k and every optional extra that they could find. This was from a Merc main dealer so I had 1 years Merc warranty. I also recommend getting the Merc service agreement 2 or 3 years, you pay a bit per month and then service and service parts is included. My first service was a whopper as it needed new sparks, re-grease sunroof, etc so the service agreement saved me a fortune.

[Hoddo]

SwissJonese said:

Hoddo said:

How has it handled the mileage? Is command essential?

There are two on Autotader at present.

It has handled the mileage really well, interior is perfect, outside is a little stone chipped but nothing that couldn't be fixed. No squeaks or rattles and everything works as it should. Front disc are only at 70 percent worn at 79k, backs where changed at 60k which is surprising being such a big heavy car. I have the 18inch AMG alloys and although it looks lovely the ride is a little harsher than the 17inch winter alloys I have.

Up to you if you think Command is essential, to be honest the Sat Nav is a bit rubbish and you could probably by a better portable one for 100 quid off Halfords. However I prefer everything to be integrated and so it works for me. We also use the bluetooth hands free kit a lot and it is really excellent. If you don't have people fitting in the back much don't worry about sunroof, however it does add a lot of light into a large car. I would also recommend the parking sensors as it is quite a long car.

For reference I paid 16k for mine 2 years ago with 67k and every optional extra that they could find. This was from a Merc main dealer so I had 1 years Merc warranty. I also recommend getting the Merc service agreement 2 or 3 years, you pay a bit per month and then service and service parts is included. My first service was a whopper as it needed new sparks, re-grease sunroof, etc so the service agreement saved me a fortune.

What do you think of this one?
http://www.sascron.co.uk/mercedes-c350-sport-sat-n...

I have twins on the way, so the sunroof does appeal but I am not precious.

[SwissJonese]

Hoddo said:

What do you think of this one?
http://www.sascron.co.uk/mercedes-c350-sport-sat-n...

I have twins on the way, so the sunroof does appeal but I am not precious.

Yep look nice, ticks all the nice to have options (missing the Hardon Kardon sound system ;-)). But notice it doesn't have the AMG Sport Park (missing sport button from the centre console). I use this all the time as it sharpens up everything and makes the car go like a rocket ship (uses AMG tuning program).

Good luck with twins, ours are 2 and a half now, been a long journey so far. This is the one reason I opted for the S204 Estate as it has a boot that accommodated our mountain buggy duet. Audi A4, BMW 5 etc didn't have a big enough boot, only VW Passat had a bigger boot (but only the R36 had enough fun factor).

Make sure it has isofix in the back (I think they all did) as we fitted the MaxCosi Seats and it secures to the isofix and so doesn't press down on the seat (as a little leg pulls down onto the floor).

Here is our twin toddler setup:-


I also bought the 500ltr Merc roof box for holidays and it is massive:-

[Hoddo]

SwissJonese said:

Hoddo said:

What do you think of this one?
http://www.sascron.co.uk/mercedes-c350-sport-sat-n...

I have twins on the way, so the sunroof does appeal but I am not precious.

Yep look nice, ticks all the nice to have options (missing the Hardon Kardon sound system ;-)). But notice it doesn't have the AMG Sport Park (missing sport button from the centre console). I use this all the time as it sharpens up everything and makes the car go like a rocket ship (uses AMG tuning program).

Good luck with twins, ours are 2 and a half now, been a long journey so far. This is the one reason I opted for the S204 Estate as it has a boot that accommodated our mountain buggy duet. Audi A4, BMW 5 etc didn't have a big enough boot, only VW Passat had a bigger boot (but only the R36 had enough fun factor).

Make sure it has isofix in the back (I think they all did) as we fitted the MaxCosi Seats and it secures to the isofix and so doesn't press down on the seat (as a little leg pulls down onto the floor).

We've gone through a similar thought process. I would enjoy an R36 Estate but they are about as rare as the C350. At least I have my targets, babies not due till Christmas so enough time to wait and research.

I shall have to go for a test drive of the one I linked to earlier, then compare it to one with the AMG Sport Pack.

[Alex L]

Rich, just bite the bullet and get a C63 estate. When you're next down South I'll take you out in ours

[Hoddo]

Alex L said:

Rich, just bite the bullet and get a C63 estate. When you're next down South I'll take you out in ours

Hi Mate, Lotus was sold and family budget set for an RS4 or C63, then we went and won the baby lottery and are expecting twins rather than the planner 1.

I am now purposefully not testing a C63 as I know man maths will get the better of me.

C63 Estate is the dream ticket. How are the old running costs? Breaks, tyres, service, surprises?

[Alex L]

Congrats on the twins!

So far 1 set of rears in 14,000 miles (£200 each for Michelin Pilots), although we did buy a full set of AMG 18 inch wheels and winter tyres for the cooler months. Last service was about £400 and this service will be £600 as it requires gearbox oil change.

Not had to replace pads or discs as Katy is relatively soft on them. On average returns 22mpg or 270 miles to a tank.

Do it!

[Hoddo]

Alex L said:

Congrats on the twins!

So far 1 set of rears in 14,000 miles (£200 each for Michelin Pilots), although we did buy a full set of AMG 18 inch wheels and winter tyres for the cooler months. Last service was about £400 and this service will be £600 as it requires gearbox oil change.

Not had to replace pads or discs as Katy is relatively soft on them. On average returns 22mpg or 270 miles to a tank.

Do it!

mmmmmmm. They really don't cost the world do they. I only commute 4,000 a year as well so economy isn't a factor I have to worry about.

[Alex L]

I'll just leave this here..



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OnT0nSzF10Q

Edited by Alex L on Sunday 17th August 08:33

[PorkRind]

If i had enough for several cars, id have one of these - actually with all that money i may as well get the c63 estate . Lovely cars and amazing what you can get for your £ second hand.

[PD9]

Alex L said:

I'll just leave this here..



https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OnT0nSzF10Q

Edited by Alex L on Sunday 17th August 08:33

Lovely.

[Black63]

Can I also just leave this here?

https://www.flickr.com/photos/widnes_road/14988564...

I had a C350 estate until Man maths got the better of me and I chopped it in for a C63 estate or a runout deal...

[SwissJonese]

My C350 is now for sale:-
C350 for Sale on Pistonheads