V60 or C220 estate?

[Andy Allenton]

I've narrowed my car search down to two cars: a Volvo V60 1.6 SE Lux and a Merc C220 CDI SE Executive estate, both manual, up to 3 years old and 30K miles. I'm looking to keep it for ages, perhaps 10 years. I test-drove the Volvo and it was truly a quality car - better than I expected. I haven't yet driven the Merc but I think it'll be at least as solid as the V60. Which car will be the cheapest to run over a decade, including servicing and wear & tear? Surprisingly, the fuel consumption of the Merc doesn't seem any worse than the V60. Has anyone he'd any issues with either?
Thanks for your input.

[krobbo]

Personal choice would be the Merc, although the general view is that they are much better as an automatic as it suits the character of the car better.

[Andy Allenton]

Cheers Krobbo. Do you have any experience of either?

[krobbo]

Driven both short distances as part of a pick up/collect service and while both are nice to drive the mercedes just feels more planted and secure. Would say the interior of the volvo is nicer to look at and more comfortable but both are of equal quality. Depends what is most important to you.