So I've got a new job but does it mean I need a new car?

[Ben Chod]

I'll be commuting 45 miles each way, along the dreaded m25. I've got around 10k to play with and I need (or should that be want?) something automatic, comfortable and efficient (diesel?). As new as possible yet not a piece of st. Something around 2010-2012. I'm not a fan of financing new vehicles as I don't like the sound of pissing away money to depreciation.

I've currently got a w210 e300 turbodiesel estate but it screams peasant. And isn't the sort of thing a young, dashing chap like myself should be seen in. It's comfortable and eats the miles, yet looks like a piece of st and wobbles about like a trifle. It also lacks some of the toys a more modern car would have; mainly heated seats and a decent sound system with connectivity and DAB. The other downside is I don't think it's as efficient as something newer. It's a car I can leave anywhere and not be worried about. And it only cost me £250.

So I was thinking of buying something a lot newer for the new commute (and also to impress the ladies). I was thinking mercedes cls 320cdi, 350cdi, bmw Alpina d3 biturbo, 320d, 335d, and even a high miles F10 520d is within budget.

I had a brand new e220cdi for a month at the start of this year. Didn't like it. So that's out.
I also had a spanking new 320d for a couple of weeks. I really did like that, especially the auto gear selector.

But I can't help wondering if it's worth getting a larger engine. How much more fuel will a 2.0 save me over a 3.0? Should I just forget it and carry on using the w210? Should I only spend 5k? Should I say fk it and buy an Elise?

Edited by Ben Chod on Saturday 24th June 20:33

[lucido grigio]

350Z ?

oh wait....

[jogger1976]

Personally I'd keep the E300. You'd look less of a bellend to be honest.

[ScoobyChris]

If the Merc is in good nick and does the job, spending 10k on a newer more efficient car seems to be a false economy if you're wanting to be better off, however, if you can afford it (and the man maths adds up) having a newer car that's more comfortable will make the journey more bearable.

The only thing that would put me off the 520d is the N47 timing chain issue, although saying that, I owned a 120d with the same engine for a few years without any problems and the engine really is a good'un.

Chris

[InitialDave]

W210 only screams peasant if you drive like one or look like one yourself. I'd keep that until you're settled in your job a bit.

[shtu]

Ben Chod said:

e300 turbodiesel

Run it until something expensive crops up, then bin it and replace at that time.

[anonymous-user]

Ben Chod said:

So I was thinking of buying something a lot newer for the new commute (and also to impress the ladies).

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 24th June 20:33

You have 10k to play with but don't want to waste on depreciation.

You want a comfy load of toys diesel, and then kangaroo to fk it what about a elise?

Definitely a troll... I'm out.

For sure.

[Ben Chod]

An elise won't depreciate and will also be fun on the weekends. Just not sure what the mpg's will be like.

I just need one car that works well. I have a project which may be complete in the next year, or the next 10. It may become my daily or may not. I haven't decided. I can't decide. My brain's fried.

[anonymous-user]

An elise wont impress the ladies, so i guess that's that out the window

[Ben Chod]

I've seen a 520d on eBay with the timing chain problem. The ad states it's skipped a tooth but it still runs. It also says that he's been quoted 1k to fix. Makes me think if it's that easy why haven't you fixed it?

[ZX10R NIN]

Let's get one thing straight pretty much every car you buy (some more than others) will depreciate get over it if you want a smarter car for work that's a different story.

Spend around 6k or less on some reliable wheels, put the rest into your project & finish it.

2006 Mercedes E320 Avantgarde 50k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007 E280 Sport 79k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2008 Mondeo Titanium X 46k (These are a good steer & reliable)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2010 Mondeo Titanium X 71k (161bhp Version)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 Insignia Elite 50k (these represent good value as you get a new low mileage car loaded with kit for not much outlay)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2011 Insignia Elite 40k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2008 Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 31k (uses the same 1.9 as used in the Vectra)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2011 Saab 9-3 54k TTid (160bhp version)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2007/8 Saab 9-3 Vector Sport 62k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

All the above will be reliable as long as you look after them.

[Ben Chod]

Yeah your'e probably right. Always fancied an Alfa 159 Ti.

Would a 3.0 have considerably worse mpg's or is there not much in it?

Edited by Ben Chod on Monday 26th June 01:40

[Gareth1974]

I do a similar mileage to you, and I bought a 320d auto to commute in, its very competent but not very exciting.

But given you've already got a suitable car, why not run that into the ground and use your £10k to buy something fun for weekends? I'm planning on doing this myself soon, fancy something like a Chimaera. Then you can buy a car which won't depreciate much.

[MorganP104]

Ben Chod said:

I've seen a 520d on eBay with the timing chain problem. The ad states it's skipped a tooth but it still runs. It also says that he's been quoted 1k to fix. Makes me think if it's that easy why haven't you fixed it?

You're wondering why someone doesn't want to throw a thousand pounds at a car they are looking to get rid of? Not sure if serious.

If the "fault" was one of those "easy fix, £25 from eBay" jobbies you often see in car adverts, I'd be wondering the same as you.

But a grand? I'd be wanting to get shot, too!