Mercedes C220 CDI Coupe (or other small, economical car!)
Discussion
Long story short, I had a 2011 Fiesta Zetec S TDCi whilst I buy a house, as I didn't want the monthly commitments of a PCP/lease until I was moved in and knew how much I'd have to spend every month. I'd already sought advice on here for a newer hot hatch to move back into when I was sorted. Last week, however, the Fiesta got written off by someone driving into the side of me on a roundabout.
Therefore, I need to replace it, but without dipping into my savings (which are fenced off until all house things are sorted), and without getting back into the monthly commitments of a lease/PCP just yet. Given I'm only going to have up to 4k to play with, and I do 80 miles a day (on country A/B roads), I'm looking for an almost impossible combination of economy, comfort and reliability. I'm imagining it to be a case of 'pick any 2 from those 3'.
My searches seem to have landed, for the moment, on the Mercedes C220 CDI Sport Coupe from around 2006. A lot of them seem reasonably appointed with leather, panoramic roofs, climate etc. and whilst I'm sure the engine isn't the last word in refinement or the pinnacle of fuel efficiency, it's got to be better suited than a petrol? I quite like the look of them, and the reason for wanting a small car is partly because I don't need a big car, but mostly because my new house has a typically 'new build' sized garage (was built in the early 90's) and I'd like to keep the car in there as much as possible, so I need to know it'll fit!
I'm very open to the wisdom of PH giving me some ideas for cars and solutions I haven't considered, as well as any knowledge and advice on the Merc. As I understand it, the 2006 models should be better than earlier models, but as most will be getting on for 100k now, are there any big bills etc. to keep an eye out for? Are they generally pretty solid, and so on. I'm sure there are some more conventional options out there, but I like my car to be a bit different in some way, whether it's a sportier model, a rare model, or just something a bit interesting.
Thanks in advance!
Therefore, I need to replace it, but without dipping into my savings (which are fenced off until all house things are sorted), and without getting back into the monthly commitments of a lease/PCP just yet. Given I'm only going to have up to 4k to play with, and I do 80 miles a day (on country A/B roads), I'm looking for an almost impossible combination of economy, comfort and reliability. I'm imagining it to be a case of 'pick any 2 from those 3'.
My searches seem to have landed, for the moment, on the Mercedes C220 CDI Sport Coupe from around 2006. A lot of them seem reasonably appointed with leather, panoramic roofs, climate etc. and whilst I'm sure the engine isn't the last word in refinement or the pinnacle of fuel efficiency, it's got to be better suited than a petrol? I quite like the look of them, and the reason for wanting a small car is partly because I don't need a big car, but mostly because my new house has a typically 'new build' sized garage (was built in the early 90's) and I'd like to keep the car in there as much as possible, so I need to know it'll fit!
I'm very open to the wisdom of PH giving me some ideas for cars and solutions I haven't considered, as well as any knowledge and advice on the Merc. As I understand it, the 2006 models should be better than earlier models, but as most will be getting on for 100k now, are there any big bills etc. to keep an eye out for? Are they generally pretty solid, and so on. I'm sure there are some more conventional options out there, but I like my car to be a bit different in some way, whether it's a sportier model, a rare model, or just something a bit interesting.
Thanks in advance!
I had one for about 6 years and regretted selling it. I found it to be a good combination of comfort and handling. Also practical with the hatch and folding seats. Fuel consumption was between 40 and 45 mpg. Unless you're very dexterous I'd avoid the manual as the park brake is applied by a pedal and released by a handle.
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff