Need a bit of advice

[Mikey2312]

How’s it going? Hope you all had a great Christmas.

Just got a bit of a dilemma I was hoping to get a second opinion on. I’ve got a Ford Mondeo at the moment long story short it’s laid up on the drive and needs some repairs and it’s quicker to change the car than repair with how busy garages are. I’ve got some disposable savings and with a new job thought I’d treat myself.. nothing fancy but found a 2010 Mercedes C350 CDI for sale with reasonable miles (71k), looks to have good spec (heated seats, sensors, etc). Spoke to the garage and they said it was in for a service and MOT before being ready for sale, I took a trip to see it in the hope it might be done and unfortunately it wasn’t so browsing the forecourt I stumbled across an XC90 D5 AWD, 110k on the clock but they’ve always been something I’ve liked so asked for a test drive.. drove great, literally feels like you’re driving a tank! Love the comfort and the space inside is insane so here comes the dilemma, the Mercedes should be ready to go by the weekend.. would you go merc or Volvo? Just looking for experiences of both, is the mileage on the Volvo a concern?

Little bit of background, I work from home 2-3 days a week and go to the office the other 2 which is a 65 mile round trip on A roads. I like to get out and about when I’m off around the country and I’ve taken up diving recreationally, I’m guessing the merc will have the room to hold everything just not as much as the Volvo

[CarCrazyDad]

I drove an XC90 and it was horrific. Like driving a tank (as you say) but not in a positive!

Their repair bills I hear are not good either.

Unless you really need a 7 seater 4x4 then I'd get the Merc.

[Mikey2312]

The body roll was pretty nasty, felt like it was going to topple over round a roundabout but I’ve read this can be massively improved with aftermarket parts. I don’t really need 7 seats, I’d likely never put the back two up but I can’t get over the “high up” feeling and just the general space inside, it honestly felt like driving a tank.. in a lazy boy. I need to test drive the merc still but the XC90 made an impression for me

[gazza285]

XC60, yes, XC90, no.

[CarCrazyDad]

Mikey2312 said:

The body roll was pretty nasty, felt like it was going to topple over round a roundabout but I’ve read this can be massively improved with aftermarket parts. I don’t really need 7 seats, I’d likely never put the back two up but I can’t get over the “high up” feeling and just the general space inside, it honestly felt like driving a tank.. in a lazy boy. I need to test drive the merc still but the XC90 made an impression for me

There are any number of FWD "tall hatchbacks" that will be significantly nicer to drive, cheaper to run and much less polluting.

I drove the diesel XC90 for around an hour (borrowed) and it did 28mpg mixed driving (majority on flowing A roads).

[Brassblaster]

To the question actually asked... Is 110k cause for concern on a D5? Absolutely not - barely run in.

To be honest, though, I'd get that D5 in an S80, S60 or V70 instead - not a fan of SUVs in general, though, so that's perhaps predictable, but unless you have a particular reason to want an SUV you'll get more car in an estate (V70) and even more in a saloon (especially S80, but S60 too).

On a decent run driving sensibly, my S80 D5 manual will do 50+ MPG - and at 122k miles you'd never know it, these engines will do huge mileages as long as they're serviced properly (if you buy an auto, make sure the gearbox oil is changed - do not listen to Volvo's advice that it doesn't need doing, it does!).

Edited by Brassblaster on Friday 30th December 01:25

[sunnyb13]

Xc60 for sure

[fflump]

Mikey2312 said:

How’s it going? Hope you all had a great Christmas.

Just got a bit of a dilemma I was hoping to get a second opinion on. I’ve got a Ford Mondeo at the moment long story short it’s laid up on the drive and needs some repairs and it’s quicker to change the car than repair with how busy garages are. I’ve got some disposable savings and with a new job thought I’d treat myself.. nothing fancy but found a 2010 Mercedes C350 CDI for sale with reasonable miles (71k), looks to have good spec (heated seats, sensors, etc). Spoke to the garage and they said it was in for a service and MOT before being ready for sale, I took a trip to see it in the hope it might be done and unfortunately it wasn’t so browsing the forecourt I stumbled across an XC90 D5 AWD, 110k on the clock but they’ve always been something I’ve liked so asked for a test drive.. drove great, literally feels like you’re driving a tank! Love the comfort and the space inside is insane so here comes the dilemma, the Mercedes should be ready to go by the weekend.. would you go merc or Volvo? Just looking for experiences of both, is the mileage on the Volvo a concern?

Little bit of background, I work from home 2-3 days a week and go to the office the other 2 which is a 65 mile round trip on A roads. I like to get out and about when I’m off around the country and I’ve taken up diving recreationally, I’m guessing the merc will have the room to hold everything just not as much as the Volvo

You don't so much drive an XC90 as captain one. They appear to be used round here for the sole purpose of depositing/picking up small children from prep school. They have a bit of a cult following so prices tend to be on the high side for what you get.

A 6-pot Mercedes diesel with a 6.5s 0-60 time in the C-class will be on a different planet to the D5 hauling well over 2-tonnes of Scandinavian safety features up to 60 in about 11s. If you do a lot of single carriageway A road driving and want to overtake anything ever again do not get the XC90-you'll get tailgated by tractors.

As for space-if the C-class has the space you need then it sounds ideal-but do check-they are smaller than Mondeos as you know. If you want space get an E-Class (or if that's out of budget another Mondeo)

PS. I initially read that you had taken up driving recreationally which left me very confused!

[swanseaboydan]

My 2006 xc 90 is awesome and will never get sold until it blows up ! All the way through winter I have the choice of it or 2 newer prestige cars and I always jump in the Volvo. It’s also my work vehicle for tools, carrying stuff around. My mum is always disappointed if I turn up to pick her up in my macan as the Volvo is more comfy to be chauffeured around in. This is my contribution.

[Mikey2312]

CarCrazyDad said:

There are any number of FWD "tall hatchbacks" that will be significantly nicer to drive, cheaper to run and much less polluting.

I drove the diesel XC90 for around an hour (borrowed) and it did 28mpg mixed driving (majority on flowing A roads).

Anything you’d recommend? I’m budgeted around £6k. I’ve had a D5 before in a C30 and it was great. I know any car can be unreliable but anything with a proven track record would be good

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm guessing you're spending around 10k & want some power & space, I'd take the C350 it'll be the better car down an A road no less reliable & a bit easier on the consumables because while the Volvo's drivetrain will be fine at 110k the suspension won't be far from needing refreshing.

I'd say the D5 XC60 might be a better option if it's a Volvo SUV your liking:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210170...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

Or the similar in size Infiniti EX:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212162...

[Mikey2312]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'm guessing you're spending around 10k & want some power & space, I'd take the C350 it'll be the better car down an A road no less reliable & a bit easier on the consumables because while the Volvo's drivetrain will be fine at 110k the suspension won't be far from needing refreshing.

I'd say the D5 XC60 might be a better option if it's a Volvo SUV your liking:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210170...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211051...

Or the similar in size Infiniti EX:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212162...

The XC60 is certainly a box ticker.. unfortunately the budget is only up to around £6k at a push, seems the XC60 is a bit more of a sought after car and the prices are naturally higher.. I’m waiting to hear back on the merc, might go see it and forget all about Volvo.. it’s 70k 2010 with a good spec at what I’m seeing is a bargain price so if it all checks out then potentially it could be a stepping stone onto an SUV if I don’t get on with it

[georgeyboy12345]

I'd get a test drive of the C350 CDI before making any hasty decisions.

[ZX10R NIN]

Mikey2312 said:

The XC60 is certainly a box ticker.. unfortunately the budget is only up to around £6k at a push, seems the XC60 is a bit more of a sought after car and the prices are naturally higher.. I’m waiting to hear back on the merc, might go see it and forget all about Volvo.. it’s 70k 2010 with a good spec at what I’m seeing is a bargain price so if it all checks out then potentially it could be a stepping stone onto an SUV if I don’t get on with it

I have to say that's very cheap for what it is, have you made (VCheck/MOT History) all the checks? Also check that the gearbox has been serviced as per schedule (every 5 years or 40k) if it hasn't been then you'll be looking at between £250-300 to get this done.

They're good robust cars & should see you right.

If you want a good SUV for around that money then the Infiniti EX is a good option as well as being reliable & well spec'd they have the added benefit of being ULEZ/CAZ compliant too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206307...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211161...

[Mikey2312]

ZX10R NIN said:

I have to say that's very cheap for what it is, have you made (VCheck/MOT History) all the checks? Also check that the gearbox has been serviced as per schedule (every 5 years or 40k) if it hasn't been then you'll be looking at between £250-300 to get this done.

They're good robust cars & should see you right.

If you want a good SUV for around that money then the Infiniti EX is a good option as well as being reliable & well spec'd they have the added benefit of being ULEZ/CAZ compliant too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206307...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211161...

I’ll be honest I think I’m being messed around by the garage, the merc was meant to be ready yesterday for viewing then it was today then tomorrow now it’s next weekend.. seems like a too good to be true as it’s the only C350 I can find within that price range and mileage.. I’ve told them I’m “still interested” to see where it goes but on the hunt again as I think it’ll just be a continued mess around

[ZX10R NIN]

Mikey2312 said:

I’ll be honest I think I’m being messed around by the garage, the merc was meant to be ready yesterday for viewing then it was today then tomorrow now it’s next weekend.. seems like a too good to be true as it’s the only C350 I can find within that price range and mileage.. I’ve told them I’m “still interested” to see where it goes but on the hunt again as I think it’ll just be a continued mess around

You'll get a decent C220cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210301...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210210...

With your budget in mind I'd take a good look at the Insignia in Elite Nav 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212232...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

[Mikey2312]

ZX10R NIN said:

You'll get a decent C220cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210301...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210210...

With your budget in mind I'd take a good look at the Insignia in Elite Nav 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212232...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

Those C220’s aren’t a bad shout! Cheers for the search, how do they fair with reliability over the V6 engine?

Not to be a badge snob but Vauxhall has just never been one for me 😂

[georgeyboy12345]

Mikey2312 said:

ZX10R NIN said:

You'll get a decent C220cdi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210301...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210210...

With your budget in mind I'd take a good look at the Insignia in Elite Nav 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212232...

SRI:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212212...

Those C220’s aren’t a bad shout! Cheers for the search, how do they fair with reliability over the V6 engine?

Not to be a badge snob but Vauxhall has just never been one for me ??

The 220 CDIs are very robust, much more than the V6. These engines are found in Sprinter vans and can reliably cover 500k miles with routine servicing.

[Mikey2312]

georgeyboy12345 said:

The 220 CDIs are very robust, much more than the V6. These engines are found in Sprinter vans and can reliably cover 500k miles with routine servicing.

Good to know, how’s the C250 just out of curiosity? Might be better picking up a well spec’d 220/250

[Kuwahara]

Mikey2312 said:

Good to know, how’s the C250 just out of curiosity? Might be better picking up a well spec’d 220/250

It’s the same 2.1 4 pot just different outputs some are ok and some sound rough as boars st,no such issues with the V6 ,I ran one in an E class and it was sublime smooth…👍