E Class/C Class. What to look out for?

[CDP]

I'm considering either a new Dacia Duster a similar amount on an Mercedes estate. Thinking about C class or E class. I race in Locost and want to be able to tow but as it's under a ton I can't see it worrying a Merc too much - my Vectra 2.0 DTI hardly notices the trailer.

For my budget it looks like a 2004-2007 car, which means the previous E or C. Ideally on the smallest wheels, probably steel.

0. I'm thinking that an older low mileage car (54 plate with 60K) would be a better bet than a newer higher mileage car. Is this right or shouldn't I worry about 100K+?

1. I might need to sleep in the car - what's the load length on a C (E shouldn't be an issue) and on either car do the seats fold flat.

2. While the V8 would be fantastic it's a bit silly on fuel (25mpg?). What is the supercharged 1.8 like? Does it drone so I'm better off with the diesel? And what could I expect out of a V6 petrol?

3. What goes wrong? Are the diesels potential money pits like BMWs? For example do injectors or common rail pumps fail often and are they expensive to fix?

4. Is there an easy way of connecting an MP3 player? I'd prefer not to pull out an integrated stereo and I'm not sure if replacements are available.

5. Is rust an issue on these models like it was on the previous E class?

Thanks

[GTIR]

I'd go for a facelift E class, 56 on. You can spot them because the mirrors are different.
Much better electrics, paint (no rust issues), and gearbox. No known problems to be honest.

Mine is an 07 220. It's got 430k miles and I've never had any major issues.
100k is nothing and the only issues at that age are springs snapping and wheel bearings may be on their way out. May, but probably not at that age. In fact the springs will be ok too.

Much later on in life the water pumps go, injector seals start leaking and glow plugs. But I'm taking about 250k plus.

Even with four up and lots of luggage it pulls the same if it's empty!
No MP3 connectivity.

Edited by GTIR on Wednesday 21st November 09:24

[CDP]

That's the diesel isn't it?

So buying entirely on condition rather than age or mileage may well be the way to go. It's just with high mileage I'm always aware of that wear and tear element while a low mileage privately owned car might have led an easier if longer life so far.

[GTIR]

100k isn't high for any exec diesel.