Thinking about a C Class..

[dr matt uk]

Evening all,

We've got an Audi A6 tdi Avant at the mo, but looking to trade into a smaller saloon. I want a relaxing automatic commuter car for the daily grind.
And the last of the 'old' 2007 C Class cars are looking like rather good value. By the way, I've never had a Merc before, now seems like a good time to give one a go.

So, what is the pick of the bunch on these?
I do about 15,000 miles a year but open to petrol and diesel options.
Avantgarde SE looks like a plentiful spec - worth the premuim over a classic SE?

And what should I look out for? Known issues? High service bills? Thirsty engines?

Any help or pointers in the right direction would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by dr matt uk on Wednesday 2nd April 23:11

[dr matt uk]

Thanks for your comment Mikey - much appreciated.

The C220D does seem to be the engine recommended most frequently, so I'll get up to a showroom for a test drive.

Thanks

[dr matt uk]

Wacky Racer said:

Just picked up a new "C" class a couple of days ago, lovely car, faultless in fact, any questions feel free to ask....

Sounds great - is it the new model? SWIMBO has imposed sanctions on my next car budget due to other projects we have on the go

With a £20k max budget the new model looks just out of reach for me. But the old shape prices seem very soft.

[dr matt uk]

Wacky Racer said:

Mikey_W said:

Avoid the C200CDI & C180 Petrol they are lethergic. I cannot comment on any other of the petrol variants i'm yet to drive them

Sorry Mikey, I disagree...

I have gone for the C180 petrol, there is more than enough power for the "average" driver...(135mph), remember this engine is supercharged......I agree if you are a "sporting" driver you might want a bit more power, but we have just p/x a six month old 320cdi CLS,(it was just too big) and in "normal road conditions" I don't think there will be much in it....

Where the 320 would score is as a motorway mile muncher, but how often can you exceed 70/80/90 in today's conditions???

This is an interesting point and the reason I have booked in tomorrow to test drive a 220D and also a 180K. This car is a commuter car and will spend a vast majority of its time on the M25 in the rush hour.
Handling and power would be nice, but I'm not really willing to pay a premium for them as I feel it will be a waste on this car. I value my license so rarely stray above NSL and tend to try and avoid press-on driving on the UK motorway network as it makes me feel much more tired and stressed at the end of a long journey.

Smoothness, a good auto, nice stero and comfort are top of my list this time. Plus the company pays more per mile for petrol and diesel cars. I've heard very mixed reports about the 180K so I'll have to wait to have a go. Could well be the smart choice as prices seem to be a good grand or two below the C220D.

Thanks

[dr matt uk]

WR - congrats, that is a fine looking car. I had the pleasure of tooling around in C350 Elegance for a week last year when the new C arrived - loved it.

Have you owned the previous model C that I am looking into?
Will it feel very old hat and obviously last generation?

Saying that, I am in a C5 model 1.9tdi A6 Avant, so far from spoiled by cutting edge dynamics at the moment on my daily driver..

[dr matt uk]

Ah, I thought that top picture had more than a hit CLS about it..

[dr matt uk]

Wacky Racer said:

dr matt uk said:

Ah, I thought that top picture had more than a hint of CLS about it..

Yeah, sorry about that, here are the ACTUAL pictures.....

That is a good looking car, Sir. I can't stretch the budget any further though. £17.5k was my actual target, with just a bit of leeway for the right car..