C220 Estate, things to look for?

[FN2Smith]

The old man's looking at chopping in his current Insignia and making a jump to a C220 Estate (more room for golf equipment etc). He's got his heart set on the C Class I think and is looking at cars around the £16-18k mark, we've been to see one or two and the car suits his needs perfectly, he's just not sure what he's looking for when buying them in terms of faults / issues they might have.

Has anyone got any tips on things to look for, must have options he might have missed or info such as a buyers guide?

Much appreciated!

[Spudmaster]

I've now done nearly 60k miles on a facelift 61 plate 220D Sport 125 Edition in just over 2 years. I would guess that it's value is probably c. £15k so falls within your father's budget.

Very well-built, comfortable, reliable, roomy & competent car. But if you are into driving, it can be rather dull!

Economy anywhere from 37 - 47mpg, depending how you drive it.

Not many negatives other than mine has a tendency to eat tyres. Fortunately mine is a company lease car so I don't have to foot the tyres bill!

Comand is excellent & definitely worth having.

Company car up for renewal- I will probably go for a Beemer 325D next to get some more enjoyment from driving- though will wait & see what the new C-Class comes out like first.