Merc C350 CDI or what else?

[CX53]

Hi all

In the next 6-8 weeks I’m going to be car shopping. Budget up to £8000. 70 miles per day 5-6 days per week, so needs to be reasonable on fuel, and I’d like an automatic gearbox and a bit of poke. No need for 4-5 doors but I tend to go for bigger cars. Hopefully something that’ll last me for 3-5 years without killing me with running costs and repairs.

Due to my admittedly limited experience of BMW and Audi, I’d like to keep clear of these unless people can sway me.

I like the Mercedes C class of around 2008-2011, they fall nicely in budget, and with the AMG pack I think they look quite nice compared to similar cars, also have good reliable Diesel engines and auto ‘box’s.

Any reason why I should avoid the 350 CDI and go for a 220 or 250 instead?

Also, does anyone have any decent alternatives? I’m not overly keen on the likes of the Ford Mondeo, VX insignia et al, because I’m only 27 and would like to save the classic dad cars for, well, when I’m a dad. I know a merc isn’t much better styling wise but I do like them! Anything smaller considered too with a decent reliability, turn of pace and fuel economy. I strangely like the Kia Optima but they seem to mostly come in a paltry 1.7 diesel..

Thanks

Edited by CX53 on Thursday 27th December 18:38

[couragebest88]

If I had 8k to spend on a diesel I’d look at XFs, personally. Can get a decent 2010 3.0 diesel for 8k, and they’ve got reasonable poke. Much nicer looking inside and out compared to the German competition in my opinion

[CX53]

couragebest88 said:

If I had 8k to spend on a diesel I’d look at XFs, personally. Can get a decent 2010 3.0 diesel for 8k, and they’ve got reasonable poke. Much nicer looking inside and out compared to the German competition in my opinion

My friend has one of these in red caviar... it’s lovely. But hasn’t been the most reliable...

[ZX10R NIN]

Don't go for the 250 it's not as reliable as the 350 & not as smooth either, for the small sacrifice you'll make in terms of fuel costs are outweighed by the 350 being the better drivetrain.

The real hard part will being able to find one with sensible miles on:

C350 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

C320 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Other options are the Jaguar XF S Premium Luxury

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

XF Premium Luxury

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Now if you don't mind two doors this would be my pick, it's the same drivetrain as the C Class but these in my experience are better built plus you get the Orthopedic seats which are a nice bonus, I am bias as I owned one but it & my CLK63 were both better built (interior quality wise) than our first C63.

The W204's are nice when spec'd well so check for spec.

CLK320cdi Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Chestrockwell]

It’s a tough one as the C class you want is the facelift model that’s 2011-2014 and you need the 350cdi, cheapest ones are at around 8 grand for 100k milers which is a lot of money.

You could get a pre facelift for less with less mileage but it doesn’t have the updated 3.0 with 460 lbft and it has the older out of date infotainment with an older interior. That shape is getting on now as it’s a 2007 design and I wouldn’t sink my hard earned 8 grand into one.

I’ve driven a C220 of that era and it’s a bit of an old mans car, gearbox is slow and dim witted, it’s very comfortable and doesn’t feel like it likes to be pushed in the twisties, which is no bad thing but I’d want the whole package if I’m spending that much for a German saloon, because you could just get an insignia.

My money would be on an LCI E90 325d or 330d, much better looking, drive a lot better with a better gearbox and better steering, better everything actually. Only problem is that they’re spec dependant as they’re pretty basic standard unlike the updated C class. That’s actually an older design however I think it’s aged a lot better. This is why I’m not a fan of Mercs as they have a revolutionary approach to their cars unlike BMW. The E90 still looks fresh.

With the amount of mileage you’re going to do, and the amount of time you intend to keep your car, it would be best to go for something with low miles and the 3.0 diesels in the Audi/BMW/Mercs hold their money well.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You know what, spent 10 mins looking for a decent 330d and couldn’t find one on your budget.....I tried to help, bloody cars, so expensive

[ZX10R NIN]

The Blueefficiency engines were introduced pre facelift.

[Monkeylegend]

couragebest88 said:

If I had 8k to spend on a diesel I’d look at XFs, personally. Can get a decent 2010 3.0 diesel for 8k, and they’ve got reasonable poke. Much nicer looking inside and out compared to the German competition in my opinion

Is it the 2.7 litre or 3 litre Jaguar diesel engines that are prone to snapping their crankshafts?

[couragebest88]

Monkeylegend said:

Is it the 2.7 litre or 3 litre Jaguar diesel engines that are prone to snapping their crankshafts?

I’m aware of the newer SDV6 engine being problematic, primarily in the new Range Rover Sport. Not aware of the 2010 XF having the same issues, but I’ve never owned one so wouldn’t have looked for that sort of thing.

[Monkeylegend]

There was a thread in the Jag forum about this.

There is or was a Jag diesel graveyard up in Dunfermline I think, full of broken engines with snapped crankshafts. They went bust or something and engines sent for repair were lost.

[Glasgowrob]

c350 cdi and a cheeky remap



old man had a mapped 320 for a while with 300bhpand 500 lbs/ft of torque,

went rather well and would happily return 40mpg

[LarsG]

Don't like the Mondeo? It's rare compared to all the German metal on the roads, good on fuel, an estate can carry copious loads.

If you get the 2ltr diesel it'll go in forever if looked after. You might even be able to get hold of a 2015 model if you shop around.

Of course you can buy an old Merc, but you'll need an overdraught to pay for the parts you will inevitably have to buy.

[Glasgowrob]

the mk4 mondeo is bullet proof the mk5 is a complete bucket of crap.

got 2 mk5s on fleet and they dont take big mileages anywhere near as well as the mk4.5s

w204s are solid motors old man had one for a few years albeit didnt put stellar mileage on it

[KnackeredSwede]

LarsG said:

Don't like the Mondeo? It's rare compared to all the German metal on the roads, good on fuel, an estate can carry copious loads.

If you get the 2ltr diesel it'll go in forever if looked after. You might even be able to get hold of a 2015 model if you shop around.

Of course you can buy an old Merc, but you'll need an overdraught to pay for the parts you will inevitably have to buy.

Actually the Mercs are very very reliable and durable. Why do you think they’re used as taxi’s all around Europe?

A Mondeo is a nice car, and very reliable, cheap to run... but will quickly get boring. As diesel cars go, a C350 CDI should have enough grunt to keep you entertained.

If you do end up considering the likes of mondeos, also consider something like this https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2... which is a newer car for the money than the mercs and feels pretty quick in most situations.

[JohnsMCS]

I know this doesn’t answer your question, but here’s a couple of things you may not have thought of.

Newest shape Auris Hybrid can be had in budget (just about) on a ‘14 plate, great fuel economy, smooth drive, reliable.

Or a Polo 1.4 TDi Bluemotion could be had for £2.5k, spend £500 on a service, cam belt, decent tyres/brakes if needed, and would give a genuine 60+mpg on your commute every time, and save loads of cash for a weekend toy you could enjoy on local journeys and B road blasts.

My polo bluemotion has been the best commuter car I’ve ever had, let’s be honest how fast can you really go in rush hour these days, it’s comfy and refined enough, and costs absolute buttons to run.

[Douglas Quaid]

JohnsMCS said:

I know this doesn’t answer your question, but here’s a couple of things you may not have thought of.

Newest shape Auris Hybrid can be had in budget (just about) on a ‘14 plate, great fuel economy, smooth drive, reliable.

Or a Polo 1.4 TDi Bluemotion could be had for £2.5k, spend £500 on a service, cam belt, decent tyres/brakes if needed, and would give a genuine 60+mpg on your commute every time, and save loads of cash for a weekend toy you could enjoy on local journeys and B road blasts.

My polo bluemotion has been the best commuter car I’ve ever had, let’s be honest how fast can you really go in rush hour these days, it’s comfy and refined enough, and costs absolute buttons to run.

If he’s going to be doing 70 miles a day and wants something big, comfortable and fast, why the hell would he want a Toyota Arse?

[Watchman]

We PX'd my wife's 60K mile E350CDI for only £10K which made me feel slightly sick but at the time (earlier this year) that was the price they were going for.

That was a Blueefficiency version too, as is my GL350CDI - which means 256-261bhp (different models seem to have different power outputs) and no adblue.

My brother had a C320CDI estate and now has an E350CDI convertible. I had an ML320CDI before the GL. My wife's new car is a GLC350CDI. Safe to say, my family quite likes the OM642 engine.

All will have the 7G-Tronic box too which is quite excellent.

Any rwd Merc with that combo of engine and box will provide you with quite hilarious overtaking capability, and is virtually silent too.

My wife used to get 43mpg out of her E. I get about 23mpg out of my GL but my feet are heavier than hers.

[Riggadig]

I had a C350 CDI for 2.5 years and took it from around 60k - 115k IIRC it was a dream to own and really reliable. Just eat motorway miles effortlessly.

Really loved that car.

[CX53]

Thanks for your replies everyone, I wish I could reply to you all individually but I’m not sure my thumbs are up to so much typing.

Overall very positive comments about the C350, I will try to get an ‘11 plate if I can for the facelift. Mercland in Nuneaton seem to have a good selection at any one time, and I’ve heard they’re reputable.

Glad to hear most people who have owned one have been very happy with their choice.

A CLK might also fit the bill like the one posted above, they do look a bit older perhaps but that’s not a bad thing, a very stylish car nonetheless.

The BMW offerings are certainly very nice, but I’ve heard so many horror stories about expensive repairs from friends and colleagues, that rightly or wrongly it’s put me off a bit. The same with the Jag, lovely cars and very good looking, but I’d rather have a more reliable car even if it isn’t quite as nice.

Not keen on the polo bluemotion suggestion, nice thought and all that, but I’d only get bored and sell up a couple of months later and it would end up costing me more to change again...

C350 CDI 7G with the AMG/sport styling is currently still top of the list!

Edited by CX53 on Friday 28th December 18:53

[ZX10R NIN]

I am bias but the CLK is a peach of a car, as much as I like my Mondeo Vignale my CLK320cdi Sport had it licked it was great on fuel, even though I have a newer E Class coupe my CLK63 is a nicer place to be.

As I said it would be my pick.