Any experts help me choose between two high miles estates?
Discussion
Really need help here.
I need a workhorse and budget was 9k max. I've narrowed it down to two cars:
Both are 12 plates.
First is a Merc C class 250 estate. 76k miles with full Mercedes history. In red with amazing paintwork. It clearly must have had some point as it really is hard to fault and I'm very critical when it comes to blemishes.
£9,500
2nd one is a BMW 520d series touring
112,000 miles. Full BMW service history. It's had no paintwork, and it obviously shows in places. The front has its fair share of stone chips and the odd minor mark here and there elsewhere but overall strikes me as a very honest car.
It feels the better drive somehow (even though slower on paper) and also feel very comfy (I understand a 5 series is a different class to a C class of course).
£9,000
Neither of them should need any work anytime soon (consumable-wise). Both on meaty premium tyres which says a lot to me. Both clean MOT histories.
I like a car that presents well and both would do the job well but the C class wins by far in terms of presentation. However I'm very much drawn to the 5 series. It feels the better car somehow.
Which would you go for?
I need a workhorse and budget was 9k max. I've narrowed it down to two cars:
Both are 12 plates.
First is a Merc C class 250 estate. 76k miles with full Mercedes history. In red with amazing paintwork. It clearly must have had some point as it really is hard to fault and I'm very critical when it comes to blemishes.
£9,500
2nd one is a BMW 520d series touring
112,000 miles. Full BMW service history. It's had no paintwork, and it obviously shows in places. The front has its fair share of stone chips and the odd minor mark here and there elsewhere but overall strikes me as a very honest car.
It feels the better drive somehow (even though slower on paper) and also feel very comfy (I understand a 5 series is a different class to a C class of course).
£9,000
Neither of them should need any work anytime soon (consumable-wise). Both on meaty premium tyres which says a lot to me. Both clean MOT histories.
I like a car that presents well and both would do the job well but the C class wins by far in terms of presentation. However I'm very much drawn to the 5 series. It feels the better car somehow.
Which would you go for?
I think the BMW is the bestest car in the world because....
I think the Mercedes is the bestest car the world because....
Have you not considered a Lexus / Volvo / Skoda...
You clearly only want a premium car to impress the neighbours, my Dacia Sandero...
Why don't you lease a brand new one...
No, assuming that both the cars are in acceptable mechanical condition then go with the one that you fancy, which in this case seems to be the BMW. The cosmetic damage that you describe sounds like it could be repaired for the cost of the difference n price between the two cars.
I think the Mercedes is the bestest car the world because....
Have you not considered a Lexus / Volvo / Skoda...
You clearly only want a premium car to impress the neighbours, my Dacia Sandero...
Why don't you lease a brand new one...
No, assuming that both the cars are in acceptable mechanical condition then go with the one that you fancy, which in this case seems to be the BMW. The cosmetic damage that you describe sounds like it could be repaired for the cost of the difference n price between the two cars.
I've owned both (well as company cars)
2012 C220 AMG line Estate and a 2015 520d M Sport but a saloon.
For me the Merc all day long. I loved the Merc and when it went back after 3 years looked as good as day one, flawless paintwork, interior that could withstand a bomb blast (2 Kids under 5 at the time) not a squeek or rattle, it was heavy on disks and pads though.
BMW looks better inside but not well screwed together I had trim coming loose, paint work that was a smooth as a golf ball and I didn't think it aged as well as the C class.
The Merc was a nicer drive, but that could be down to the smaller size and also had more standard kit than the 5 series.
2012 C220 AMG line Estate and a 2015 520d M Sport but a saloon.
For me the Merc all day long. I loved the Merc and when it went back after 3 years looked as good as day one, flawless paintwork, interior that could withstand a bomb blast (2 Kids under 5 at the time) not a squeek or rattle, it was heavy on disks and pads though.
BMW looks better inside but not well screwed together I had trim coming loose, paint work that was a smooth as a golf ball and I didn't think it aged as well as the C class.
The Merc was a nicer drive, but that could be down to the smaller size and also had more standard kit than the 5 series.
Wooda80 said:
I think the BMW is the bestest car in the world because....
I think the Mercedes is the bestest car the world because....
Have you not considered a Lexus / Volvo / Skoda...
You clearly only want a premium car to impress the neighbours, my Dacia Sandero...
Why don't you lease a brand new one...
No, assuming that both the cars are in acceptable mechanical condition then go with the one that you fancy, which in this case seems to be the BMW. The cosmetic damage that you describe sounds like it could be repaired for the cost of the difference n price between the two cars.
Find me a decent Lexus estateI think the Mercedes is the bestest car the world because....
Have you not considered a Lexus / Volvo / Skoda...
You clearly only want a premium car to impress the neighbours, my Dacia Sandero...
Why don't you lease a brand new one...
No, assuming that both the cars are in acceptable mechanical condition then go with the one that you fancy, which in this case seems to be the BMW. The cosmetic damage that you describe sounds like it could be repaired for the cost of the difference n price between the two cars.
I owned a Skoda Scout back in the day. Just not for me
Volvo. If I could afford the newer Volvo's- yes all day long. The ones I can afford no.
Much of a muchness with them. Obviously 5 series is a bit bigger but a bit slower. How much bigger, and how much more useful will that space be for your needs, will play a part.
If you buy one, will you regret not buying the other? Really depends how rational you are, and I don't think most people are 100% rational at decision making when it comes to buying cars, you buy the one that is right for you.
If you buy one, will you regret not buying the other? Really depends how rational you are, and I don't think most people are 100% rational at decision making when it comes to buying cars, you buy the one that is right for you.
Shakermaker said:
Much of a muchness with them. Obviously 5 series is a bit bigger but a bit slower. How much bigger, and how much more useful will that space be for your needs, will play a part.
If you buy one, will you regret not buying the other? Really depends how rational you are, and I don't think most people are 100% rational at decision making when it comes to buying cars, you buy the one that is right for you.
Sounds about right! Still can't bloody make my mind up though!!If you buy one, will you regret not buying the other? Really depends how rational you are, and I don't think most people are 100% rational at decision making when it comes to buying cars, you buy the one that is right for you.
Leicesterdave said:
Sounds about right! Still can't bloody make my mind up though!!
No well you're not the only one, I'm in a similar dilemma regarding what to do with my next car and it is frustrating to say the least. The poster above suggests the Merc is your better choice based on the engine in the BMW being a known quality issue in that era.
Or buy this and put £4500 in a bork fund, these can do double this milage!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Pupbelly said:
A workhorse for £9k 
A workhorse estate is a Volvo 760 which will last for ever and you can fit goodness knows what in there, but then if it's badge / age snobbery that's the issue, waste your £9k on a German driveway pleaser.
He said workhorse, not a car for a dump run.A workhorse estate is a Volvo 760 which will last for ever and you can fit goodness knows what in there, but then if it's badge / age snobbery that's the issue, waste your £9k on a German driveway pleaser.
Leicesterdave said:
Really need help here.
I need a workhorse and budget was 9k max. I've narrowed it down to two cars:
Both are 12 plates.
First is a Merc C class 250 estate. 76k miles with full Mercedes history. In red with amazing paintwork. It clearly must have had some point as it really is hard to fault and I'm very critical when it comes to blemishes.
£9,500
I bought an 08 220CDi estate 5 years ago on about that mileage, it's now on 165K and I'm hoping to keep it another 2 years.I need a workhorse and budget was 9k max. I've narrowed it down to two cars:
Both are 12 plates.
First is a Merc C class 250 estate. 76k miles with full Mercedes history. In red with amazing paintwork. It clearly must have had some point as it really is hard to fault and I'm very critical when it comes to blemishes.
£9,500
Merc C250 can have issues with the turbos, fuel filter housing spilts and leaks coolant, manuals have selectors made from cheese.
5 series still has issues with timing chains, egr's and the touring the rear airbags fail.
Personally i'd go for a Mondeo and get a much newer car, otherwise the merc ideally facelift and the C220d version
5 series still has issues with timing chains, egr's and the touring the rear airbags fail.
Personally i'd go for a Mondeo and get a much newer car, otherwise the merc ideally facelift and the C220d version
There's also the Accord Tourer which I think looks good and is very economical and reliable.
Here's a 2013 model with only 25k miles on it so plenty of room to put the miles on
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
Another alternative with equally high miles as the bmw you listed is the Jaguar Xf Sportbrake. They are all facelift so reliability is fine. Very comfortable on the British roads and good handing as well. Easy remote fold rear seats, big boot, heated front screen, excellent ZF 8 speed box etc. Quite rare on the road.
Here's a 3.0d V6 in budget which I'd recommend over the 2.2d http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...
The newer Skoda Superb estates are nice to look at as well. You can get a 2016 plate in budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
And perhaps an often forgotten good looking car is the Mazda 6 Estate. Another 2016 car with reasonably low miles in budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
Here's a 2013 model with only 25k miles on it so plenty of room to put the miles on
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
Another alternative with equally high miles as the bmw you listed is the Jaguar Xf Sportbrake. They are all facelift so reliability is fine. Very comfortable on the British roads and good handing as well. Easy remote fold rear seats, big boot, heated front screen, excellent ZF 8 speed box etc. Quite rare on the road.
Here's a 3.0d V6 in budget which I'd recommend over the 2.2d http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2018...
The newer Skoda Superb estates are nice to look at as well. You can get a 2016 plate in budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
And perhaps an often forgotten good looking car is the Mazda 6 Estate. Another 2016 car with reasonably low miles in budget
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2019...
stevemcs said:
Merc C250 can have issues with the turbos, fuel filter housing spilts and leaks coolant, manuals have selectors made from cheese.
5 series still has issues with timing chains, egr's and the touring the rear airbags fail.
Personally i'd go for a Mondeo and get a much newer car, otherwise the merc ideally facelift and the C220d version
+1 to the above both cars can have problems but the BMW has more expensive ones so I'd take the Mercedes but with a 9k budget I'd buy the best Mondeo I could find.5 series still has issues with timing chains, egr's and the touring the rear airbags fail.
Personally i'd go for a Mondeo and get a much newer car, otherwise the merc ideally facelift and the C220d version
Titanium X Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mazda6 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
508 GT/Allure
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
All the above are going to be reliable & still imo look smart but that's last bit is personal opinion.
The 5 Series will be the nicer more comfortable steer as it should be where it's in a class above but I'd be going for something like this 520 SE with 76k on the clock:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
But I'd really go for this E220 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Having bought a workhorse family car 2012 f11 520d on 95k miles in September 2018 with fsh, I'll summarise my experience so far in 8k miles...
Expected costs:
Major service, front disks & pads (rears done by dealer before sale), brake fluid, 4 wheel alignment - like to do this for peace of mind and had 4 decent Goodyear tyres.
Unexpected costs/issues:
egr cooler recall - spent a month in a Renault Kadjar, cant be helped. Seems part lead time isn't as long as it was earlier in the year though.
Rear air bag compressor failed. £££. Looks like one of the two air bags has been replaced in the past. Bought a new set, will fit both if other side goes.
Tyres. Thought they were decent... turns out poor wear on inner edge of one (glad I had alignment done, but too late for tyre) and got other side replaced to keep matching on the axle. Glad I did it was about to fail due to dodgy repair. Replaced other two as a precaution.
Buckled wheel. Not sure how/where/when it happened but bought a replacement wheel to replace it.
Thoughts on car itself:
Quick enough for what it is, quiet (apart from an occasional annoying rattle in my door card!), engine hasn't disintegrated yet, average real world 55mpg on a run, low 40's with traffic/town driving. VERY comfy seats (appreciate everyone is different), slightly harsh ride on 19's and run flats, now on non run flats and it's a bit better. Very easy/comfy driving long distances. Plenty room for family and dog etc, modern interior, decent iDrive interface (few versions old now but I find still good and easy to use), bigger pro nav screen (no horrid iPad on the dash), easy phone connection and stream bluetooth music direct from phone, also has aux or USB too. Decent parking sensors and radar on the screen. Overall it's an easy car to live with and use daily and does what I need it to do. Need to check if it's euro 5 or 6. Log book says 5 but mine is the efficientdynamics version and I think that might actually be euro 6 though I may be wrong. Doesn't really matter to me at the moment but might be something to consider if keeping for a few years.
I looked at the equivalent mercs and only thing put me off was the interior and technology for the same price point was old I felt in comparison. Almost bought a well specced decent looking 15 plate facelift Civic tourer with 87k miles for just under your budget but someone beat me to it. That had failed rear air suspension fixed by dealer before sale too.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase, can live with what I've had to spend, not expecting any more big bills touch wood and will get the most out of it before I don't need it any more in a few years time. Hopefully
by the time I sell it I'll have got my money's worth out of it.
Expected costs:
Major service, front disks & pads (rears done by dealer before sale), brake fluid, 4 wheel alignment - like to do this for peace of mind and had 4 decent Goodyear tyres.
Unexpected costs/issues:
egr cooler recall - spent a month in a Renault Kadjar, cant be helped. Seems part lead time isn't as long as it was earlier in the year though.
Rear air bag compressor failed. £££. Looks like one of the two air bags has been replaced in the past. Bought a new set, will fit both if other side goes.
Tyres. Thought they were decent... turns out poor wear on inner edge of one (glad I had alignment done, but too late for tyre) and got other side replaced to keep matching on the axle. Glad I did it was about to fail due to dodgy repair. Replaced other two as a precaution.
Buckled wheel. Not sure how/where/when it happened but bought a replacement wheel to replace it.
Thoughts on car itself:
Quick enough for what it is, quiet (apart from an occasional annoying rattle in my door card!), engine hasn't disintegrated yet, average real world 55mpg on a run, low 40's with traffic/town driving. VERY comfy seats (appreciate everyone is different), slightly harsh ride on 19's and run flats, now on non run flats and it's a bit better. Very easy/comfy driving long distances. Plenty room for family and dog etc, modern interior, decent iDrive interface (few versions old now but I find still good and easy to use), bigger pro nav screen (no horrid iPad on the dash), easy phone connection and stream bluetooth music direct from phone, also has aux or USB too. Decent parking sensors and radar on the screen. Overall it's an easy car to live with and use daily and does what I need it to do. Need to check if it's euro 5 or 6. Log book says 5 but mine is the efficientdynamics version and I think that might actually be euro 6 though I may be wrong. Doesn't really matter to me at the moment but might be something to consider if keeping for a few years.
I looked at the equivalent mercs and only thing put me off was the interior and technology for the same price point was old I felt in comparison. Almost bought a well specced decent looking 15 plate facelift Civic tourer with 87k miles for just under your budget but someone beat me to it. That had failed rear air suspension fixed by dealer before sale too.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase, can live with what I've had to spend, not expecting any more big bills touch wood and will get the most out of it before I don't need it any more in a few years time. Hopefully
by the time I sell it I'll have got my money's worth out of it.
Edited by Don Phil on Wednesday 19th June 22:56
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