Volvo v70 D5 or merc e320d

[rallyeS2]

Right, I’ve narrowed my search for a dog wagon down to the above two models... couldn’t get on with the looks of the Citroen c5 or Laguna tourer and all other equivalent makes and models have been eliminated for one reason or another...

So 2005 Volvo V70 D5 163bhp (No DPF) auto 140k miles - £1900

OR

Merc E320cdi auto 2005 (EU IV) 160k miles - £1990

Spec similar on both...

Opinions welcomed as I’m stuck going back and forth like a div!! I’m guessing insurance will be cheaper on merc which may be a consideration...

[CX53]

From what I gather, the auto gearboxes can be a weak point on the Volvo so just make sure it's shifting okay on the test drive.

[ZX10R NIN]

Obviously condition will be the deciding factor but the E320 would be where I'm heading first that 3.2 I6 & box is pretty much bulletproof.

The Volvo is good but the auto is a bit less reliable but I'd be budgeting for a gearbox fluid & filter on both:

[Walter Sobchak]

That’s a tricky choice, both really good cars!, Merc is more likely to rust but probably a bit quicker.
Didn’t the W211 go to the V6 cdi engine at some point?, if so it’s a great engine.

[ZX10R NIN]

It won't be more likely to rust E Classes from 2003 don't have rust issues unless they've had a bad repair.

[rallyeS2]

I’ve seen a few E classes for sale with rusty arches and boots. To be fair, I’ve also seen a couple of volvos with rust... they are 15yr old cars I suppose!

I would budget a gearbox oil change definitely, I know a local Volvo specialist quite well which would be handy. Need to look into the merc gearboxes a touch more... have heard of horror stories to do with the braking system on the merc with a part that has a finite number of uses before it needs replacing at a cost of 4-500...

The Volvo is private owner and looks on the surface very well looked after, the merc is at a dealer “awaiting preparation” which to me says, we can’t be bothered valeting this yet, and hope someone buys it before we need to bother!

[Walter Sobchak]

ZX10R NIN said:

It won't be more likely to rust E Classes from 2003 don't have rust issues unless they've had a bad repair.

I had a 2004 E55 that was starting to go around the arches when I had it a few years ago in 2011/2012.
I know 2003/2004 is considered the turning point for them rotting horrendously but I’d say go a bit later to be safe, maybe they used up some old shells on some cars?.

Also for the OP what about an A6?.

[rallyeS2]

Walter Sobchak said:

I had a 2004 E55 that was starting to go around the arches when I had it a few years ago in 2011/2012.
I know 2003/2004 is considered the turning point for them rotting horrendously but I’d say go a bit later to be safe, maybe they used up some old shells on some cars?.

Also for the OP what about an A6?.

Just been reading and it’s the SBC that fails on them which they apparently got rid of on the facelift post-06.
Sadly not many post 06 in budget as that would seem to be the sweet spot based on the rust issues and SBC’s...
I’ve heard horror stories regarding the A6 too, I suppose most cars in this bracket will have some moderate bork potential!

[ZX10R NIN]

Walter Sobchak said:

I had a 2004 E55 that was starting to go around the arches when I had it a few years ago in 2011/2012.
I know 2003/2004 is considered the turning point for them rotting horrendously but I’d say go a bit later to be safe, maybe they used up some old shells on some cars?.

Also for the OP what about an A6?.

That'll be due to having wide wheels & the stone peppering the arches I've seen the same on BMW/Audis it is pretty much down to constantly having little stones hit them it's a £150 fix from a bodyshop.