Audi A5 vs C250

[atreyu]

I'm looking to replace my daily driver and I'd appreciate input on pros and cons for the following;

Audi A5 3.0 TDI 2007-8

Mercedes C250 cdi 2011

Both cars can be picked up for a similar price and mileage. I'll be looking at around £6k and expect 100-120k miles.

[Alorotom]

I’ve got a face lifted A5 (albeit a 2014/14 plate) and the cabin is starting to look very dated but it depends what you’re expecting and what you’re coming from

I’ll be surprised if there are many low milers about though (but may be very wrong on this)

The engines are decent and reasonably low maintenance in my experience

[atreyu]

I'm more than happy to cope with a dated interior. I was just wondering how comparable they are on reliability, handling, build quality, parts prices etc

[Ryan_T]

At that age / mileage it’s a roll of the dice either way. I’d just buy whichever was the better example / had been cared for the best.

[georgeyboy12345]

I'd go Mercedes as it's slightly newer and those 3.0 TDI units from VW group, especially pre-2013 ones, sometimes have issues with timing chain tensioners, failed fuel injectors, burnt pistons, etc. On the other hand, there are some Audis with that motor that have in excess of 260,000 miles for sale on autotrader.

The OM651 that's used in the C250 CDI is the same as what is used in Mercedes Sprinter vans, and there's one of those running that engine with nearly 540,000 miles on it for sale on autotrader!

[ZX10R NIN]

atreyu said:

I'm looking to replace my daily driver and I'd appreciate input on pros and cons for the following;

Audi A5 3.0 TDI 2007-8

Mercedes C250 cdi 2011

Both cars can be picked up for a similar price and mileage. I'll be looking at around £6k and expect 100-120k miles.

I'd take the 3.0d A5 over the 2.1d in the C250 what I'd actually pick is the E350 Coupe.

[trevalvole]

Rear subframes on the Merc rust from the inside out, though Merc will often pay for them to be replaced.

[n3il123]

I have an 09 A5 3.0 TDI had it for nearly 7 years now, taken it from 80k to 140k pretty much only had servicing costs, if does chew through tyres pretty rapidly though.

Still goes well, interior is wearing well etc. I have a private plate and people can't believe it is the age/ mileage that is has. Mine is the s-line with the 20 inch wheels which I think does make a difference to the appearance. In my experience the rear seats are pointless though, I treat it as a 2 seater.

I sometimes have a look round for something to replace it with but can never really find anything that I could justify the extra money to swap.