£12k C Class Estate
Discussion
I'm considering a previous shape C Class diesel Estate. I'll only be using the car for 6 months or so whilst I do some contract work and then I'll be giving it to my wife.
Budget will be up to £12k and a quick look on Autotrader reveals some nice 220s, a couple of 270s, and a 320.
Usage will be mainly motorway for the first 6 months (whilst it's my car) and then general family duties (school runs, dog walks, holidays).
I know people who've had poor experience with the C class and this is a nagging doubt over what seems to be an ideal prospect for us right now.
Anyone got any views on the C Class generally, specific models to choose, and perhaps even where to buy?
Cheers,
Dave
Budget will be up to £12k and a quick look on Autotrader reveals some nice 220s, a couple of 270s, and a 320.
Usage will be mainly motorway for the first 6 months (whilst it's my car) and then general family duties (school runs, dog walks, holidays).
I know people who've had poor experience with the C class and this is a nagging doubt over what seems to be an ideal prospect for us right now.
Anyone got any views on the C Class generally, specific models to choose, and perhaps even where to buy?
Cheers,
Dave
I was sorely tempted by a nice low mileage cosseted C32 for 11.5k at the tail end of last year.
But then I like my AMG's.
If you like diseasels you could get C320d and add a Brabus chip for £1k and get something pretty quick.
In fact this is the only diseel that has ever featured on any shortlist of mine
(Chris Harris, ex-Autocar and now of Drivers republic.com has been driving a Brabused E320D and loves it)
(that's after C32/Focus RS/C55/RS4)
But then I like my AMG's.
If you like diseasels you could get C320d and add a Brabus chip for £1k and get something pretty quick.
In fact this is the only diseel that has ever featured on any shortlist of mine
(Chris Harris, ex-Autocar and now of Drivers republic.com has been driving a Brabused E320D and loves it)
(that's after C32/Focus RS/C55/RS4)
We've had our C220 cdi Estate auto for 5 years (it was 6 months old when I got it). It's called Avanguarde spec (slightly more sporty looking). The leather gets dirty (it's light blue) but cleans up well with baby wipes.
Briliant car for just getting around in - it's covered 75k in the 5 years and drives like new, returns 45-50 MPG on a motorway trip if driven normally. Over the 5 years at 75k miles it has averaged 40.5 mpg. It's good looking IMHO and looks only slightly different to the new one.
Importantly for me the Mrs likes it and it's perfect for ferrying children around. More importantly it doesn't drive like an estate car which is why we got it - the Mrs had ruled out an estate car when we were lookinmg round.
We'll probably keep it and run it into the ground as although I'd like a change, its just keeps on going.n I've no idea on prices but I would recommend the car.
Bazza
Briliant car for just getting around in - it's covered 75k in the 5 years and drives like new, returns 45-50 MPG on a motorway trip if driven normally. Over the 5 years at 75k miles it has averaged 40.5 mpg. It's good looking IMHO and looks only slightly different to the new one.
Importantly for me the Mrs likes it and it's perfect for ferrying children around. More importantly it doesn't drive like an estate car which is why we got it - the Mrs had ruled out an estate car when we were lookinmg round.
We'll probably keep it and run it into the ground as although I'd like a change, its just keeps on going.n I've no idea on prices but I would recommend the car.
Bazza
Hey- in terms of estate cars we're very pleased with our 2002 c-class estate. So much so that we've recomended them to friends who've bought them and really rate them.
THey're more comfortable than the comparable 3-series BMW and the boot is much more usable. We checked the 3-series touring before but the boot space is massively compramised.
c200k is suprisingly sprightly, the c320s are rather pointless. If you're going v6 get the go the whole hog and get a c32 AMG.
I picked our C32 up last year and its simply fantastic. Likes a drink but simply phenomenal. And did you know you can get a good one for less than 10k!! Merc service history is vital, but if you going to do it, do PH style.
THey're more comfortable than the comparable 3-series BMW and the boot is much more usable. We checked the 3-series touring before but the boot space is massively compramised.
c200k is suprisingly sprightly, the c320s are rather pointless. If you're going v6 get the go the whole hog and get a c32 AMG.
I picked our C32 up last year and its simply fantastic. Likes a drink but simply phenomenal. And did you know you can get a good one for less than 10k!! Merc service history is vital, but if you going to do it, do PH style.
alfaspiderman2 said:
where?
Forgot about this thread, sorry. There were loads of deals on them in January, Mercedes had 9000 new cars sat that needed shifting so they were offering them to the hire companies for peanuts. Hence why the deals were around, they have ended now though and back around £300-350 for the same car.
thanks for the feedback
some very positive reviews of the old shape C Class - not something that I was expecting for some reason as I'd heard some moans and groans about reliability previously
anyone got views on the engine range and which is best to go for? I'm leaning towards a 220cdi as it'll be mostly a motorway barge and school run car...hopefully there'll be something else along soon to provide the thrills!
some very positive reviews of the old shape C Class - not something that I was expecting for some reason as I'd heard some moans and groans about reliability previously
anyone got views on the engine range and which is best to go for? I'm leaning towards a 220cdi as it'll be mostly a motorway barge and school run car...hopefully there'll be something else along soon to provide the thrills!
alfaspiderman2 said:
thanks for the feedback
some very positive reviews of the old shape C Class - not something that I was expecting for some reason as I'd heard some moans and groans about reliability previously
anyone got views on the engine range and which is best to go for? I'm leaning towards a 220cdi as it'll be mostly a motorway barge and school run car...hopefully there'll be something else along soon to provide the thrills!
Can only speak for the 220 but it went really well and suited the type of car, of course a bit more poke would have been nice but never felt lacking in performance.some very positive reviews of the old shape C Class - not something that I was expecting for some reason as I'd heard some moans and groans about reliability previously
anyone got views on the engine range and which is best to go for? I'm leaning towards a 220cdi as it'll be mostly a motorway barge and school run car...hopefully there'll be something else along soon to provide the thrills!
Ben
They were facelifted mid 04 and there were a lot of changes under the skin. The facelift ones apparently drive and steer a lot better - only obvious difference from outside is clear headlights and fogs - some older cars had them fitted by their owners so don't take clear lights as certainty that it's a facelift.
I have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
I have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
Deva Link said:
They were facelifted mid 04 and there were a lot of changes under the skin. The facelift ones apparently drive and steer a lot better - only obvious difference from outside is clear headlights and fogs - some older cars had them fitted by their owners so don't take clear lights as certainty that it's a facelift.
I have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
thanks thats really helpfulI have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
must admit I would prefer a 270/320 if I can justify - I do like the sound of 5 cylinder motors
my budget is 10-12k so I'll be able to get into a facelifted car for that
I'd be looking at an Avantgarde SE spec car but thanks for steering me away from the sport
will look out for the tracking issues
cheers
alfaspiderman2 said:
Deva Link said:
They were facelifted mid 04 and there were a lot of changes under the skin. The facelift ones apparently drive and steer a lot better - only obvious difference from outside is clear headlights and fogs - some older cars had them fitted by their owners so don't take clear lights as certainty that it's a facelift.
I have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
thanks thats really helpfulI have a 54 reg C270CDi Avantgarde estate, which I bought at 5mth/6K miles from MB Direct - it's an ex-MB management car so is well equipped.
I'm pleased I got the 270 over the 220 - it makes the car seem effortless to drive and there's no maintenance / insurance / fuel consumption impact. The 5cyl engine has a unique burble. I had expected to be doing 25-30K/yr but my job changed just after I got the car and I work from home now. It's only done 40K in total and has been faultless.
I really only use it for long motorway trips and it'll display 50 MPG if not pressing on. For local use I take one of our little cars - cold starts and short journeys murder fuel consumption in a diesel auto. The car also takes a fair bit of time to warm up - heater is OK as it has a boost, but I reckon it needs 15+ miles to get warmed through.
For everyday use you might want to avoid Sport suspension. That also included 17" wheels, although they could be fitted as an option on their own. Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde trims are all supposed to have the same suspension but I'm sure Avantgarde is lower and I certainly wouldn't want to drive anything harsher than mine (which is on standard suspension and 16" wheels).
The only regular issue with them is some cars are very camber sensitive - you can test this if the car drifts left by finding a quiet road and the car should drift right when driven on the right camber. Some cars do it and some will track perfectly. If you get a bad one then it can be awkward / impossible to correct. Look for oddly worn front tyres - Merc's generally scrub the outside of the front tyres but it should be even NS & OS. bear in mind if you buy Avantgarde you can't rotate the tyres as the backs (which tend to wear the centres) are wider.
must admit I would prefer a 270/320 if I can justify - I do like the sound of 5 cylinder motors
my budget is 10-12k so I'll be able to get into a facelifted car for that
I'd be looking at an Avantgarde SE spec car but thanks for steering me away from the sport
will look out for the tracking issues
cheers
Ben
alfaspiderman2 said:
anyone know the difference between a Sport and an Avantgarde SE?
I *think* Sport was a sort of special edition version brought in later in W203's life. I presume it had Sport suspension and 17" wheels - maybe is has some bodykit bits? not sure. Presumeably also Sport seats (possibly in pretend leather). Black headling? I think it also had bigger (more "sporty" looking) brakes.There's not much they could leave off compared to the Avantgarde - perhaps elec folding mirrors?
On the latest C Class (W204) they've dropped the Avantgarde line and it's called Sport in the UK (but still Avantgarde elsewhere).
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