Which C class, or perhaps E class?

[Brown and Boris]

My father in law has ridden in my E320 and now feels like getting out of his manual 08 Honda Accord estate and into a Merc. As he only does about 2000 miles a year and has a disability allowance for his car tax, fuel costs etc are not key factors. His wife is disabled so space for her wheel chair is needed and he now needs auto as his knees are not good. He could make do with a 3 door as he rarely carries passengers.

Initially he looked at the E class but thought it too big to park (it is a bit of a monster) and has now started to look at the C class.

He probably has the Accord (08 with 3000 miles on the clock) and £3 or £4K in cash.

So, which C Class model would you recommend for a bloke who really just wants to enjoy a bit of easy motoring before he hangs up his driving gloves in 2 or 3 years time? Is he righht to ignore the E class?

[paoloh]

I'm driving a C320 at the mo and thoroughly enjoy it.

Nice and easy to drive but can crack on when needed

[Alfa_75_Steve]

The E-Class isn't really that big - a current shape Passat or Mondeo is only a tiny bit smaller than the W210 and W211 shape Es.

[Brown and Boris]

I popped to look at a C220 for him today. Looked like someone lived along a MOT hardcore road: numerous long and deep scratches to the front skirt and a good number of chips to the bonnet. Can't figure why MB would put it on the forecourt in that state.

There was an E320 there (idenitical to mine in colour, model, trim and mileage), at £1500 more than I paid for the my car from another dealership in the group last October. Market must be picking up?

[va1o]

Bit of a left-field suggestion, but how about a B-Class? They are lovely cars inside and offer more space than a C-Class estate, yet they are no longer than a VW Golf. They have a nice high up seating position, and although expensive new make sound nearly new buys.



B200 CDI Auto makes most sense delivering decent performance and economy, and the CVT box is pretty smooth. Go for SE trim rather than Sport as the latter has large wheels and firm suspension which spoils the ride. Cosmos Black or Silver best for resale.

Brown and Boris said:

There was an E320 there (idenitical to mine in colour, model, trim and mileage), at £1500 more than I paid for the my car from another dealership in the group last October. Market must be picking up?

Thats old news now, prices for used cars have been steadily rising since the end of last year when they bottomed out. Its all to do with a reduction in supply to the market and more people chosing to buy used instead of new.

Edited by va1o on Monday 29th June 00:57

[Brown and Boris]

va1o said:

Bit of a left-field suggestion, but how about a B-Class? They are lovely cars inside and offer more space than a C-Class estate, yet they are no longer than a VW Golf. They have a nice high up seating position, and although expensive new make sound nearly new buys.



B200 CDI Auto makes most sense delivering decent performance and economy, and the CVT box is pretty smooth. Go for SE trim rather than Sport as the latter has large wheels and firm suspension which spoils the ride. Cosmos Black or Silver best for resale.

Brown and Boris said:

There was an E320 there (idenitical to mine in colour, model, trim and mileage), at £1500 more than I paid for the my car from another dealership in the group last October. Market must be picking up?

Thats old news now, prices for used cars have been steadily rising since the end of last year when they bottomed out. Its all to do with a reduction in supply to the market and more people chosing to buy used instead of new.

Edited by va1o on Monday 29th June 00:57

I had a B class before the E class, and although I think you are right in the fact they are a good motor, the bitter taste of the £7K I lost in 21 months is still strong!

[va1o]

Brown and Boris said:

I had a B class before the E class, and although I think you are right in the fact they are a good motor, the bitter taste of the £7K I lost in 21 months is still strong!

Oh right yeah, but I think if you buy one thats a year old and has already had the initial depreciation hit then it may hold onto its value reasonably well.

[Brown and Boris]

va1o said:

Brown and Boris said:

I had a B class before the E class, and although I think you are right in the fact they are a good motor, the bitter taste of the £7K I lost in 21 months is still strong!

Oh right yeah, but I think if you buy one thats a year old and has already had the initial depreciation hit then it may hold onto its value reasonably well.

He did seem quite interested in a B class, so it may be an option. Looking at the dimensions the E class was only about 100mm longer than his Honda, so not so bad.