Advice please.

[Johnbluey]

I've got a max budget of 10K and I would like to by a MB diesel Estate.
2 adults 2 lively young boys, occasional camping trips and visits to home town of Plymouth. We live in Newcastle and probably do no more than average yearly mileage.
Were keeping the Diesel VW Golf, as the shopping cart, which has clocked up 120K with ease, hence the lean towards diesels.
Can somebody please advise on best model for our needs and what known faults / problems to look out for.
Travelling down to Plymouth in 2 weeks time and would love it to be in a Merc!

Thanks,

 

[jaymanek]

The Eclass's have a known problem with stonechips (i think after 98?)... MB switched to water based paint and so is thinner and cant withstand stonechips very well.. Look out for that, if there are stonechips, then they will need attention, if there arent, then its been sprayed... Hence look out for good history...

The CDI engines are excellent (fitted after 99), but for that budget im not sure what youll get in an estate...
Remember, manuals are bad sellers and if you buy one, it should be a lot cheaper than the equiv auto...
Leather, Aircon etc are all extremely desirable on an e class...
Look for impeccable MB history... I usually dont mind if its been serviced at a good specialist either...
Whatever you buy, im sure youll be happy.