Another what would you buy thread?

[gbjeppm]

Sorry folks, yes its another one, but I need some help. I have inherited from my better half an 04 plate Lexus RX300, which quite frankly I hate, it eats fuel, I don't like the driving position, height etc, and contrary to popular belief is not at all reliable.

My 208 cabriolet is now used as a summer car, so I want to change the Lexus for something more appropriate to my needs.

I do 60 miles a day, mostly on the M25 as commute, it must be a large estate, dog, kids etc. And I will do about 12-15k a year if you include other trips, holidays etc.

Naturally it needs to be a Mercedes, and I am prepared to spend up to about 8k.

So options seem to be a 124, a 210 or a 211, and diesel is probably the order of the day.

I am quite prepared to buy a £2k car, and spend money getting it right, or something imbetween.

Must have are leather, air con and a sunroof, and reasonable fuel consumption, mid 30s+.

I have had a 124 coupe in the past, and loved it, I have a 208, which is pretty similar to a 210, and yes I know about the rust issues, and am prepared to sort the right car out.

Am unsure as to which is the best diesel engine, 300TD, 270cdi or 320cdi. I have discounted the 250td as underpowered.

Thoughts welcome, and if anybody knows of a good car that is on the market, please let me know.

 

[bpsorrel]

If it was me I'd look for something like this:

Mercedes E220 CDI Avantgarde Tip 2.1 5dr 2003

I had one of these myself (06) 220cdi for three years that was one of the most reliable, trouble-free cars I've owned. Economy was never much below 40mpg It was quick enough and refined enough for me and did everything really well. With the early ones look out for the valeo radiator issues and you should be fine!

 

[cobra7]

Sorry folks, yes its another one, but I need some help. I have inherited from my better half an 04 plate Lexus RX300, which quite frankly I hate, it eats fuel, I don't like the driving position, height etc, and contrary to popular belief is not at all reliable.

My 208 cabriolet is now used as a summer car, so I want to change the Lexus for something more appropriate to my needs.

I do 60 miles a day, mostly on the M25 as commute, it must be a large estate, dog, kids etc. And I will do about 12-15k a year if you include other trips, holidays etc.

Naturally it needs to be a Mercedes, and I am prepared to spend up to about 8k.

So options seem to be a 124, a 210 or a 211, and diesel is probably the order of the day.

I am quite prepared to buy a £2k car, and spend money getting it right, or something imbetween.

Must have are leather, air con and a sunroof, and reasonable fuel consumption, mid 30s+.

I have had a 124 coupe in the past, and loved it, I have a 208, which is pretty similar to a 210, and yes I know about the rust issues, and am prepared to sort the right car out.

Am unsure as to which is the best diesel engine, 300TD, 270cdi or 320cdi. I have discounted the 250td as underpowered.

Thoughts welcome, and if anybody knows of a good car that is on the market, please let me know.

Just sold my E320i but what a car - 35-37 mpg on a run but decent power if you need it.

I'd buy this if it were me...

Carlians Ltd : Mercedes E320 Avantgarde Estate (COMAND,SAT NAV,7 SEATER)

 

[cobra7]

Or pocket the 2k and put it towards the fuel for...

Mercedes-Benz : MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS E55 5dr Auto Amg Estate

 

[gbjeppm]

So 2 votes for an S211 so far. I have read that pre facelift the electrics are not so good though, is that true?

As for the E55, nice idea, but not going to be a reality unfortunately.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

S211 E320 V6 CDi, the load space in the boot is cavernous, it does 40-45mpg on a run (I achieved 50mpg a few times) and its a quick car when it needs to be.

Should get a good example for your budget.

 

[st4]

Early pre face lift 211s can rust and are getting on. Mb don't now seem to fully cover SBC pump replacements. The 211 seems to be a case of the newer the better so it's worth getting a 220 if that gets a younger car.

 

[trapperjohn]

This

W124 1995 MERCEDES E300 D ESTATE AUTO GREEN MOT and TAX December | eBay

or this

2002 MERCEDES C270 CDI ELEGANCE SE AUTO SILVER | eBay

If it is real space and comfort go with the 124. If its a bit of poke and not a lot of space you need take the 270.

 

[Chrishazle]

For a S203 agree about the C270, superb economical powerful engine - but go for post 1st Q 2003 for galvanising and post 1st Q 2004 for nano paint - I'm pretty sure those dates also get you away from the Valeo radiator problem. Personal choice I'd go for Elegance (with leather) rather than AG - I feel the AG has too many electrical toys that are expensive to fix if/when they go wrong - although I would have liked the memory seats, every time my wife drove the car it took me an age to get the seat back to where I liked it!

Be aware though that the boot of an S203, though big, is not quite as cavernous as an E, but the slightly smaller car size can be advantageous in car parks!

 

[Mercator]

I would look out for a low mileage privately owned IL6 320cdi with all the toys.

 

[joecash]

I would look out for a low mileage privately owned IL6 320cdi with all the toys.

 

[evdok]

Mee too

 

[gIzzE]

Facelift E320cdi estate, avantgarde spec. would be my choice.

I have owned so many big estates from 335i, 535d, 530d, 530i, Audi 3.0tdi, 3.2fsi, S4, E320 V6 petrol, S203, to name a few and the S211 E320cdi beats the lot.

The E320cdi and the E39 530i are the two best all round cars ever made imho, just the E Class feels a bit fresher. I think it is a better car than the current 212 as well.

 

[gIzzE]

Plus it can see nearly 50mpg on a steady run, and that was with a Brabus box so 272bhp.

 

[gbjeppm]

Thanks all, please keepit coming.

203 is too small for our needs, it has to be bigger.

SBC is putting me off pre facelift, was it all pre facelift cars that had it? Oh and Steve (***)

 

[Charles Morgan]

I have been running a 210 E320 cdi, maintained regardless of expense (and how..) in impeccable condition - super engine, I am averaging about 42mpg, gearbox excellent, cavernous load area and decent, if somewhat harder than I'd like, ride with sports suspension. Find a late one with the rusty bits taken care of under warranty and it is a good car. Very few W124 multivalve diesels have air-con, mine doesn't.

 

[After Shock]

I don't want to high jack the thread bit .....

Whilst your all looking I'm lost over finding an E320 advantgarde estate up to £10k. So many out there!!!!

Hope that is ok!!!???

Thanks