Budget of £20k - what to choose?

[Ian_Mac]

Afternoon all

It's that time to consider a change of car again, the Audi TT just isn't practical for weekends away what with the amount of luggage the other half takes.

I can push my budget to £20k for the new purchase. I've spent quite a lot of time searching the Mercedes website to see what I could get for my money.

I've set my heart on the V6 320cdi engine (possible 280 in the W211) but apart from that I'm struggling to choose between C, E, and CLK class.

We don't need a 4 door as such (yet) but the E class Sport does look lovely, but then again so does the new C with the AMG kit on.

Has anyone got any pro's or con's they could throw into the mix to help the decision making?

 

[mykulmerc]

If you don't need 4 doors, go for the CLK, as you say 320CDi. 80mph, 45 mpg (apparently) and good fun.

 

[The Boss]

my hunch says go for a decent c class with the toys, its a more fun and dynamic drive, and then later, u can upgrade to the e class as and when u need space..

but i like the looks of the sports c class, though id personally change the grill from the wide version to a chrome grill with protruding badge, just cause i prefer the badge to stand proud

 

[st4]

Can you get a C320cdi 204 sport for £20k?

I know that money will get you a nice 211 320cdi V6 sport. I'd discount the CLK, the E is far superior and 4drs are just better IMHO.

The E is a very plush nicely appointed car and nice to drive too. My £20k would go on that in sports trim

 

[PXW]

Always great fun spending someone else's money!

There's little wrong with any of the cars you mention, but I wonder whether the E class would be a step too far coming out of a TT? Your best bet is to locate a dealer that has all three in stock, book a day off work and drive them back to back. Doesn't have to be the exact age/model you're looking for, but it will allow you to narrow your choices a bit, and a decent dealer would be happy to let you make the comparison, and then be ready to assist you in searching for the exact vehicle/spec/price you want.

 

[Ian_Mac]

Can you get a C320cdi 204 sport for £20k?

I know that money will get you a nice 211 320cdi V6 sport. I'd discount the CLK, the E is far superior and 4drs are just better IMHO.

The E is a very plush nicely appointed car and nice to drive too. My £20k would go on that in sports trim

Looking on Autotrader they start at £19k ish and £22k from Mercedes themselves which would require some serious negotiating to bring within budget.

Always great fun spending someone else's money!

There's little wrong with any of the cars you mention, but I wonder whether the E class would be a step too far coming out of a TT? Your best bet is to locate a dealer that has all three in stock, book a day off work and drive them back to back. Doesn't have to be the exact age/model you're looking for, but it will allow you to narrow your choices a bit, and a decent dealer would be happy to let you make the comparison, and then be ready to assist you in searching for the exact vehicle/spec/price you want.

I got caught out with this on Tuesday, as I'm working nights this week and was up and about fairly early I thought I'd do exactly that. Had a quick check of the stock at both Bristol and Bath and off I went.

Unfortunately for me it appears all 'group' stock is also shown for the dealer so instead of finding lots of nice cars to paw over I found more or less nothing at all to meet my criteria. (lovely E63 in Bristol though )

Back in 2007 I hired a W211 for the weekend to use at my friends wedding. At the time it was a more or less brand new 220 CDI in Silver with black leather, no Comand though. I loved the feeling of driving it and it was partly for that reason I bought my W203 coupe shortly afterwards though I have to say that felt less special.

To be honest the CLK is probably 3rd on the list though there isn't much in it.

 

[st4]

I'd wait until the 204 drops in price a bit more, or nab a 211 sports. There are heaps about.

 

[EDZ649]

An AMG car all the way....

 

[Ian_Mac]

An AMG car all the way....

I like your thinking there but the only trouble is I know I'd be listening out for the slightest noise in fear of it leading to a massive repair bill.

For me it's the same as the E46 M3 a car I would love to own and for my budget could buy a cracking example but without a top notch warranty the worry would always be there and I'd not enjoy the car to it's full potential.

 

[EDZ649]

I like your thinking there but the only trouble is I know I'd be listening out for the slightest noise in fear of it leading to a massive repair bill.

For me it's the same as the E46 M3 a car I would love to own and for my budget could buy a cracking example but without a top notch warranty the worry would always be there and I'd not enjoy the car to it's full potential.

The AMG engines are bullet proof, it's usually the other run of the mill stuff that any every day car has which seems to go wrong. I have never heard of an AMG engine letting go...

 

[Barbanasos]

+1 if maintained correctly.

 

[Alps]

as said above, the w211 AMG is well within your budget... and it is the run of the mill w211 stuff that fails not anything AMG specific (apart fom intercooler pump and supercharger clutch) everything else is normal!

the negatives are the fuel bills but grin factor covers that!

 

[st4]

as said above, the w211 AMG is well within your budget... and it is the run of the mill w211 stuff that fails not anything AMG specific (apart fom intercooler pump and supercharger clutch) everything else is normal!

the negatives are the fuel bills but grin factor covers that!

A valid point but consumables like brake pads, discs are all more expensive. They munch tyres. Insurance is higher, its a different bracket of car to a V6 diesel C class.

A good car with near E55k performance would be a facelifted e500 (388bhp) and most owners were fairly liberal with the options box. An E500 is probably 5mph better on fuel than a 55amg

The fact the OP was looking at diesels would rule out a AMG probably.

 

[rascalmaster]

Afternoon all

It's that time to consider a change of car again, the Audi TT just isn't practical for weekends away what with the amount of luggage the other half takes.

I can push my budget to £20k for the new purchase. I've spent quite a lot of time searching the Mercedes website to see what I could get for my money.

I've set my heart on the V6 320cdi engine (possible 280 in the W211) but apart from that I'm struggling to choose between C, E, and CLK class.

We don't need a 4 door as such (yet) but the E class Sport does look lovely, but then again so does the new C with the AMG kit on.

Has anyone got any pro's or con's they could throw into the mix to help the decision making?

hi; try mercedes direct; Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars :: Buy Used Mercedes-Benz Retail Used Cars from the UK Dealer
They are much cheaper than the dealer's forecourt.... are an arm of mercedes and you get the full hog; 12 months road tax, i year tier 1 warranty; 1 month exchange etc; so lots of piece of mind. just don't let your guard down though, and remember to haggle haggle haggle.

 

[tpwuk]

E55 AMG Estate Is well within your budget.....

2004 MERCEDES E55 AMG AUTO SILVER on eBay (end time 02-Sep-10 23:49:35 BST)

Throw some of the money you save at a warranty!

 

[MJH]

The big diesels are v.impressive and refined, I was unsure coming from a long line of petrols but the Merc 320CDI engine is an absolute stunner. Having driven the C's I'd say the E I have now is definately better all round tool but the CLK is very nice and if I hadn't got 2 teenage kids to think about it would probably have been my choice.

I'd personally go for something a little bit older and cheaper with history (no bugs left to iron out) and then go on a roadtrip around europe with the change Lifes for living

 

[rascalmaster]

I've got a e280 cdi avantgarde; lovely and PLENTY of grunt. get 50+mpg @ 50mph as well.

 

[RobertoMercini]

Afternoon all

It's that time to consider a change of car again, the Audi TT just isn't practical for weekends away what with the amount of luggage the other half takes.

Just leave her at home

 

[fabes]

I have been looking at this one, but am months (and a promotion ) away from changing cars yet

2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK 320 CDi Sport Tip

You may want an younger car, but the interior (not black) and options look to make this fully loaded and interesting

Not to hijack the thread - but just IF this car isn't one for the OP.. and its still there in a few months.... what do the knowledgable many here think of this one? Is it a V6 or earlier model?

Fabes

 

[Deleted member 6183]

CLS

Sort of coupe but not a coupe.

Engine you want available.