C class, 320.

[Colin_b]

I'm thinking about a C class, preferably estate. Must be auto, and have xenon headlights.

The 320 engine seem reasonable seems to be a reasonable balance between performance and running costs. I'll do around 10k miles a year.

Seeing as I have a 10k budget, the car is likely to be highish mileage, and a 2003/2004 model.

Is this rational, or would a smaller engine, later model be more sensible?

 

[Mr Jadefox]

I think that many others will tell you it is much better to go for the face-lifted C-Class that came out on the 54 plate (Mid 2004).

Having said that, I would think you would be struggling to find a 320 for that price.

It Depends how important the refinement/performance of the 320 is for you I suppose. We have the 270 and it's a lovely engine, powerful, but has that bit of extra fuel economy over the 320.... THat being said I would have loved to be able to get a 320

 

[Colin_b]

I think that many others will tell you it is much better to go for the face-lifted C-Class that came out on the 54 plate (Mid 2004).

Having said that, I would think you would be struggling to find a 320 for that price.

It Depends how important the refinement/performance of the 320 is for you I suppose. We have the 270 and it's a lovely engine, powerful, but has that bit of extra fuel economy over the 320.... THat being said I would have loved to be able to get a 320

I think the 270 auto is probably a sensible option, this would be a second car, so performance would be nice, rather than essential. They are seemingly cheaper and more available.

Is an early face lift C better than a late pre-face lift verion, bearing in mind the seeming price uplift?

 

[Mr Jadefox]

I understand that major changes introduced with the facelfit model were the fully galvanised body and a better suspension setup giving superior handling. The consensus is that these these are highly beneficial and they will help with the longevity of the car over the late pre-facelift, plus the cosmetic changes do make it look a little bit more modern.

As with everything, it comes down to money, so it depends how much more you need to pay between models I guess. All I know is that you here time and time again to make sure you go for the post-facelift as the general quality of this 2nd generation was much better than the earlier models.

When it comes down to it though, it all depends on the car. After all you could find an immaculate 2003/04 car that's a beauty, or a 2004/05 one that just turns out to be a nightmare!