Contract Hire Quandry - pre or post facelift E Class?

[markyc]

Hi, newbie in peace. I'm looking at a contract hire option for a Merc E Class. Having never driven one before, I'm getting a bit confused over the different specs between SE and AvantG (old range), and SE (facelift model).

I guess I'm asking opinions from seasoned owners to see what they would do. Here's the current quote I have for 3 different models (pre-facelift, all BlueEFF, whatever that means). Cannot yet get a quote for the newer model:

Option 1 - E220cdi AVANTGARDE 4DR 7G-TRONIC AUTO METALLIC PAINT BECKER COLOUR NAVIGATION. 20000 miles pa £308 per month

Option 2 - Same as above but 250cdi £320 per month

Option 3 - E220cdi SE 4DR 7G-TRONIC AUTO METALLIC PAINT BECKER COLOUR NAVIGATION £275 per month.

Option 4 - wait for facelift and hope I can afford it!

But what sacrifices would I make if I decide on pre facelift? And what sacrifices would I make if I went for the old SE intead of the old AvantG?

Please HELP!! What would YOU do?

Rgds, Mark

 

[Derek Mc]

Best piece of advice I can offer is to go see one in the metal and talk to the dealer direct I would not have an issue on a pre-face myself but many people live for the latest this the most advanced that, and over the months you may resent eventually, not going facelift.

As for your exact list though Option2 would be my choice if budget allowed.

 

[markyc]

Unfortunately the dealer is 400 miles away, so no luck seeing it in situ I'm afraid. I'm not too fussed over most of the post face lift features (I think). Can put up with not having DAB radio and will have the sat nav anyway. Unless there is a really good reason other than those, I might be able to rule it out. Resale/residual is not a factor as I'll be handing it back.

Are there any good reasons for choosing AvantG over SE? And if so, what would they be? Many thanks for your response.

 

[st4]

Opt 3. It's cheaper and new SE has old AG suspension.

 

[st13phil]

Are there any good reasons for choosing AvantG over SE? And if so, what would they be?

If we're talking pre-facelift cars...

The Avantgarde has two key advantages over the SE imo:

• The Avantgarde has the Intelligent Lighting System. If you do much night driving this is a very real advantage. Think of the difference between halogen and xenon lamps, and the delta between xenon and ILS is even more pronounced;
• The SE suspension is 15mm taller and noticeably softer than the Avantgarde. In just about everyone's opinion the Avantgarde is a better compromise between handling and ride comfort

There are lots of other detail differences, but none are so significant.

FWIW, the wonderful ILS is a cost option on both trim variants on the facelift car - which is a massive :fail on MB UK's part if you ask me.

 

[st13phil]

Opt 3. It's cheaper and new SE has old AG suspension.

Steve - Option #3 in the OP is the pre-facelift car

 

[markyc]

Oh dear - once I was indecisive but now I'm not so sure...

 

[st4]

Steve - Option #3 in the OP is the pre-facelift car

Sorry AG trim 250cdi my choice

 

[markyc]

Actually, what you are saying about the lights makes sense - we live in a rural, unlit area. Although that means the roads are bumpier...oh my

 

[isleaiw]

Actually, what you are saying about the lights makes sense - we live in a rural, unlit area. Although that means the roads are bumpier...oh my

I've just bought a pre facelift 220CDI Avantgarde estate. In my opinion after 1000 miles, the suspension is a great compromise between not being a barge round corners and not being too firm over bumps.

The lights are fantastic - I wouldnt have bought without them. I dont have sat nav - that can be sorted with a Garmin but I had to have the lights.

My car also has an appearance pack (rear exhausts and something!) and 18 inch rims, so it looks alot faster than it is!!

But to me it is a perfect compromise between looks and ride. At the moment, couldnt be happier and just about to go and drive another 130 miles! good luck deciding....

Ian

 

[st13phil]

Actually, what you are saying about the lights makes sense - we live in a rural, unlit area. Although that means the roads are bumpier...oh my

Don't worry about the ride comfort of the AG - it's still very good but it doesn't wallow like the SE. If you really wanted to soften it up a bit, put a set of 16-inch wheels and 225/55R16 tyres on it instead of the standard 17's and 245/45R17 tyres (I run that 16-inch setup on winters on mine and the standard 17's in the summer).

The ILS system is absolutely fantastic and I now wouldn't by choice own a car without it.

 

[Carrsey]

From the options above i would go for 2..

 

[renault12ts]

Pay about £300 now...or wait for the new model and pay over £500. Your choice.

 

[markyc]

OK, thanks guys. You'll appreciate it's difficult without seeing or driving it (not ideal I know) and making decent comparisons. But I've done some motoring site comparisons now as well and it does look like option 2 makes sense. Appreciate all your help, thanks!

 

[st4]

Present model looks better too.

 

[steve333]

Why don't you see if a dealer close to home has some of the current models you can test drive(it's the only way to see what suits you personally as everyone has they're own ideas on whats best),i honestly don't like the look of the facelift over the current models!

 

[gIzzE]

New model may have sorted out the rather vacant steering, which would be a deal breaker for me.

New model comes with Inteligent Light System, media and comand online as standard as well.

Give it 3 months and there will be deals on the new one. having said that, I think the new one looks pants in anything other than the sport with amg package, and that wont be £300 a month.



Here is a sport for £280 a month....

Mercedes-Benz E Class contract hire | £286.99 per month | Claris Vehicle Solutions Limited | ID: 7663704



Because I always buy estates I forget the saloon.

He is an E250cdi sport saloon auto, in stock at £259 a month, with £1600 deposit.

Mercedes-Benz E Class contract hire | £259.99 per month | carleasing-online.co.uk | ID: 12154520

 

[The Polisher]

I was in the same position.

Order now, current model E220Cdi Auto Estate SE, or wait for the new 2013 model which is more expensive and has higher emissions (larger wheels on the SE puts it up into the next co2 catagory..........which mine is a company car so important!)

I opted for the current model SE. Its arriving in 3 weeks and I can't wait!

The new 2013 SE I just am not sure of the styling of the front end, I just don't like it. Plus the prices are going up so the deals on current stock models are pretty good.

 

[John]

Pay about £300 now...or wait for the new model and pay over £500. Your choice.

Why will it be that much - just because it is a new model (premium) or because the old model is discounted because the new one is around the corner?

 

[markyc]

As far as I can tell, the word is that the newer models will be more expensive in view of the extra specs like ILS, COMAND etc that would have been options on the base models before. I'm new to this but it probably makes sense.