E300 D (w/s124) or C250 TD?

[Gasump]

Which should I pick, all things being equal?

Of course they're not; 300 is five years older, both are 150k + mileage, 250 has some 'rust rash' in usual places and will cost more.

But I'm interested in peoples' opinions about the 'essential/intrinsic' quality of one against the other, to help me make a decision.

All advice appreciated.

 

[Gasump]

Oops, forgot to mention - both estates!

 

[AANDYY]

300D just for the smoother engine, as long as a bigger car isn't a problem.

 

[Adam230K]

e300d

 

[jaymanek]

the one with a turbo!

 

[vibesg]

Both are long legged engines with proven longevity. Depends on what kind of driving you will be doing. I'd go for the 250 td being a newer engine and as Jaymanek said it has a turbo. Personally I'd find the 300D lethargic.
Regarding the "rash" it depends on how long you wish to keep the car for. If for quite some time then you'll know its been treated and shouldn't rear its ugly head again.
Good luck.

 

[jaymanek]

non turbo's are really a pain to drive.. they are very slow at the lights.. almost dangerous IMO.

 

[JasM]

C250 TD as it has a more powerful engine and it's newer.

 

[flango]

Same as Jay give anything without a turbo a big miss, as a car I would prefer the E300D but simply would not buy it due to the lack of turbo and performing like a slug, has to be a TD everytime IMHO

 

[BlackC55]

TD. Great engine and tuneable too!

 

[Adam230K]

Sorry meant E300TD, you can get these in W124 shape and theres a E300 Turbodiesel W210 shape aswell.

 

[dougal74]

Sorry meant E300TD, you can get these in W124 shape and theres a E300 Turbodiesel W210 shape aswell.

You can't get a turbo diesel in a RHD 124, the steering box was in the way (any T references on a RHD 124 are for "estate").

The E300TD came with the 210 for a while before the E320TD took over.

 

[bigyin1]

Have you driven them? If you can source a good E300d w124 shape and a good C250TD then drive them that would be your best idea as we're all biased one way or another and the way the car drives, plus what you want to do with the car has to play a major role.

From my point of view, the 300d has a much higher quality of finish, much better ride quality and with 7 seats very good flexibility. Sure it's not the fastest ride around, but in todays climate is that necessarily a bad thing?

I notice you're based in oxfordshire, I work in buckingham which isn't far away from the top part of oxfordshire, if you want to have a go in my 300d pop me a PM.

 

[Gasump]

Thanx Bigyin1 for your kind offer (can't pm you as I'm a newbie). I'm probably going the W/S124 route, seems like the quality road.

Ass you so r ightly say, does speed matter in the crowded roads we have nowadays?! Not to mention speed cameras, average speed road monitoring...................

 

[Gasump]

But,new to autos as well. So any advice on best/most economical way to drive, tips hints - all welcome!