hypothetical spend £20k to get into MB - what would you buy and why?

[james.raban]

I didn't fella...never driven an E90

 

[StuartK]

I am simply saying the C220's and E220's are not slow...7 and a half seconds to 60 is plenty quick enough for most people. The price difference between a 220 and a 350 would more than likely be prohibitive for the OP.

7.5 seconds is slow by today's standards.

If you read the thread again he asked which would you go for. I answered it giving my reason why.

I also added if the 350 is in budget then go for that if not then 220 as why pay more for the same engine effectively.

Would I personally have the 220. No I wouldn't.

I agree both of our comparisons are silly. Both don't change the fact a 220 is slow. I'm sorry you don't like my opinion but you don't have to.

I understand you have a 220 so likely will be offended but don't be everyone is different. If people cannot afford a 350 then it becomes irrelevant doesn't it.

 

[developer]

Having scanned your OP again I'd say an E Class estate fits the brief. They are sizeable hence very practical for those vino runs.

 

[Piff]

Having scanned your OP again I'd say an E Class estate fits the brief. They are sizeable hence very practical for those vino runs.

Just had a look on orange wheels - quite a bit of kit on those as standard

 

[StuartK]

Do the tourers still get self levelling suspension?

 

[developer]

Do the tourers still get self levelling suspension?

All E wagons have self level at the rear.

 

[jonnyboy]

I much prefer the estates, I actually think the shape is a bit more "sexy" (I know, I need to get out more...!).
Mrs JB doesn't share my view at this stage.
Guess I need to play a variation of Giantvanman's ace in the hole - "Dear, stand here, between this saloon and estate, see they are only an inch and a half different in legth. Of course, the estate will swallow three times as much wine as the saloon, but if you reallyprefer the saloon with that in mind, I'll order one for you. That is, unless you fancy a quick weekend in Europe two or three times a year?"

 

[StuartK]

I much prefer the estates, I actually think the shape is a bit more "sexy" (I know, I need to get out more...!).
Mrs JB doesn't share my view at this stage.
Guess I need to play a variation of Giantvanman's ace in the hole - "Dear, stand here, between this saloon and estate, see they are only an inch and a half different in legth. Of course, the estate will swallow three times as much wine as the saloon, but if you reallyprefer the saloon with that in mind, I'll order one for you. That is, unless you fancy a quick weekend in Europe two or three times a year?"

I must admit I really like estates and they are double handy too!

 

[ItalianTuneUp]

Personally, I'd go for the S class, but then I'm spoiled and biased...so comfortable, quiet, glides over the bumps with airmatic suspension...

And economical too...at 80 it'll get 36 to 40 to the gallon, or 50mpg at 50mph if you aren't in a hurry...

 

[TheFoX]

For me, a CLS. The C class is too commonplace, the E class is too executive, and the S class too refined, although I wouldn't say no to an S Coupe.

If I was younger and had more hair I would probably opt for an SL, but I'm not and I haven't, so I won't.

As for the CLS, new shape or old shape? Both are sexy from different viewpoints. The C219 is the original concept, and the C218 has a much more masculine feel. Horses for courses, and I'll not knock either.

 

[jonnyboy]

As I've said before, whilst the CLS is lovely (bro in law has a v8 one), four seats is one too few, and the shooting brake middle seat looks no good for a 14 yr old...

 

[regbuser]

CLS SB naughty step is torture for anyone over the age of 6

i'd go for a x164 glk (350CDI), just because i really like them. l/h drive and not sold in uk, perhaps that's a part of the appeal

 

[jonnyboy]

So, moving this on a bit. Astonishingly, after a side-by-side viewing, Mrs JB is now (at last...) leaning towards the E Class estate over the saloon. We'd prefer the facelifted one if we can.
I see that there is a hybrid e300 bluetec thing around. How does that stack up against say the E250 and E350 diesels? The car will do about 10k a year but day to day that's two/three school runs of 7 miles return, and Tesco/Marksies and the likes.

Some advice/pros and cons would be most helpful. Thanks so far!

 

[TheFoX]

My first thought would be, 'petrol'. I do two trips of 15 miles each and even they aren't really pushing the diesel. I subsidise the weekday mileage with a longer weekend drive for fun.

 

[jonnyboy]

Presumably a petrol one will be a pig to shift on afterwards though

 

[StuartK]

So, moving this on a bit. Astonishingly, after a side-by-side viewing, Mrs JB is now (at last...) leaning towards the E Class estate over the saloon. We'd prefer the facelifted one if we can.
I see that there is a hybrid e300 bluetec thing around. How does that stack up against say the E250 and E350 diesels? The car will do about 10k a year but day to day that's two/three school runs of 7 miles return, and Tesco/Marksies and the likes.

Some advice/pros and cons would be most helpful. Thanks so far!

Based on your mileage if your buying used I would buy an E500 if you can. It will likely come fully loaded as most people buying a 500 will tick options boxes and will likely be cheaper to buy due it's V8 lump. Cost of ownership over 3 years would likely be less as e350cdi hold their money very, very well meaning much larger initial outlay.

If you did 20k a year if get the diesel. Petrol has really caught up now. I've just done 130 miles from Solihull to Farnborough on 1/4 tank of petrol in the 6.2 V8. A 500 will likely be better.

 

[paul_f]

I found that there are very few petrol estates around. They also seemed to be more expensive than diesels - possibly due to increased demand with the recent bad press about diesels

 

[Piff]

my tablet is being uncooperative an will not allow me to narrow down the search to prices/mileage/engine size, etc. However, on mb used cars search, within 100miles of my address there are currently 3 petrol auto e-class estates for sale and 108 diesels......

 

[paul_f]

my tablet is being uncooperative an will not allow me to narrow down the search to prices/mileage/engine size, etc. However, on mb used cars search, within 100miles of my address there are currently 3 petrol auto e-class estates for sale and 108 diesels......

Same with autotrader, 349 diesels 8 petrols and 6 hyrids (up to 4 years old, and 22.5k)

 

[paul_f]

Even upping the budget to 30k only gives 11! They don't seem to be particularly more expensive, just very rare!
I guess they didn't sell many on lease to business users, and anybody who bought one privately is hanging onto it?