Looking at getting a MB advise please

[Cn12345]

Hey guys, I am new to the forum and have always had a soft spot for MB. I am currently driving a Audi A3 sport back diesel which is extremely bland and boring so am looking at getting a MB when lockdown finishes. I have a £5k budget and come across this car which I’m really liking the look of https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...d=Used&onesearchad=Nearly New&onesearchad=New. I don’t know a lot about them and was hoping someone on here could advise on any issues I will need to look out for.
Thank you

 

[Gazwould]

The only good thing about that is the colour .

From one bland and boring to another bland and boring .

OK budget is an issue..

It's pre facelift .

1.6 Kompressor , the 1.8T is very tunable .

Artico !

 

[Cn12345]

In my opinion the MB looks a lot more interesting to look at than the A3, I’m liking the AMG styling. I know people may think it’s bland and boring but I’m a 32yr old woman who is planning on starting a family this year and want a car which is a bit pokey and a pretty looking car as daft as it sounds. We recently sold our 300bhp 350z to get some money together to start a family and have had some lovely cars in the past, it’s now time to move on and get a 4/5 door family wagon ps the Audi is boring me x

 

[Gazwould]

I would look at an estate .

And avoid manual gearboxes .

Do some research on Artico artificial leather !

 

[Cn12345]

What the problem, fake leather? I’m not really that bothered. I’m interested in wether or not they are know to have any engine issues or are prone to rust or have any techinical faults that I should be aware of. I don’t care if it has fake leather and wether you think I should go for a estate without being rude, I get you giving me your opinion but it’s not very helpful. You could say why it’s good to stay away from a manual?

 

[Darrell]

What the problem, fake leather? I’m not really that bothered really. I’m interested in wether or not they are know to have any engine issues or are prone to rust or have any techinical faults that I should be aware of. I don’t care if it has fake leather and wether you think I should go for a estate without being rude, I get you giving me your opinion but it’s not very helpful.

I reckon he mentioned the estate because you said you were planning on starting a family and you mentioned a wagon

A lot of people have a problem when they find out that the leather is fake.

Manual Mercs aren’t very popular at all because they’re not very nice.

I also think you’re f*****g rude because Gazwould was only trying to help.

 

[Cn12345]

So why aren’t the manual gearboxes nice?

 

[Darrell]

So why aren’t the manual gearboxes nice?

They’re just not very nice and you’ll be hard pushed to find one.

I had a manual c class and the gearbox wasn’t very smooth.

 

[Cn12345]

Been reading into the timing chain issues, is this a m271 engine? Would it be best to maby stay clear of the 1.6 and 1.8 ones and go for a diesel instead?

 

[flowrider]

I reckon he mentioned the estate because you said you were planning on starting a family and you mentioned a wagon

A lot of people have a problem when they find out that the leather is fake.

Manual Mercs aren’t very popular at all because they’re not very nice.

I also think you’re f*****g rude because Gazwould was only trying to help.

Most MB's have Artico so I don't think that is an issue.

 

[BlackC55]

My best advice when buying cars at this budget is to get it inspected by a MB specialist or dealer. It will save you ££ in the long run I assure you.

 

[flowrider]

So why aren’t the manual gearboxes nice?

Virtually everyone prefers the auto's and resale value is lower on a manual. But if you don't intend to sell the car and you want a manual then go for it.

 

[Gazwould]

They've had a host of issues with cracked Artico material and split seams that even affects 3 year old cars to this day .

 

[Darrell]

Been reading into the timing chain issues, is this a m271 engine? Would it be best to maby stay clear of the 1.6 and 1.8 ones and go for a diesel instead?

The engine experts will be along soon. There are some issues with different power plants.

 

[Jukie]

Been reading into the timing chain issues, is this a m271 engine? Would it be best to maby stay clear of the 1.6 and 1.8 ones and go for a diesel instead?

Depends on what you'll be using the car for. Conventional wisdom suggests that if it's mainly short, local journeys then a small(ish) petrol engine is better suited.

Another vote for an automatic from me. Manual Mercs are awful, not in the least bit smooth. There's a reason why there are so relatively few manual Mercs on the road.

 

[Gazwould]

Young family - don't forget the privacy glass .

 

[Darrell]

Virtually everyone prefers the auto's and resale value is lower on a manual. But if you don't intend to sell the car and you want a manual then go for it.

My sister got a new C180 on an 05 plate with a manual. She couldn’t find one to test drive!

 

[XXKR]

I reckon he mentioned the estate because you said you were planning on starting a family and you mentioned a wagon

A lot of people have a problem when they find out that the leather is fake.

Manual Mercs aren’t very popular at all because they’re not very nice.

I also think you’re f*****g rude because Gazwould was only trying to help.

I admire your forthright comments
Of far more pressing interest your comment re Skiathos intrigues. I have been going for 30 years and last year first miss!!!

 

[Darrell]

I admire your forthright comments
Of far more pressing interest your comment re Skiathos intrigues. I have been going for 30 years and last year first miss!!!

Where do you stay in Skiathos??

 

[XXKR]

The Palace Hotel, I knew Takis the owner and now his sons who own it - how about you?