the right choice

[samwires]

hi guys/girls..

mb novice here. i've approx £5k to spend on an mb and was looking for suggestions. i've always gone for old vw's in the past, corrados, sciroccos etc, but would now like something that has a bit more comfort. i do a lot of miles, 100+ per day, so a good cruiser is a must, am i better with as newer model as i can get or a better spec older model.

ta

sam

 

[markjay]

C-Class, preferably early facelift (e.g. 2004)?

4-cylinder Petrols (C180 Kompressor) will be cheaper, Diesels (C200 CDI) more economic but more expensive.

All good cruisers.

Oh.. and welcome!

 

[bpsorrel]

Welcome! You sound like you like coupes, so what about one of these?

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C220 CDI Limited Edition

I had the petrol version for a while and it was a nice car, comfortable, well equipped and (in my opinion) looked smart! The 220 cdi would probably be the best bet if you like economy with a fair amount of grunt.

 

[samwires]

C-Class, preferably early facelift (e.g. 2004)?

4-cylinder Petrols (C180 Kompressor) will be cheaper, Diesels (C200 CDI) more economic but more expensive.

All good cruisers.

Oh.. and welcome!

cheers. i think a diesel is the best bet economy wise for the mileage i'll be doing. i take it the 180 is the replacement for the 190, i used to really want one of those for some reason!

 

[samwires]

Welcome! You sound like you like coupes, so what about one of these?

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ C220 CDI Limited Edition

I had the petrol version for a while and it was a nice car, comfortable, well equipped and (in my opinion) looked smart! The 220 cdi would probably be the best bet if you like economy with a fair amount of grunt.

thanks. it's not so much coupes, i just like having cars that not many other people have. the downside with that is it means getting older cars which will have potentially more problems! grunt isn't a requirement, as long as it gets to 70ish i'll be happy!

 

[Tan]

cheers. i think a diesel is the best bet economy wise for the mileage i'll be doing. i take it the 180 is the replacement for the 190, i used to really want one of those for some reason!

The 190 sized car was replaced by the C-Class in 1993 or 94 as was know as a W202, the 180 mentioned here refers loosely to the engine size. I say loosely as on some models the engine size does not directly relate to the size of the engine, for example a 500 model used to be a 5.0 litre but now the engine is 5.4 / 5.5 litres.

If you are not concerned about it being a coupe, then look at the saloons as they are generally cheaper so your budget will get you either a newer car or a lower mileage or better specced one. As with Virtually all Mercedes I would recommend an Auto. Leather is also good to have.

I had a 2001 C220 Cdi (know as a W203 c-class, the latest c-class is a W204) and I absolutely loved it. It was very highly specced with electric leather seats, Xenons, Sunroof, AMG Wheels etc, so if your a spec junkie like me, they are out there even on the smaller engined cars.

 

[Tan]

The best W203 C-classes came after the 2005 facelift, there are some of these around slightly over your £5k budget, but at this time of the year I am sure there will be some negotiation.

2005 MERCEDES-BENZ C200 CDI Classic SE

 

[steve333]

Depends what you are looking for in a car-saloon?,estate?coupe?,definately try to get a post 2004(as has already been mentioned)as mb started galvernising there cars then,maybe a higher mileage ex lease/company car will offer the best value as it will more than likely have a full history & be well maintained.

 

[samwires]

Depends what you are looking for in a car-saloon?,estate?coupe?,definately try to get a post 2004(as has already been mentioned)as mb started galvernising there cars then,maybe a higher mileage ex lease/company car will offer the best value as it will more than likely have a full history & be well maintained.

i wouldn't mind an estate or saloon, i have no preference either way. is mileage an issue on a car with good history?

 

[A140driver]

Mileage certainly wouldn't bother me as long as there is plenty of history. It can also be a good bargaining point if the miles are high.

 

[Mactech]

I had a 54 plate C180 SE and it was a lovely car. Whilst I am a fan of diesel engines, the 180 kompressor is a nice smooth little unit that used to give me in excess of 40mpg on runs. The petrol ones tend to be lower mileage and cheaper than the 'default' 200 or 220 cdi and worthy of consideration.

 

[steve333]

i wouldn't mind an estate or saloon, i have no preference either way. is mileage an issue on a car with good history?

I'm with Mactech on this one,i also had a c180k se(2005)& unless you intend doing high miles i would go for a petrol unit & autobox in a saloon(they tend to be better looked after than estate versions in my experience).As far as mileage goes don't be put off by one thats done 100k+ as long as the service history is full & complete(preferably mb),if you look at/can only afford a pre 2004 model check the car carefully for rust(the inside of the arches can be a weak spot).