Hi,
I have read a couple of posts recently where people are asking if they're too young to buy an E Class as the age of 35 upwards.
I've decided to get rid of my beloved SLK 230 (K). The reason? I'm doing a lot of work on my house, and although the SLk had loads of bootspace for a CC, I needed something more practical, so off I went in search for another Mercedes. I'll prob get another one when the house is completed.
I came across a very good condition C320 A/G estate, about 3 yrs old and with the usual bits (i.e. leather, trip and so on). I fell in love with it, it was silky smoothe on the road, and best of all the V6 engine gave a hint of oomph similar to the performance from my 4-pot SKL. After some persuasion ( i love the SLK), I went back to buy the C Class with my little SLK as part ex.
Now, I have looked at all the range, and decided that a used C Estate was probably my best bet for comfort, style (yes I like the estate) and a touch of elegance.
What I didn't think was 'what if they have some more cars in??' As I about to hand over my deposit, I go to look at the car again, and something caught my eye. Its an E Class Estate sitting right next to it, in Obsidian Black which makes it look less of a beast, and only a little larger than the C Class. What really caught my eye was the (only) slightly over budget price tag.
I now had a difficult decision to make. Should I just hand over the deposit and be happy with my choice or let my desire to play with buttons and car gadgets take control and ask if I can have the keys to the E Class for a peek. I bit my knuckles and asked for the keys.
While the saleswoman was looking for the keys, I read the specs, a well specced E Class A/G, but it was an E200K. A 1.8 i thought, in a big car, underpowered came to mind. Normally i would have said 'No' at this point, however I felt the urge to find out more about this beast and what makes people want them so much.
I asked if we (Wife and I) could take it out for a drive. My wife tutted and reminded me that I had fallen in love with the C Class. I asked her to join me and see what she thinks.
We both got in, and it was immediately apparent that we're not in an upsized C Class. It was like a completely different car.
I cranked up the engine, and went for a drive. The test drive route for Mercedes in Redhill (Surrey) makes use of some A, B and country roads which shows what the car is like in the limited time.
The 1st thing I noticed was that when pulling out a junction, it didn't feel slow. I waited for it to warm up (which wasn't long) and hoofed it from some lights. Its wasn't lightening quick, however it felt positive and not like I was driving a 4 Cylinder. The engine and transmission were both very smooth. I was impressed already.
I sailed down some poor quality A roads to test out the ride quality until I turned off onto some country lanes. My wife saw a big grin on my face as I flew around corners (being careful of course), I was surpised how something so large was so agile. She asked why I was enjoying driving such a big bus! and I told her she would have to wait until her turn. She couldn't understand why I was liking it.
Now it was her turn. She drives a C3 automatic which is much smalle and great on little roads as its quite agile. She doesn't agree with large cars, as they're all aparently buses and meant for people who have small bits
Anyway, off we go for the 2nd part of the test drive. i get the usual moaning about the car beingtoo big and not as powerful as the C Class for a couple of minutes until everything goes silent. She ends up getting the same grin on her face that I did.
Upon arriving back at the garage, we get out and ask for some time to ourselves to talk. We try and make some excuses as to why we didn't like the E Class, and should get the car we decided to buy. Yes, it is big, but it is well mannered on the road and would hold everything in the boot that we would want to put in it, and still have loads of space left.
I uhm and aah for a while and strole back to the saleswoman, hand over a deposit and tell her I want the E Class.
I have to say that the E Class is a beautiful car, maybe a larger engine would have been better, but it'll do for my needs. I can't wait to pick it up.
So, there you have it. I am 27 years old, my wife 24 and we'll be driving an E Class. For those of you older than me, let me set a benchmark for the age limit to buy an E Class to keep you all happy.
Enjoy
JR
I have read a couple of posts recently where people are asking if they're too young to buy an E Class as the age of 35 upwards.
I've decided to get rid of my beloved SLK 230 (K). The reason? I'm doing a lot of work on my house, and although the SLk had loads of bootspace for a CC, I needed something more practical, so off I went in search for another Mercedes. I'll prob get another one when the house is completed.
I came across a very good condition C320 A/G estate, about 3 yrs old and with the usual bits (i.e. leather, trip and so on). I fell in love with it, it was silky smoothe on the road, and best of all the V6 engine gave a hint of oomph similar to the performance from my 4-pot SKL. After some persuasion ( i love the SLK), I went back to buy the C Class with my little SLK as part ex.
Now, I have looked at all the range, and decided that a used C Estate was probably my best bet for comfort, style (yes I like the estate) and a touch of elegance.
What I didn't think was 'what if they have some more cars in??' As I about to hand over my deposit, I go to look at the car again, and something caught my eye. Its an E Class Estate sitting right next to it, in Obsidian Black which makes it look less of a beast, and only a little larger than the C Class. What really caught my eye was the (only) slightly over budget price tag.
I now had a difficult decision to make. Should I just hand over the deposit and be happy with my choice or let my desire to play with buttons and car gadgets take control and ask if I can have the keys to the E Class for a peek. I bit my knuckles and asked for the keys.
While the saleswoman was looking for the keys, I read the specs, a well specced E Class A/G, but it was an E200K. A 1.8 i thought, in a big car, underpowered came to mind. Normally i would have said 'No' at this point, however I felt the urge to find out more about this beast and what makes people want them so much.
I asked if we (Wife and I) could take it out for a drive. My wife tutted and reminded me that I had fallen in love with the C Class. I asked her to join me and see what she thinks.
We both got in, and it was immediately apparent that we're not in an upsized C Class. It was like a completely different car.
I cranked up the engine, and went for a drive. The test drive route for Mercedes in Redhill (Surrey) makes use of some A, B and country roads which shows what the car is like in the limited time.
The 1st thing I noticed was that when pulling out a junction, it didn't feel slow. I waited for it to warm up (which wasn't long) and hoofed it from some lights. Its wasn't lightening quick, however it felt positive and not like I was driving a 4 Cylinder. The engine and transmission were both very smooth. I was impressed already.
I sailed down some poor quality A roads to test out the ride quality until I turned off onto some country lanes. My wife saw a big grin on my face as I flew around corners (being careful of course), I was surpised how something so large was so agile. She asked why I was enjoying driving such a big bus! and I told her she would have to wait until her turn. She couldn't understand why I was liking it.
Now it was her turn. She drives a C3 automatic which is much smalle and great on little roads as its quite agile. She doesn't agree with large cars, as they're all aparently buses and meant for people who have small bits
Anyway, off we go for the 2nd part of the test drive. i get the usual moaning about the car beingtoo big and not as powerful as the C Class for a couple of minutes until everything goes silent. She ends up getting the same grin on her face that I did.Upon arriving back at the garage, we get out and ask for some time to ourselves to talk. We try and make some excuses as to why we didn't like the E Class, and should get the car we decided to buy. Yes, it is big, but it is well mannered on the road and would hold everything in the boot that we would want to put in it, and still have loads of space left.
I uhm and aah for a while and strole back to the saleswoman, hand over a deposit and tell her I want the E Class.
I have to say that the E Class is a beautiful car, maybe a larger engine would have been better, but it'll do for my needs. I can't wait to pick it up.
So, there you have it. I am 27 years old, my wife 24 and we'll be driving an E Class. For those of you older than me, let me set a benchmark for the age limit to buy an E Class to keep you all happy.
Enjoy
JR
