Which E Class ?

[MadMerx]

I would say the E320 in S211 would be better built and ride better imho. Best get a test drive in both to assist with your decision.

 

[MrGreedy]

I bought an Insignia Estate with 90k on it 2 years ago for £4k, and spent £8.5k in parts and garage bills repairing mechanical issues (most of that was parts, as I did a lot of the work myself). Just non-stop things breaking. Even day 1 of ownership was a new thermostat. I should have taken that as a sign and got rid.

I liked the car and it was very practical, but never again Vauxhaul. Sorry, you've lost a customer and gained a detractor for life

 

[SteveTDCi]

did you end up with the low oil pressure warning too ? the one where if you catch it quick enough you just replace the o ring on the pick up or where they leave it to late and replace the engine ...

 

[MrGreedy]

did you end up with the low oil pressure warning too ? the one where if you catch it quick enough you just replace the o ring on the pick up or where they leave it to late and replace the engine ...

No. Didn't ever have the light, but I was on 125k miles so I went to Keighley West Yorks to a specialist chap who replaced it along with motor and gearbox oil for I think £250. 200 miles round trip, but hundreds of pounds cheaper than most places and highly recommended.

 

[219]

So I’m thinking of an E Class, the main reason being space. Mondeos and Insignias are also on the list, I’m after boot space rear legroom and comfort

budget is around 4k

at the moment I’m looking at a low spec 220s212 and a high spec 320 s211, mileages are similar

given the choice which would you go for ? The 320 is 2007, the 220 is 2011

Have you looked at Volvos ?

 

[horatio]

The 220 is a bombproof engine

646 in the 211 yes, 651 in the 212 debatable.

 

[clk320x]

651 in the 212 debatable

The 651 is a great engine, does have a few common issues but they aren’t as common as the internet would have you believe.

 

[horatio]

The 651 is a great engine, does have a few common issues but they aren’t as common as the internet would have you believe.

An engine with a single row chain tucked away at the back and a plastic water pump just can’t register as bombproof to me! I’m sure it’s a genius design for accountants wanting to shove the same engine in 20 different models without modification.

 

[SteveTDCi]

In fairness its no different to the N47 in the BMW and Mini's, although on a 5 series you can swap the chain in situ.