What should I expect / avoid for £10,000?

[Soulstar]

Hello.
I’ve never bought a really decent car before but have recently come into a bit of money that I’m deciding not to spend on damp proofing, flat roof renewal etc.

So, if the wife doesn’t murder me first, any ideas what I could expect for around 10 grand?
Looking at Autotrader seems to be making me more confused.
I’m fairly open minded but ideally I’m looking for , automatic, petrol, 5 seats, not an estate and as new and reliable as possible. I don’t do many miles - up to 5000, mostly around towns.

Any suggestions of what I should avoid?

I currently drive a 57 c220 cdi with 95000 on the clock, so would pt ex that if possible.

Sorry if this seems a very basic question, it’s more money than I’m used to spending and I’m trying to avoid any howlers.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[AMGeed]

As you already own a C class, I would suggest a move up to an E class for the extra refinement and comfort.
I'd check whatever you choose on the ULZ website and get something that won't be affected.
I'd go for something like a W212 E350 petrol, but I'm not you

When you do narrow down your search for a car, I found this website extremely useful pinpointing a car in my price range. Mercedes main dealer, independant traders and private sales all on the same site.

https://www.autovillage.co.uk/

 

[Uncle Benz]

My advice to anyone with an unexpected windfall and the urge to buy a new car, stop looking at cheap examples of expensive models and instead look at the best examples of cheaper ones. Much better to buy a low mileage, well cared for more lowly model than a high mileage, tired flagship. One of them has the potential to bankrupt you. Which one? No clues!

 

[Soulstar]

Thanks AMGeed - that’s really helpful.
I suppose I’ve kind of steered clear of the E class as most tend to be knocking on for 10 years old / over 100k miles - that’s a mental block I might have to get over. Or dial back the luxury and stick with a C.

I’ll check out the autovillage site too.
Thanks again.

 

[sonic]

My advice to anyone with an unexpected windfall and the urge to buy a new car, stop looking at cheap examples of expensive models and instead look at the best examples of cheaper ones. Much better to buy a low mileage, well cared for more lowly model than a high mileage, tired flagship. One of them has the potential to bankrupt you. Which one? No clues!

£10K will get you a nice 2011 E350CDI with full service history. Thats where I would spend my money.

 

[Blobcat]

I’d definitely have an E - because the Shamen were not wrong

 

[John Laidlaw]

I’d definitely have an E - because the Shamen were not wrong

Hahahahaha

 

[mioba]

If your considering aticking with a C, stick with your current car and get the flat roof done, it will need soing once it starts leaking. 95K on a merc is not alot, but you will need to do time related maintenance which you may also need to do on a 10K car anyway. Just my tuppence.

 

[SL63 Mark]

I would agree with m1oba, you might spend £10 grand on a car and find it wants another 5 spending on it. Much better the devil you know, I’d stick with the car you have and save the money for a rainy day, or a treat for the other half.

 

[AnthonyUK]

£10k will get you a C55. It might bleed you dry but what a way to go.

 

[Rappey69]

The longer you leave your damp issues the much more expensive they will cost to fix, but you feel so much better buying and driving a nice car over getting fleeced by builders to keep the damp at bay and not really see anything for it.

 

[rorywquin]

If your considering aticking with a C, stick with your current car and get the flat roof done, it will need soing once it starts leaking. 95K on a merc is not alot, but you will need to do time related maintenance which you may also need to do on a 10K car anyway. Just my tuppence.

Ditto - Spend your money on something that is going to be worth less 5min after you buy it (car). Alternatively spend the money on something that should increase in value (your house).

 

[00slk]

Like buying another house instead of a GT C

 

[Blobcat]

Like buying another house instead of a GT C

Madness...

 

[00slk]

Madness...

Utter

 

[rorywquin]

Like buying another house instead of a GT C

Depends on how many houses you already own .

 

[Soulstar]

Thank you all very much for your replies. They range from the virtuous to the scandalous - and all of them hold some appeal (naturally the other half doesn’t have to know that).

If anything, this has made me think about it a bit more, whilst beginning to get the more pressing things done on the house - then see what’s left. So, look out for a post entitled “what can I expect for £635.00?”.

Thanks again.

 

[DariusE400]

i would go for facelift eclass petrol around 14 grand
worth the odd 100£ per month extra on finance , just finance the remaining amount , although the one in the picture is 17 grand
i have seen this shape for even 11500£ with panoramic roof led headlights rev cam and premium sound system , this is the petrol version btw i would avoid diesel

 

[LostKiwi]

Most of your driving is around town?
Definitely do not get a diesel. To be compatible with upcoming clean air regulations it will need to be Euro 6 and that will mean a DPF and they don't like short runs round town much.
For round town use I'm not sure I'd bother with a nice car.

 

[Mark A]

Petrol cars also have to be Euro 6 to be allowed into the ULEZ’s.