7 Seater Dilemma

[pashtun]

I am thinking of acquiring a diesel E Class 7 seater estate- but am unsure whether to seek out a good M/N reg W124 example, or go for a newer say P or R reg model, budget dependent obviously. Any opinions/thoughts would be welcomed-my initial instinct would be the older car, but are the build quality criticisms of the newer type justified? Also, which diesel is generally best thought of, bearing in mind school run and local driving use plus odd weekend motorway journey? Thanks in advance.

 

[230K]

Hi

We have a 124 300 diesel estate 93 and a 98 E300TD Estate both seven seaters, how do you pick between them?
Looks 98
handling 98
economy 93/98
costs 93
performance 98
longevity equal 93/98(both have approx 190K)
DIY maintenance 93
reliability equal 93/98
comfort 93
toys 98

Looks like the 98 might have it but only just and only because the way it looks swings me, this could be to the 98 being silver and the 93 being pearl blue metallic which i do not like. If the 93 was in dark green with nice alloys i would prefer its looks.

On the otherhandwhich would last the longest i think i would have to go for the 93, it just feels so much more solid.

My thoughts only, it is really down to what you want from the car.

Happy hunting and buy the best you can afford, with either they are a good alternative to a van type people carrier.

230K

 

[pashtun]

Thanks 230K, you must like those 7 seaters a lot!
Looks fairly equal on your scoring, but I'm still undecided! I'll start to hunt and see how I go, my budget is about £5.5k so I guess that'll narrow it down somewhat....

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Go for thw W124. The W210 is an unreliable rust bucket. Expensive to maintain and the dealers are not up to maintaining them.

 

[paulcallender]

If you have £5000, buy a W124. If you have £10,000, buy a W124 and put the other £5000 in the bank.....

W124 is a better car, for less money.

 

[230K]

Thanks 230K, you must like those 7 seaters a lot!

I do not like seven seaters it is just that i need them myself and the wife have 4 kids and the extra seats in the boot are a must.

230K

 

[Slaphead]

If you have £5000, buy a W124. If you have £10,000, buy a W124 and put the other £5000 in the bank.....

W124 is a better car, for less money.

I think that sums it up nicely!