a step into the unknown world of MB

[jeffreyt]

I have been looking at replacing the aging Passat estate as have reached the age where I don't need an all purpose load carrier for my daily runner but more of a sedate gentleman's carriage for myself and Mrs T.
The C class coupe looks like it fits the bill and circa '15 or '16 looks good value for money.Probably an oil burner but not certain on that point.
This will be my first modern MB,previous one was a '74 classic 115 which I restored about 20 years ago . Bought as a not too rusty example that turned out to be a very rusty example.I was an expert MIG welder by the time it was finished!
Not expecting too much in respect of build quality or reliability but hoping for the best which is all you can do with modern cars.
I also run an '04 Boxster for sunny days which is my pride and joy.
Will keep you posted on progress.
Prices look to be ridiculously high at the moment so may wait until Dec/Jan and the cold weather has bought some realism back to the car market.

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Unless you’re going to be >20K miles per year on a motorway buy a petrol

The C coupe is a very pretty car indeed

 

[mioba]

Welcome to the forum.

As you are in no rush just keep an eye on the prices and the spec of the car you are after. You will then ensure the best deal after much research.

Indeed used car prices are crazy. I got a used MB last year. Just to fulfill my self believe that I got a good deal i check the prices, A similar car i well over 3 grand more.

 

[jeffreyt]

interesting comment Blobcat.I'm retired and do about 3k a year now on the daily runner,mainly backwards and forwards to Waitrose,yoga etc.
I must say the short journeys have bothered me with the Passat but so far no dpf problems ( I hope I don't regret that statement) hence my
ambivalence about the next one.Common sense probably dictates petrol.
Not sure about the spec,as long as it's got heated seats, sat nav and is auto and the right colour that's about it.
Do these coupes have the dreaded run flats or normal tyres and a spare ?
It will be interesting to see where prices go in mid winter .My son ,in the trade, says the stealers have all paid top prices at auction /wholesale outlets so have got to get those prices back on the forecourt.

 

[A.J.]

Hi Jeff, welcome to the forum. If you are only covering 3,000 miles per annum don’t even think about a diesel, with that amount of miles it will cause you nothing but grief. The way for you is definitely petrol with your sort of mileage no question.

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Jeff, as said, if only doing 3,000 miles a year definitely, petrol, as for spec got to be a premium plus, model, IMO.

 

[Srdl]

Welcome Jeff. Post up details of any you are looking at and you will get various comments, hopefully helpful!

 

[jeffreyt]

Thanks to all for the friendly welcome.
I shall be keeping an eye on the adverts and doing more research into things like cambelt change intervals,engine problems etc but I think it will be mid winter
before things get serious as current prices look like everyone is flying a kite.

 

[Judwin]

I work in electronics. The chips we use have been in very short supply since about March/April this year. The chip manufacturers aren't even taking orders for delivery before about March-May 2022. If the current rise in used car prices is to do with the chip shortages for new cars, then the situation won't stabilise much before summer 2022 IMHO.

It's anybodies guess what that will do to used car prices, but I don't see prices starting to drop much before autumn 2022, and therefore (again IMHO) if you see a car you like for a price that's reasonable then you should probably go for it.

 

[davidsl500]

I'm only doing 3500 miles a year and have no problems with a diesel. The difference is most of my journeys tend to be 75 miles to 200 miles with just a few short runs and even then they tend to be 20 to 30 miles.

 

[00slk]

Hello and welcome
Good luck with finding a suitable Mercedes

 

[Rob7seven]

I've had several diesels, mostly Mercedes C & E class, and had no diesel-related problems with any of them. I didn't do big mileages, but liked the relaxed driving characteristics and long range, but all of the cars were bought new and were under manufacturer's warranty most of their lives. With what we know about current diesel complexity and possible problems, I wouldn't risk one now, problems with filters, catalysts, urban driving etc will only ever get worse due to legislation, and now I'm back on the straight and narrow, it's petrol forever for me. Before buying my current C300, I tried both petrol and diesel versions, the Dealer was very persuasive on the diesel version, but while the performance and cruise was great once the car was moving, for general snap responsiveness and driver enjoyment, it's petrol forever for me. It's illogical in many ways, but now retired I don't do many miles, most of the few thousands I now do are on European holiday trips when permitted, and free of work and commuting pressures, I enjoy driving again. I now live my life on the "Can't take it with you" principle, and maybe the OP should ask himself if he would ever have even considered buying a diesel Porsche Boxter (Should such a thing ever exist)? I think I understand jeffreyt's priorities, as before the C300, my car was a petrol Alfa Romeo Giulia, sheer joy on wheels, and yes, of course it was the petrol version.

 

[kotecki]

I have no idea how the modern diesels will like low mileages with all their new types of filtering but we had a 2004 diesel and in seventeen years of ownership and only 60k miles, that engine was as sweet as a nut and never missed a heartbeat but diesel or petrol, I will simply say if you are not familiar with the marque, please think about having a knowledgeable person accompany you when looking at a prospective car. What might appear to be a bargain, might very well turn out to be a money pit.

Good luck with your quest