Any thoughts on a C or E diesel?

[Rob77]

I'm considering giving up the company Mondeo. The amount of miles I'll be doing, I'm looking at something like a 92 to 99 C or E class (still doing the figures cos I'd be giving up free fuel too - I know!!). The 250 or 220TD C class would be ideal but they still tend to be pricey so I was thinking about either a C or E 250D or maybe an E 300D (I'm assuming the 220D would be annoyingly slow?).

My driving'll be minimum 600mls/wk (maybe far more), mostly on motorways. My first worry's on driving pleasure/performance and to give a comparison, I can live with a 2.0 Mondeo for speed and handling (not comfy though) but my last 1.9TD Volvo V40 was slow and handled like a boat (but sure it was comfy). How would a C or E compare?

The C's don't change much over this period but E's get the bug eye version on later models, is that better than the older one?

On ecconomy, again I'm leaning to the 250 (and C) as the 300 seems quite a bit thirstier. But is it a better drive? There are certainly quite a few reasonably priced 300's about so I'm tempted.

Another thing is; is it generally thought better to go for a low mileage older car or a newer high miler?

I'm ok on the other bits, auto, cruise, etc and I'm not concerned too much about resale value as I'd be pricing the thing on the basis it's a ruin after 3 years (if it's still going strong then it'd be a bonus).

Sorry if this seems like a jumble of random thoughts, on what are really very subjective isses. I suppose I'm trying to get a feel for the experience and with no "first hand" but just going on research so far, I'd list my likely buy in the order of C250D, E250D then E300D.

Oh, lastly do you find MB's attract much unwanted attention? Mine would be parked on the street and though my company ones have never been troubled, is it likely a MB would be any more of a focus for nutters?

 

[Rob77]

Ok, I guess I should review/simplify my questions.

I would most likely go for a C250D, circa 1995 vintage, with around 90K on the clock, so:

1. It has 113bhp. It's not truly gutless in real life though is it? My feeling is if I went for the E class, with the same engine it certainly would be too slow though.
2. My impression is that these cars are good for a few hunded thousand miles, so I'm assuming it isn't worth paying double for half the mileage, right? Equally, because of the miles I'll do, I wouldn't want to get anything with much more.
3. I don't like a rolling ride so would be looking for a Sport or Esprit (same thing aren't they?) but they are harder to find. Presumably, I could get the same effect by having an Elegance lowered?
4. The service intervals are 9K I think. Is that right?

Hoping for some tips

 

[Mmmm]

Father in law runs a c220

My father in law used to run Citreon diesels and put between around 40k a year on them, after 3-4 years when the warrenty ran out they were worth next to nothing last one was a Xantia £15k new was worth £1500 at 31/2 years old with 146k on.

He discovered that he could buy a 2nd hand Merc Diesel for less money put a huge mileage on, enjoy driving it and still get a much better return.

He currently runs a V redg C220TD 122bhp estate (W202 old shape) gets 40 mpg cruises at 85mph , bought it with 42k on now has 76k, services it at an independant, the car is better than the citreons, faster, better cruiser, comfier, better handling, safer. I've driven this car it handles well firm ride doesn't roll much, feels secure on the road at speed, there is plenty of power low down and you can make surprising progress with out trying makes it feel like a bigger engined car, however when you do kickdown and use the revs it doesn't get much quicker, although overall it's no slouch. It's got the pre touchtronic 4 speed auto.

He had a 250TD Class, which was more powerful 150bhp ?, gave similar mileage not quite as good, but he reckons the newer engine is a little smoother, this one was a saloon and I think it was a bit quieter in the back than the estate. Never drove this one, but my father in law loved it at the time, he booted it everywhere fairly nippy, but it had no aircon, bought for 12k sold for £5 or 6k ? despite huge miles.

Power wise I reckon the 113bhp engine might be like the 220 above, although the 220 does have 200 odd lbft of torque.

Top gear tested the 97 bhp 220d in 1995, they though it was a good car but too slow

http://www.topgear.com/servlet/tg?D...p;MODEL=C-Class:K1&roadTestNumber=19.html

I think the service system, depending on your driving style, will alert you to change oil between 7,500 and 15,000 miles. Might be different for older cars ?

My local merc independant sees the same cars over and over again, with diesels and petrols doing hundreds of thousands, estates hold the best resale and old W124's Estates (pre bug eye E classes) are still worth thousands with loads of miles on. From resale the most desirable C classes appear to be the turbo diesel estates.

Some of the american boys have put 400k on thier merc diesels

Good luck choosing

 

[Andy Beatty]

I purchased a E300 TD in mid july with 108000 on the clock have done 12000 miles in the last 7 weeks and find it brilliant!!!!!. would recommend them to anyone. just gone in for its 120000 mile service no problems. it will sit at over 115mph all day when i go over to germany ot up the A120 if no coppers about :lol:

 

[Rob77]

Thanks guys, that was a great help. I'll be tied up over the next week then it'll be decision time.

 

[dieselman]

If you can run to it get a 220 CDi as it will give better economy so will ofsett any capital cost.
My advice would be to go for the newest car you can and not worry about mileage. There have been some corrosion issues and cars from October '98 get the 30 year warranty whereas previous cars get six years.

 

[Rob77]

Thanks dieselman. The tax comparators I've seen seem to indicate that I'll have around £7K max (ideally less) to spend on this car, allowing some margin for repairs etc, on top of all the fuel I'll be buying so the C220CDI is probably out of my reach. Ah, I just reran the calculator with 50mpg in place of the 38 I was assuming and it gives me nearly another £2K to play with! I think I need to spend a little more time on this

I didn't know about the corrosion warranty either. Buying 2nd hand presumably it's not assignable over to me is it? Super if it is.

And this mileage issue; what would you consider too high? If I do (say) 100K in 3 years, preumably I shouldn't be looking at anything with more than around 120K on it already surely - or you mean provided it's properly services, it really doesn't matter?

 

[dieselman]

You will actually have a bit more money to play with due to tax rebates against mileage when running your own car.

The body corrosion warranty goes with the car as long as it has serrvice history and affected parts have not been damaged/repaired by a non MB repairer.

With the diesels mileage is not a problem.

If you want your money / Tax situation working out send me a PM. I am something of an expert at running own cars for work. .... Really, I presented this to the Plc I work for and know all the detail.