Decisions, decisions...

[MangoOfQPR]

As I alluded to in my introduction thread, I'm on the verge of buying my first Mercedes-Benz and I thought I'd ask for some buying advice.

Firstly, do I go C or E Class? I'm looking at the 220 and 250 in both and will have about £6500 to spend.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? I had an E Class lined up for a test drive last Sunday, but being middle aged, my knee decided to give way on Saturday, this denying me the opportunity!

I'm really interested to hear owner's thoughts on this. I have a6 year old daughter who will only get bigger, so will a C have enough leg room in the back, for instance?

Should I just get an E because that's what I'm most excited about? All submissions gratefully received!

 

[Chrishazle]

A C class (203 or 204 model, I have the 204 and had the 203, both estates) have plenty of rear leg room , we've had adults in the rear seats of both. We've parked next to an E class estate at the supermarket, they're noticably longer and wife immediately said the E was too big for her liking - but she loves our S204!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

If you are 6ft+ definitely go for the E class (the estates are the best out there) and certainly if you have a family

 

[A.J.]

As Malcolm has suggested you first need to decide what size vehicle will fit with your lifestyle

 

[MangoOfQPR]

I'm 6ft so that's a very valid point. Just not sure whether to go estate or saloon...

Waiting for the money to come through is driving me a little mad, as I'm really looking forward to a bit of quality and comfort!

 

[JBell]

I'm 6ft so that's a very valid point. Just not sure whether to go estate or saloon...

Waiting for the money to come through is driving me a little mad, as I'm really looking forward to a bit of quality and comfort!

Wagons are cooler than Saloons, if you are going for an E then a 2004 onwards car so you avoid SBC.

I have a W204 Wagon and my 10yo and 9yo have plenty of space

 

[MangoOfQPR]

Wait... what? SBC? What's that then? Lol!

I'm looking at 2011 onwards and have seen some beautiful cars already! There's a saloon in London that looks gorgeous, but not many estates around at my price level.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

If you are looking at circa 2009-11 you can forget about SBC (Sensotronic Braking System) it was discontinued on the E post 2007.

 

[Mr Greedy]

I have a late 2011 E class. I had no intention of a C class and I'm happy with my choice. If you have either time to wait or get lucky, you do occasionally come across saloons with folding rear seats. You can tell sometimes from a photo of the rear seats, but a photo with the boot open gives the game away; folding rear seats have two release handles under the top of the boot, left and right, just below the rear screen. Easily visible with the boot open.

If you go late 2011 you will have a 'facelift' colour driver's instrument cluster. Not really sure if the benefit to be honest, but if you see the screen I think there might be a few other minor improvements.

Good luck.

 

[MangoOfQPR]

I think 2012/13 will be the top end of what I can afford, so looking for the best for the money.

What other things should I look out for? FSH is a given but are there any little quirks to look out for? I'm also only looking at diesel and automatic. 30+ years of gear changing means I deserve a break!

 

[Mr Greedy]

w212 vs w204 dimensions:

4868mm vs 4582mm, so around a foot longer.

1854mm vs 1770mm, so just under 4 inches wider.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

All E class between 2007/09 are EU4/5 (depending on whether they have a DPF, all E class between 2010/12 are EU5 (with a DPF). Facelift cars from 2013 are all EU6 with urea injection (ADBLUE) just in case you were wondering

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

If you post a link to a car advert you will get plenty of advice

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Is this within your budget?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104211621943?year-from=2009&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=E%20CLASS&radius=1500&year-to=2012&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&postcode=le91uf&include-delivery-option=on&body-type=Estate&sort=relevance&page=6

 

[MangoOfQPR]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106133785406?atmobcid=soc3

Looking at a few that are similar to this. I've got about 7 or 8 saved to admire over the coming weeks!!

 

[MangoOfQPR]

Is this within your budget?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104211621943?year-from=2009&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=E%20CLASS&radius=1500&year-to=2012&advertising-location=at_cars&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=Used&postcode=le91uf&include-delivery-option=on&body-type=Estate&sort=relevance&page=6

Unfortunately, that's a bit over budget...

Looking at up to £7k. Not many estates though

 

[MangoOfQPR]

Also, I'm looking at under 125k miles and a 220 or 250.

In fact, you'd probably be surprised at other stipulations for my next car! I.E. not white or black! Preferred blue or dark grey though silver also stands a chance of being accepted!!

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Estates sell at a premium always have they are extremely useful I wouldn’t be without one never been disappointed by their load lugging capability - this is my third - first two had 7 seat conversion kids loved it

 

[MangoOfQPR]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106013347905?atmobcid=soc3

This could do the trick and not too far from me either!

 

[A.J.]

Estates sell at a premium always have they are extremely useful I wouldn’t be without one never been disappointed by their load lugging capability - this is my third - first two had 7 seat conversion kids loved it

I must be a bit odd, I much prefer the three box saloon, hatchbacks are not on my list either