E class diesel E320?

MotardMan

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I've owned many MB's and my current w202 has been lovely. However it is oolong decidedly scabby and a change of circumstances means my commute is gong to be longer. So I need a "clacker". Like all of us though, I still want the big car thrust. E320 diesel?

My current 1998 car has the worst paintjob ever, so don't want that nightmare again. Also do not want a car that is going to need several grand spent on it in the first few years.

Come on you lot, guide me to my new ride. I have about 7k to spend, and don't want a green one or one with a grey interior. Must have leather. And as many toys as possible.

What breaks and when? I have been brought up on W124's so it needs to be tough, and rust free!

Jim
 

Simon Barry

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CL500 215
My current 1998 car has the worst paintjob ever, so don't want that nightmare again. Also do not want a car that is going to need several grand spent on it in the first few years.

I always check paintwork with a PTG (Paint Thickness Gauge) or get a local detailer to do it for you. This will identify any after market respray areas.

If you consider a E320cdi, choose very carefully or you could experience wallet pain.

st4 has an example, try some of his posts !

Simon Barry
 

JeremyTucker

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SL500/S430
What mileage will you be doing, there are some amazing contract hire deals at the moment which in my opinion make buying something a total waste of time. Can you cope with 10k/annum limit, if so there are so many really cheap deals around on diesel mercs. This way you get a brand new hassle free warranted car which you just give back after 2 years and get given another one.

No brainer for normal stuff like you want.
 
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MotardMan

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St4, where are you?

So what are my options?

320 miles per week commuting, plus odd 300 mile weekends. Leasing worries me, got any examples as I am open to All ideas. This car will be a 10 year "keeper".
 

Alex M Grieve

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B Class d200 Sport Premium Plus (66)

I think your mileage looks like 30,000 per year?

I would be interested to know if anyone does rental deals for that sort of mileage. Rental companies like very low mileage, and by the time a car get to 100,000 miles, they get very nervous.

Equally, a rental deal with a ceiling of 100,000 in 3 or 4 years would probably be very expensive.

The good news is that a 320 CDI would take that sort of mileage without a problem. I had several cars in the era when I was doing 30,000 plus per year, and other than servicing, some of them were never in workshops or off the road. Higher mileages also extend your servicing interval (17,500 with ASSYST is easily possible) and fuel economy is also in your favour if you are on motorways.

Have a look at 2 year old cars. They have lost a lot of depreciation, so they won't lose too much more too quickly. They have a year's MB warranty left, so any significant issues will or should arise in that time.

Then do the sums on a personal loan for that car - if you plan keeping it for 10 years you could spread the loan over 5.

Make sure you add in all the costs and even if you assume a low residual value you might be surprised how well the costs compare.

It will be interesting to hear what you choose, and how you get on.
 
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MotardMan

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I think your mileage looks like 30,000 per year?

I would be interested to know if anyone does rental deals for that sort of mileage. Rental companies like very low mileage, and by the time a car get to 100,000 miles, they get very nervous.

Equally, a rental deal with a ceiling of 100,000 in 3 or 4 years would probably be very expensive.

The good news is that a 320 CDI would take that sort of mileage without a problem. I had several cars in the era when I was doing 30,000 plus per year, and other than servicing, some of them were never in workshops or off the road. Higher mileages also extend your servicing interval (17,500 with ASSYST is easily possible) and fuel economy is also in your favour if you are on motorways.

Have a look at 2 year old cars. They have lost a lot of depreciation, so they won't lose too much more too quickly. They have a year's MB warranty left, so any significant issues will or should arise in that time.

Then do the sums on a personal loan for that car - if you plan keeping it for 10 years you could spread the loan over 5.

Make sure you add in all the costs and even if you assume a low residual value you might be surprised how well the costs compare.

It will be interesting to hear what you choose, and how you get on.

I think that anything with less than 80k and in my price bracket is going to be older than 2 years. I have 6k realistically so a two year old car is out of my reach sadly.

As you say, lease companies will hate my miles, so I think that option is out. Definitely going to be financing with a personal loan, five years is do-able if the car is a good one and I can keep it for ten..

I seem to be getting a vibe about 320 CDI's. A bad one. Are they really that bad then? I am looking for real ownership experiences here. Thanks very much for the input so far, I'm learning a lot.
 
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MotardMan

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S.Speed

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Older Citroen Now :-(
The V6 Diesel unfortunately DOES have the inlet port shut off motor issue which is a crying shame...

At the risk of me being boring why not seek out a car ith the 270 Cdi engine??
Powerful, brilliant on fuel and its a tried and tested design with the 5 speed auto which is also tried and tested..
I am on my second C270 Cdi...:)
Example of C270 Cdi Estate below:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-53-M...1016646?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item20c438e5c6

The are available in E class format as well..

Example of an E class below..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MERC...1991139?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43af305ce3
 
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MotardMan

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The are available in E class format as well..

Example of an E class below..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2004-MERC...1991139?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item43af305ce3

Simon, many thanks. I do need to widen the search so that is very useful information, thanks. I'll be going for an E Class this time though as our current W202 C regualrly bursts at the seams with family detritus. It will also be a trip down memory lane as my last E Class was long time ago and I loved it. eBay, Piston Heads and Trader searches will now be extended. ;o)
 

fireandskill1

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Shame your not after a C320cdi as mine would be ideal :D
All the toys and the inlet port shut off valves have all been replaced along with the manifolds so should be bullet proof again now

Good luck in your search for an E
 

Mallo

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I'm not sure 6k will be enough to get you a good enough example of a 320 - maybe consider a 220 instead? I do 30k+ a year and bought mine as a long term saving over buying a different car every 2 years - if those sums add up for you then it's maybe worth paying a bit more up front to keep the car as they'll do astronomical mileages without looking like they're fit for the breakers. I've been in 220 taxis with 300,000 miles and you would never know. Good luck anyway.
 
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MotardMan

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I'm not sure 6k will be enough to get you a good enough example of a 320 - maybe consider a 220 instead?

Thanks for the good wishes. A 220 would not have the shove I want, especially not in an E class. It is a fine motor, but not for me as in my mind there is no substitute for CC. ;o) Apart from turbos and superchargers of course.... Hang on, the 220 is a turbo, right?

Tell me more...... Will it frighten a rice pudding skin?
 
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MotardMan

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Shame your not after a C320cdi as mine would be ideal :D
All the toys and the inlet port shut off valves have all been replaced along with the manifolds so should be bullet proof again now

Good luck in your search for an E

I need the space only an E can offer, but thank you for the offer.
 

Frontstep

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I think if you re read Alex's post he was suggesting working out the numbers with a personal loan for a newer car it could make sense over the medium to long term.
 

Mallo

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Tell me more...... Will it frighten a rice pudding skin?

The facelift ones have 170bhp which is decent - the IL6 320 has 204 so it's not a million miles away - as ever with these things it's worth a test drive.
 

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