First time buyer, long time admirer

[Mattw2020]

Hi folks,

I'm in the market for my first Mercedes. I've pretty much narrowed it down to an eclass, probably a 2 litre and my budget can stretch to something from '09 to '11

It'll be 50/50 between city driving and motorway driving.

I've three kids so a coupe isn't really practical.

Im wondering what people's advice would be, in general and specifically. What are thr do's and don'ts? Diesel/petrol, manual/automatic etc etc? appreciate the help

Matt

 

[A.J.]

Hi Matt and welcome to the forum, good luck in your search

 

[Srdl]

Hi Matt and welcome. You rarely find a manual Mercedes and petrol models of that era are rare as well. So Diesel and Automatic would probably be your best choice given your budget and dates.

 

[LostKiwi]

Which city? If it has any kind of clean air tax forget diesels.
You shouldn't discount a V6 petrol as they don't use any more petrol than a small engined one.

 

[Mattw2020]

Thanks guys.

Im in Dublin. Here's a manual one I found. Road tax (based on emissions) is reasonable. The older 2009 diesels have a road tax of €1500!!!

Its more the common problems that I want to find out about. Like I've read that the automatics need more regular attention and are less efficient. But the filters in the diesels clog up quicker when it's mainly city driving your doing.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sa...4817544?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social

 

[LostKiwi]

Autos need oil and filter changes but the never need a clutch.
Most folks on here (me included) buy autos because the auto boxes are as good as the manuals are bad (in terms of smoothness). Economy wise nothing in it.

 

[SmartAmg]

Welcome, Matt.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome, don't even think of manual please.....

 

[Blobcat]

Welcome, don't even think of manual please.....

It's something you're supposed to read...

 

[John Laidlaw]

It's something you're supposed to read...

and that's all! Although I've noticed no-one seems to get one with their car?

 

[Mattw2020]

Welcome, don't even think of manual please.....

Why do you suggest that?

 

[Blobcat]

Why do you suggest that?

Because they're not that great... 4 pedals takes a bit of getting used to and the auto's are so good that in modern traffic a manual is just hard work for little or no return.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Mercedes automatic gearboxes are on another level compared to most other manufactures,imho.

 

[Kev555]

Hi mattw2020 and welcome, hope m50 isnt the motorway you mention if so defo buy an automatic

 

[davemercedes]

My 2007 S203 is a 5-speed auto. You couldn't pay me enough to switch to manual.
The 'box is so sensitive I can "feather it" to change up with tiniest bit of relaxation on the throttle. You do have to check that what you buy has had the transmission serviced - or get it done immediately because there was some confusion about "sealed for life" (not true) but I thoroughly agree with the post above - Taffy is 100% correct: Mercedes automatic gearboxes are on another level compared to most other manufacturers.

 

[Gazwould]

Which city? If it has any kind of clean air tax forget diesels.
You shouldn't discount a V6 petrol as they don't use any more petrol than a small engined one.

What models would that be Al ?