Potential new owner

[outsmartsmart]

Hi all, I'm looking to join the MB clan. After many years of company cars its now my own money. I'd decided that a 4'ish year old 'premium' brand was the way to go and further research has filtered that down from BMW 5 series and Audi A6 to be a Merc C class or E class estate (it has to be an estate).

The E class has the issue of probably being 'too big' 90% of its time and the C class being 'Too small' 10% of the time but with an eye on car taxation I think the 2.7 diesel engine is going to be hit more so I think a 2.2 diesel is the way to go for my needs.

So too my questions, if you can help me;

1) For similar budgets (circa £12k to £14k) would you recommend the C class or E class?
2) If E class gets the nod will the 2.2 diesel be 'man enough'
3) I want auto but should I completely ignore the manual gearbox if one comes up 'at the right price'?
4) Specification wise I want 'Avantgarde' and all the toys I'm used to but should I avoid and/or is there problems expected with some of the gizmo's that mean 'less is better'? (wants include leather, climate, park sensors at rear, auto box, decent stereo, dog guards, etc. if possible)

I have a budget but it isn't rigid if I want/need to spend more (I just don't want to....), I don't think I should be concerned about mileage (cars I'm looking at are anywhere between 40k and 100k'ish) but are there any 'big milestones' I should be aware of and any general buying advice would be gratefully appreciated.

Right I'm off to trawl the forum now....

Thanks

 

[television]

Welcome to the forum I would post a wake up in the morning.

You are asking the right questions

 

[outsmartsmart]

Hi TV, I've seen many of your posts this afternoon - I'm sure our written paths will cross again on these electronic pages!

Whats a 'wake up'?

I have to admit I've never been a Merc' fan, BUT now its me own money..........

Merc's just kept coming 'first' in everything I was looking for when rationalising getting a premium 2nd hander. I lived in Germany for a couple of years (owning brilliant 525 and 530 diesel estates) and a million taxi drivers can't be wrong is one of my views. Also Mercs seem better catered for in the indy dealer/repairers availability. Put another way maybe Audi/BMW are just better at keeping people locked into main dealer network and huge service/parts costs?

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Hi TV, I've seen many of your posts this afternoon - I'm sure our written paths will cross again on these electronic pages!

Whats a 'wake up'?

I have to admit I've never been a Merc' fan, BUT now its me own money..........

Merc's just kept coming 'first' in everything I was looking for when rationalising getting a premium 2nd hander. I lived in Germany for a couple of years (owning brilliant 525 and 530 diesel estates) and a million taxi drivers can't be wrong is one of my views. Also Mercs seem better catered for in the indy dealer/repairers availability. Put another way maybe Audi/BMW are just better at keeping people locked into main dealer network and huge service/parts costs?

Welcome.!

A 'wake-up' or a 'bump' posting, is simply a reply to the original post - to get it back at the top of New Posts. i.e. it is seen by more members in the morning.

 

[outsmartsmart]

Cheers Jez - what would you say about the ML (despite loving it!!), I briefly drove a 2003 model and have to say it wasn't a patch on my recent Disco' 3 series diesels and I thought the interior quality was pretty poor, especially for my perception of Mercs.

I was sort of thinking of one of these as prices are so keen but I think taxation will be even worse than bigger engined cars so have put it to one side unless "too good to miss" priced one lands in my lap.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Cheers Jez - what would you say about the ML (despite loving it!!), I briefly drove a 2003 model and have to say it wasn't a patch on my recent Disco' 3 series diesels and I thought the interior quality was pretty poor, especially for my perception of Mercs.

I was sort of thinking of one of these as prices are so keen but I think taxation will be even worse than bigger engined cars so have put it to one side unless "too good to miss" priced one lands in my lap.

It's Horses for Courses. I have driven Disco's, Freelanders and Rangies. I don't know what it is about Mercs - but I always smile when I turn the key.

I got the ML for a specific role - and it fills that role perfectly. The S320L fills another need.

There are LOTS of bargains out there at the moment. Be patient, listen to the advice on this Forum and you will be rewarded with a car you will appreciate.

4x4's have a bad press at the moment - but I take no notice WHATSOEVER. It's YOUR choice.

Enjoy..!!!

 

[outsmartsmart]

I was advised to 'bump' this to get a better response.

Any advice guys, its a bit thin on the ground so far. Some of my points have been answered by thread searches and other recent questions but I'm still in the dark on this.

Any advice gratefully received.