R Class opinions

[Craiglxviii]

Good afternoon, gentlebeings of the forum.

Well, what with kids and caravans and reaching-lunar-orbit miles, we are talking about replacing the S211. It's a great car, it's lovely to drive and comfy and really practical. BUT, there are a lot of miles on it, and we're discovering that what with packing clothes and the cat cage when going away in the caravan, there's not that much boot space to play with either. In addition to that, there's every possibility that one of the kids' cousins may come away with us more often than not, so I really need to be able to accomodate another seat.

The caravan is 1300kg MRO so ideally I need the car to be around 2000kg.

Taking all of those conditions into account, and with the budget I have available, that either means:

A Disco or Range Rover
A Kia Sedona
A Volvo XC90
An MB GL-Klasse
An MB R-Klasse

Now, I don't want any Gaydon or Brummy rubbish, they break down more than if they had ABC, so they're out.
The Sedona is nice but the engines are around 180-190bhp, which is 30-40bhp less than I'm used to (and to be fair, what I've set as the minimum for a pleasant towing experience).
The XC90 seems to be thin on the ground for my budget (£4-5k) and what is around has the bottom end petrol engine.

That leaves the GL and R-Klassen. GL looks to be a bit big and heavy on fuel, plus it's at the top end of my budget.

So.......... I'd be interested in anyone's opinions on the R350 ermmm R320, in either standard or long wheelbase option.

 

[LostKiwi]

Where's @EmilysDad ?

Why not pack clothes in the caravan before leaving?

 

[Craiglxviii]

Where's @EmilysDad ?

Why not pack clothes in the caravan before leaving?

Because one still has to put them into the car to take them to the caravan; or that means two journeys which means getting LHS to be organised in the week before we go away. Plus, it's a heavy caravan already (1300kg) and contains its fair share of kit; there are two gas cylinders, two water carriers, an awning, some dried and tinned food which all adds up. So, I'd rather keep the additional payload where I can see (and control!) it.

 

[LostKiwi]

So glad I don't have a yoghurt pot to drag around!

 

[Craiglxviii]

So glad I don't have a yoghurt pot to drag around!

I thought that, but now owning one and having used it for a year, I can honestly say it's a really pleasant way to spend a weekend away without costing a fortune, and usually with a really pleasant view somewhere too.

 

[M80]

W/o going for one with stella miles I would be surprised if you can get the GL or R within your budget, but knowing you I'm sure you've done your research.

Maybe you've already decided it doesn't fit but the Viano could be suitable. From 2 to 8 seats (rears being removable), choice of seat types, choice of 3 bases. The ex long certainly has ample space even when occupied by passengers.
Again though, stella miles at that price.

 

[Wighty]

Won't the ML come in at that weight , it's a lot cheaper than the GL ?

 

[John Laidlaw]

Won't the ML come in at that weight , it's a lot cheaper than the GL ?

Many with 6 seats?

 

[Wighty]

Many with 6 seats?

Didn't see that mentioned ?

 

[John Laidlaw]

Didn't see that mentioned ?

Aha...he said one of the kids cousins may come along too, so I’m assuming 5+1, but I might be wrong, it may be 4+1 Wighty....

 

[Wighty]

Aha...he said one of the kids cousins may come along too, so I’m assuming 5+1, but I might be wrong, it may be 4+1 Wighty....

It's a bit like one of those brain teasers , 2 adults with 2 kids , they pick up a friend , 1 kid gets out and is joined by another 5 mins later , before meeting up with 3 friends , 1 of which gets in the car , how many seats does the car have ?

 

[Craiglxviii]

W/o going for one with stella miles I would be surprised if you can get the GL or R within your budget, but knowing you I'm sure you've done your research.

Maybe you've already decided it doesn't fit but the Viano could be suitable. From 2 to 8 seats (rears being removable), choice of seat types, choice of 3 bases. The ex long certainly has ample space even when occupied by passengers.
Again though, stella miles at that price.

There are surprisingly more than a few (R Class) at between 100-150k miles, 07-08 reg in what look to be fair decent condition on AT.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Won't the ML come in at that weight , it's a lot cheaper than the GL ?

The ML does but in its first W163 form, the trouble is that the ML with 5 seats has no more space across the rear than the E class (unsurprising as its the E class platform). The additional two seats I'm not keen on as are inwards-facing I think... not if there's a better choice for the ££ anyway.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Aha...he said one of the kids cousins may come along too, so I’m assuming 5+1, but I might be wrong, it may be 4+1 Wighty....

John, it's 4 + cat + 1.

 

[M80]

There are surprisingly more than a few (R Class) at between 100-150k miles, 07-08 reg in what look to be fair decent condition on AT.

Yes I had a nosey on eBay and surprisingly found a few good looking examples within your budget and very reasonable mileage. Even heated rear seats on 1 example, but don't know if that's a couple of heat pads added by an owner. The 2 wheel drive option will be better economy as well.
To save a couple of hundred on the tax a pre 23 March 2006 registration would be my choice.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Yes I had a nosey on eBay and surprisingly found a few good looking examples within your budget and very reasonable mileage. Even heated rear seats on 1 example, but don't know if that's a couple of heat pads added by an owner. The 2 wheel drive option will be better economy as well.
To save a couple of hundred on the tax a pre 23 March 2006 registration would be my choice.

Only one 2WD that I can see, I'm not that bothered about the tax too much as I've made pretty big insurance savings on the CL this year.

 

[Blobcat]

Nice car, buy one, rear air suspension and usual 320cdi engine “features” aside very nice car

 

[EmilysDad]

Where's @EmilysDad ?

Why not pack clothes in the caravan before leaving?

Away in our caravan

A R320 will tow a 1300kg caravan up hill & down dale all day long. Ours is 1865kg gross and though I know its there, it tows it will ease. Not the car though if you're concerned about mpg. Mine does around 20 with the 'van on & around mid 20s around town.
They all have self levelling air suspension at the back but other (like mine) have Airmatic ie air all 4 corners.

 

[EmilysDad]

W/o going for one with stella miles I would be surprised if you can get the GL or R within your budget, but knowing you I'm sure you've done your research.

.....

Loads of pre-face lift R Class within that price range

 

[V6Matty]

06-07 cars with have the earlier 7G box so that's something to consider, if you can eek out to a slightly later model you 'll get the 7g+ which as you know is much smoother.
Apart from that then R's are a pleasant place to be, should be enough room for what you need and the engine (once mapped) will keep you going for quite a while. On,y other thing to note is spec on these, most are pretty basic