reasons to sell new W211?

[pb33]

OK. I've been enjoying my "new" 04 W211 Estate 320CDI Avg. I've driven 1000 miles now, so time to assess my new toy:

Fabulous drive, wonderful engine. Feels smaller than it really is. Looks stunning inside and out - really turns heads.

BUT is it worth the £10K extra over a nearly new Volvo V70? Sadly, I'm not too sure:

1. Cabin space is far tighter than I'd expected. Can't get comfortable driving, particularly my right arm, due to the door intruding. I seem to compensate by twisting my back to accomodate my right arm. Same with footwell - little room to stretch out. In the rear, its impossible to get feet under front seats, which makes for an uncomfortable seating position in the rear also. I guess I was spoiled by my 2000 Range Rover, but am very disappointed at this aspect in a car so big. My previous (small saloon) Volvo S60 was vast up front in comparison. And the seats were far superior. And to think I was going to buy a C-class estate!

2. Sports suspension makes for a very low car. Have to get used to looking up at traffic. I question the wisdom of 17inch alloys (making sports susp mandatory): do they really make any difference other than for aesthetic appeal?

Please don't flame me, but the BIG issue is the absence of cupholders in front! My wife wants me to sell the car because of this! She expects cupholders in a £25K "family" car and I tend to agree. If this isn't sorted, then my car will be appearing in Autotrader very soon!

And what is it with the ashtrays all over the car!

The drive makes up for these issues for me, though. Trouble is, I will have a hard job justifying the cost to the power that be, on this basis.

Thoughts welcomed.

Paul

 

[television]

The Volvo V70 takes some beating as an practical estate, very well thought out and good to drive(I have one) It is still a fact that Volvo and Saab have the best seats (no recorded cases of whiplash) All road test are based on value (price class)
While on the subject of Volvo. JD Powers survey a few years ago put down the V40 12 places as it did not have a cup holder.

Re your MB, you have more refinement and a more luxury in terms of finish.
this cost money. You also have the image, that cost money, what ever the build quality of the Volvo, MB have finished it off nicer.
your 17" wheels do look nice and make the cornering better, though maybe not in your case.
I drive my Volvo all week, when its time to go out in the MB its another world, its so silky smooth, and I do not want the journey to end.

On Ebay USA you can buy cup holders for any car, don't forget that laws are changing and you can be fined for eating a banana whilst driving.

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

You do make a fair point. I often looked at the Volvo ads and think what fantastic value they are. The are excellent cars, no mistake. But they aren't a Merc. I remember taking a top of the line saab 95 out a few years ago and feeling that whilst it was excellent, it was still just a car. My merc C class still had the edge, despite being smaller, slower and 5 years older. I had no desire to swap.

I can't understand your issue with space. I find it quite roomy enough. Perhaps a little more cossetting than the W210 as you sit lower down or to be more accurate, the waist height is higher. The only critisism I have is the 2 seat rear, but its ok 99% of the time. A number of your critisisms relate to being low down. The roof height is quite high so why not just raise the seat? This will also give enough room to put your feet under the seat from the rear.

Yes the lowered suspension and 17'' alloys are a double edged sword. 6 months in and I still can't decide whether I would have them again. When I look at it I think Wow, When I come flying off the motorway and onto a roundabout at silly speeds I think yes. WHen I'm on a dodgy road surface I start to wonder...
On the subject of cup holders. There used to be a gizmo for the W202. A friend had one in his CLK. An example is http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ORIGINAL-CUP-...ryZ10398QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I haven't actually seen one for a W211 but given the design of the console is almost identical I suspect such a thing may exist. Speak to your dealer.

P.s. Looking at http://www.autofieldguide.com/driven/0504dri14.html - I guess such a thing does exist.

 

[mioba]

over the years i have had 6 volvos and 3 mercs.

To be frank there is no more refined car to drive than a merc. my e200 is on am M plate done 77K and still drives silky smooth like a new car. its also the most reliable car I have ever owned - i guess thats why i have still got it. Damn i love that car

 

[jberks]

Found one ....

Had me wondering
Found one at
http://www.fischer-automotive-systems.de/

 

[pb33]

I agree that the SAAB is a significantly inferior product. Land Rover loaned me a top of the range 9-5 and I was very suprised at how poor it was. Cheap and plasticcy.

The Volvo, however, is closer and very good value. I passed over the V70 because the used price was too strong for the image.

Thanks for the advice on the cupholders. You've just kept me in the MB!
PB