Thinking of buying a E/C Class

[cmax200]

I have a T Reg C Class that has been a Super Car never had any trouble and I am now thinking of treating myself to another car.
I like the E Class, but as I spend most of my driving on my own I think it will be too large and also more difficult to park etc.
So I am thinking about buying another C Class, Not a brand new one but one with just a few miles on the clock.
Is there any advice on the various models as to which would be the best buy, or anything to look out for that could be a problem. i.e diesel or petrol, model etc.
Also is it a good time to buy now or should I wait and hope the prices drop.

Regards

 

[doversole]

Hi, I share your sentiments regarding the W202, mine's a honey too.

I've always promised myself a C270 CDI when mine becomes a liability, however it ain't broke yet! Regarding the market conditions at present, they are changing almost daily, so it's difficult to get a hold on where things are going right now.

Good luck with your next purchase, 'C' over 'E' for me any day!

DoverSole

 

[PeterCLK]

I looked at the E class before I bought the CLK but as there is only ever 2 of us in it I decided E was too big.
As regards E, the current one is being replaced next year which means there are deals.
Add in the current recession and you will see some very good offers at dealers for 58 reg cars. Usually fully loaded with extras.
I guess most on here would recommend the 320 diesel as this engine is well regarded.

 

[jberks]

E320cdi is a great car as are all the E's but as you say, do you want something that big? I must admit I feel conspicuous sometimes in mine (how do S drivers feel!) but equally I'm glad of teh extra space ferrying around friends or a car full of teenagers so mine suits.
The ride in the E is better too, as is the interior due to the bigger wheelbase and the general step up that the E gives you.
But yes they're harder to park adn you are lugging around extra weight most of the time.
How about a decently loaded C320cdi?

 

[television]

I cant really take part in this, as my 2 ton 5lt 2 seater is not in the equation. from the post here I would get as late a model as you can in the C class range, even the C200cdi is a great car in all respects

 

[Alex M Grieve]

E320cdi is a great car as are all the E's but as you say, do you want something that big? I must admit I feel conspicuous sometimes in mine (how do S drivers feel!)

A good point. I once had the use of a senior managers B*W 7 series. For the first few miles it felt like driving a barge. Then it seemed to "shrink to fit". The same is true of the S Class (W220). On changing from the E Class (W211), I though tI had gone back a generation (dashboard display) and was once again driving a barge.

But within a few miles it seemed to shrink to fit too. Both the S and the 7 series are quick cars so, given that you have the shrink to fit experience (Alice in Wonderland) they are very driveable and quite brisk.

The downside is parking - but I always park at the far end of the Tesco precinct and walk the rest - so that's OK.

On the plus side, taxi drivers, motor cyclists and most (RHD) trucks afford you a deference you just don't get elsewhere for the money.

S Classes are cheap at present. The diesels are quite thrifty. Big is beautiful!!

 

[Jensen]

Interesting........I would go for the E class, as a C class owner this is the one I want. I love the W211 especially in brilliant silver.
On speaking to a merc engineer, who was doing some work on the side at my indie, he said he would go for the S class - more car for your money. Yes, but these are also more expensive for repairs - not that it would cost him.

 

[cmax200]

Thanks for the help, but still unsure, I have to park fairly frequently in London in parking bays and I they are difficult to get into with anything bigger than a C class. Even then it can be a problem. They are so small that I came back the other week and someone had hit the rear bumber and broke the fixing bracket. So I think I may still go for a loaded C Class.

 

[RoyDavis]

Ive got a C320 elegance and i love it!! its spacious enough in the front for me at 6'4", the ride is very smooth when cruising around and when you stick your boot down it goes pretty damn well! Mine is a petrol so cant say what the diesel ones are like but i imagine theres not much in it. Mines loaded with most the gadgets including parking sensors which make it easy to park and i find it just the right size really, it may be a bit cramped in the back for passengers sitting behind me but then who cares! I dont have to sit back there!

 

[100%Bitch]

I would go for the E class too, even though it's a "pipe & slippers" car. It's much more comfortable, only 12 inches longer than the C class and what's 12 inches between friends?

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I would go for the E class too, even though it's a "pipe & slippers" car. It's much more comfortable, only 12 inches longer than the C class and what's 12 inches between friends?

I guess it's either a foot apart , or a "part" of one foot?

 

[roofless]

best get a good long test drive in both see what suits you sir-

 

[Splatt]

The C class may be 300mm shorter but from the drivers seat the feel is little different from the big jobbie. I think the late 203 production run (56 plate) was as good as it gets the bodywork of that model is very sweet and with the improved quality, reliability and I suspect some had mechanical update units pre introduced for the 204 model, the cars have great comfort and economy. I like the 180 Avantgarde sport edition. I have had mine 2 years and feel no inclination to change it for a long while.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

The C class may be 300mm shorter but from the drivers seat the feel is little different from the big jobbie. I think the late 203 production run (56 plate) was as good as it gets the bodywork of that model is very sweet and with the improved quality, reliability and I suspect some had mechanical update units pre introduced for the 204 model, the cars have great comfort and economy. I like the 180 Avantgarde sport edition. I have had mine 2 years and feel no inclination to change it for a long while.

Totally agree with Splatt. Ours is just as he describes, is 18 months old and has had zero faults. Paintwork is a generation better than our previous 2000 W202. A number of subtle improvements, so gears, climate control and lights are all automatic. Diesel has excellent performance, which has also evolved since the first CDI 202, which itself gave good performance.

There is a good supply of these cars. Prices should be competitve, but then so are everyone else's at present.

 

[Quick Silver]

A good point. I once had the use of a senior managers B*W 7 series. For the first few miles it felt like driving a barge. Then it seemed to "shrink to fit". The same is true of the S Class (W220). On changing from the E Class (W211), I though tI had gone back a generation (dashboard display) and was once again driving a barge.

But within a few miles it seemed to shrink to fit too. Both the S and the 7 series are quick cars so, given that you have the shrink to fit experience (Alice in Wonderland) they are very driveable and quite brisk.

The downside is parking - but I always park at the far end of the Tesco precinct and walk the rest - so that's OK.

On the plus side, taxi drivers, motor cyclists and most (RHD) trucks afford you a deference you just don't get elsewhere for the money.

S Classes are cheap at present. The diesels are quite thrifty. Big is beautiful!!

Bashing the poor old cab driver again ! Our cabs are getting bigger so watch out .

 

[Dosco]

The downside is parking - but I always park at the far end of the Tesco precinct and walk the rest - so that's OK.

On the plus side, taxi drivers, motor cyclists and most (RHD) trucks afford you a deference you just don't get elsewhere for the money.

S Classes are cheap at present. The diesels are quite thrifty. Big is beautiful!!

BIG is beautiful

I'll have you know young sir that Taxi drivers give deference to no one other than themselves. Now in the case of that superior class of Private Hire driver, of which I am a part time member and who drive the 'Big Is Beautiful' beasties (no smoking pipes or slippers allowed) deserve all the deference they get. Indeed the traffic should part as did the Red Sea as one swiftly, safely and silently surge along in grand style leaving the masses to gaze in wonderment with skirts a swaying at the site of quality on the move.

 

[pfc]

I find that all new cars seem to have shrunk internally, and it isn't because I'm putting on weight either. When replacing my W124 E class estate I thought of trading down to a C estate but found the drivers compartment just too tight especially when wearing winter gear.

So it had to be another E estate. Not as good as the old one for space even though it is a few inches longer.

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I find that all new cars seem to have shrunk internally, and it isn't because I'm putting on weight either. When replacing my W124 E class estate I thought of trading down to a C estate but found the drivers compartment just too tight especially when wearing winter gear.

So it had to be another E estate. Not as good as the old one for space even though it is a few inches longer.

Very sensible. There was a thread recently in which people complained about the seating position in the C and CLK. They then revealed that they were up to 6'5" tall and 24 stones in weight!

I recently tried sitting in a SAAB 96 (circa 1972). Super car - loved it then - but I wouldn't fit any more!

We can't always blame the car.

 

[pfc]

They then revealed that they were up to 6'5" tall and 24 stones in weight!

Not in my case. Just under 6' and 12 stone. No, the problem is all the padding and restraints with which you are surrounded in modern cars. I can understand the need for it if you are a F1 driver but not for us ordinary mortals.

 

[television]

Not in my case. Just under 6' and 12 stone. No, the problem is all the padding and restraints with which you are surrounded in modern cars. I can understand the need for it if you are a F1 driver but not for us ordinary mortals.

I found the same thing when the new V70 came out in 2000, my 1998 is roomy in the cab and very functional without have the dash ending up in the rear