Thinking of changing

[Dunkeld1962]

Looking for some advice folks, currently running a C320 V6 petrol and I am returning around 30mpg. Looks like I will do around 30000 miles this year and I am thinking of changing to a diesel.This would preferably be a C Class as the E class is a bit big for a family of three. Any thoughts?

 

[yellowspringuk]

I would go for the C270 CDI estate, 1, because of your family size. 2, you are are use to having the V6 which is a powerfull engine. diesel might not be as quick but they are a good work horse and good on fuel

 

[RGubbioli]

I don't see why the E class should be too big for a family of three?

In my opinion the small estates like the C class, 3 series and A4 are purely lifestyle cars, most well suited to a couple with max 1 child. Try fitting 5 people and their luggage in one of those, way too cramped!

I'd go for the E, unless the extra cost of the E puts you off.

 

[Dunkeld1962]

Thanks guys, what kind of mpg could I expect? There seems to be plenty E220's around but they must be severely underpowered for the size of car.
I really need something with a bit og punch for overtaking.

 

[SJMaxson]

C270

If you're still thinking C270, my car (saloon, not estate) has plenty of "oomph", good acceleration, and is averaging out at 45mpg or so.

 

[R2e]

If you're still thinking C270, my car (saloon, not estate) has plenty of "oomph", good acceleration, and is averaging out at 45mpg or so.

I'm having the same experience with a C270 - great car (so far! I've only had it three months). I loved the E240 which it replaced, but it performs better, gets great fuel consumption and is a damn sight easier to park, the E240 overhangs your average multi storey car space so you worry a lot more about damage. I'm delighted too to have gone from 18" AMGs to 16" and tyres which are half the price, thus making my annual running costs much lower! My mate went from a C270 to an E320CDI (both with all the toys) and prefers the E. It's down to personal choice I guess like everything else

 

[jberks]

whether you have a C or an E is down to personal choice. I do feel a bit daft carrying around all that space but on the other hand it's nice and roomy with 5 of us and the extra wheelbase gives a nicer ride.
As far as engine goes ....
The E220cdi is surprising. I tested one with the same expectation. I had an E240 which was no rocket and figured with 2 cylinders less, 200cc less and diesel it would be hopeless. Suffice to say, it isn't! It is certainly as quick as the 240 (probably quicker) and with the torque, more usable on a motorway.
I ended up with a 270 for that little extra oomph but the 220 would have been just fine.
As far as the diesel decision goes, on 30kpa, swapping from the E240 to the E270 saved me around £25 per week, which isn't to be sneezed at, but, I had to spend £20,000 to achieve it. I could probably have bought an equivalent petrol model for 3-4k less and whilst the 270 will depreciate slower than a petrol, I suspect the overall financial difference is minimal. Factor in that the 270 is not what you'd call V6 refined and I'm not convinced that I made the right decision, though I do love that kick in the back you get from a cdi.

I don't know what your budget is, but if you can stretch to it, the C320cdi is allegedly great. I've driven the E V6cdi and that's a revelation. In a C class shell, you've got better performance than your petrol, vastly greater economy and similar refinement. Impossible to beat really.

 

[whitenemesis]

C270 CDI,
50+mpg on motorways, great torque, great handling (Avantgarde+Sport pack)

Tire noise and engine not the most refined under acceleration, ride a bit tiring on long journeys

Overall

 

[Dunkeld1962]

Thanks for all the advice, hate to be a traitor but I think if I change a Lexus IS220SE will be on the cards

 

[gary350]

Thanks for all the advice, hate to be a traitor but I think if I change a Lexus IS220SE will be on the cards

Some of the reports on the Lexus are not to kind, most say not a match for the BMW and MB, drive them all then decide.

gary