trading up

[telletubby]

Been driving 124s (320 cabrio and E300 Estate) ever since upgrading from a 123. But the missus said we don't need such a big estate and she liked the look of the current C class estate. Borrowed a s/h C270 avantgarde estate out on a test drive. Loved the power, the economy but couldn't believe the rubbish finish ( orange peel black) and more importantly the ride. Dealer says I'm so old I should look out for an Elegance and this will convince me instead of sporty young persons a/g. is he right - or should we stick rather than twist?

 

[robparker]

did the dealer really tell you your too old??!!

i have mainly had w124's but have had a 201 a 123 and a 140. i recetly drove a brand new c180 kompressor and i have to say the engine, and gearbox were fantastic, i liked the way the car drove, but i thought the steering wheel, trim panels and leather all felt very cheap and light weight in comparison to my cars. though to be fair the c-class is a cheaper car than the w124s and w140s were when they were new...

 

[jberks]

He's right. The AG is a stiff ride. If you want the traditional Merc ride you need an elegance. It still won't be as supple as your E's though. Due to the shorter wheelbase.

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Well we had an Elegance and thought it was a great car

I think it's the most comfortable car I've ever been in and I didn't think the leather looked cheap or that the finish on it was anything but lovely

 

[Neil Plumridge]

I have seen complaints elsewhere about the Elegance having "rolly" suspension. I have a C240 AG and yes the ride is a little firm. The sales guy was probably right. The AG has the "sporty" suspension so the ridge will always be a little firm. It also has lower profile, wide tyres which will also make for a firmer ride.

I must say I noticed no orange peel paint. The paint is horribly thin but certainly looks ok, as do the blacks around the windows. Inside most of the finish is pretty decent quality. The centre console is a bit flimsy and I don't like the fact that you can see the electric seat wires through the gap in the side of the seat but to be honest I don't think you'd be disapointed. It certainly wouldn't say any of it feels "cheap". Go for an 04+ if you can because it has the newer headlights and dash which look a little better.

Service charges are horrible though !

 

[davebox]

Hmm! I can see where your at with the O/P paint. Some cars have it and some do not. Look for one that your happy with. My C220 is blue and does not show any sign of poor paint (even though the rear quarter was painted at my request when I bought it. Some mindless fool had opened there door against it leaving a dented arch). The newer shape IMO does look good. The old shape does have a classic look about it though and I'd have nothing against owning one for that reason. Service costs do seem high compared to most dealers and I'm looking at an Indi for my next service (4400 miles away) if I feel the price does not reflect the quality. Most Indies have a loyal following and I'm thinking along those lines. Would I change a car that I know I'm happy with? I really could not say, you have to live with the choice at the end. Hope that you find what your looking for.
DB