Which C Class to buy

[mister_cee333]

Hi,

I'm thinking of buying a merc car again and i'd welcome input on the following questions/points please.

It's pretty much my girlfriend's car thru the week so the C class wins purely for size. I'd like an auto, and i like a bit of punch although i don't like heavy fuel bills. I don't mind doing light servicing and maintainance but i hate cars that have something niggly wrong with them every other few weeks. Therefore...

Is a C180 or 200 ok both on fuel economy and power or should i got for a turbo diesel or cdi, and are they as badly built as some say?

It would be nice to only spend £3000-4000 (or even less if, for example, the 1995 ones are better built or something) but if the 2001 onwards shape is better built etc then i might consider a high mileage one for a bit more money.

Any input would be welcome.

 

[Blobcat]

C250TD can be nice, old engine but very good. Newer a C220CDI should give decent economy and not underpowered in the C

 

[television]

This may be of use

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class

Malcolm

 

[hexflyer]

C250TD is a good bet, power and economy, one can be picked up in your price range, but get an elegance the extra kit is worth it

 

[mister_cee333]

How is the 250 turbodiesel from the turbo lag point of view ?

 

[mstar]

well it can be bad, uphill and u got to "work" it a little but essentially i expected better fuel economy however i was comparing a modeo tdci so not realistic.

Good car MAYBE could do with more low-end power as it can take its time to accelerate, but when it goes it goessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

 

[hexflyer]

How is the 250 turbodiesel from the turbo lag point of view ?

there is some lag as its an old gen engine with a big turbo bolted on you get used to it, but with an auto you just use a heavy boot kick it down and off it goes like a scalded cat

on the motorways its superb for overtaking plenty of grunt

average 35-39mpg 40-42 with a light foot

 

[mister_cee333]

How about the 220cdi that was fitted to the (old) c class during its last few years, i presume the tiptronic and common rail was worth waiting for ?

 

[Blobcat]

As per my post above, decent economy and not underpowered. Quieter than the 250 as well though you will still know its a diesel