nik52wrx

I might be replacing my current car as due to a change in lifestyle it's no longer required.

Cars I quite look the look of are Audi's A4 and A5 (5 door version) and a Mercedes C class.
It needs to carry a family of four, be diesel, decent looks and well kitted out with toys.
I'm not looking to buy brand new and my budget is around 25k.

I quite fancy the merc but I've never owned one so have no idea about reliability or depreciation etc.

Any suggestions other than BMW, i'm not keen on the looks of the 3 series.

Nik.

Matteeboy

C350cdi estate is a good bet.

nik52wrx

In addition, not really wanting an estate

Do you know anything about the C class, reliable or not?
My current car hasn't been the best so i'm looking for something better.

Nik.

Matteeboy

Oops, thought you said 5 dour so assumed estate!

Merc definitely had a long period of being made by members of the RNIB but seem to be returning to form.

I've only driven the older C320cdi; it was very nippy, comfy, easy to drive quickly. Newer ones look better with more tech. A mate has the c63 which is a beast but seems reliable in the two years he's had it.

Now with muppet fanboy head on; the BM diesels are probably the only cars in this class (smallish, powerful diesel) that are a properly fun steer. The Merc and Audis are quick, refined and frugal but just a bit "wooly" to drive. If that doesn't worry you, either hold strong residuals and are a nice place to be. I personally prefer RWD to AWD in a car so would favour the Benz.

RS Grant

Nik, how about a CLS?? With some AMG styling, I think they look fantastic.


Cheers,
Grant

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

Mb do seem reliable but a few report rust and the dealers are shocking for after sales.
And the c350 come in a 4 door to with Amg toys

Tidgy

i'd have a bmw over a merc or audi any day of the week. 5 series isnt that much bigger than the a4 (looks are deceptive )

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...p-auto/1010944

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifie...tomatic/967025

Graz

<<<< They do a saloon version too Okay it's a BMW but it's probably the best car I've ever had and stunningly quick for a diesel too

Shade over £21k got me a '58 with a mere 26000 on the clock, sports gear box (flappy paddles), sat nav, decent radio with iPod IF, heated leather seats, adaptive Xenon head lamps and a whole host of other goodies. Think the saloons are cheaper

nik52wrx

It was my mistake I meant the new A5 hatch.
I understand where you are coming from with regards the BM, I had an X5 loaner earlier this year and I was impressed with the engine compared to my sport, I just don't like the looks of the 3 series rear.

Nik

nik52wrx

The 5 series gran turismo is hideous

Thanks anyway

Nik

Dave Thornton

The 5 series Gran Turismo is technically a 7 series

bustaMOVEs

iTrader: (31)

If you don't need a hatch, I love these new 5 series
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classifi...ge/1?logcode=p

nik52wrx

I do like that and it's within budget
The reason for the hatch was I need to get two large suit cases in the back so figured a hatch would accommodate this better than a booted car. Maybe I'm wrong depending on the size of the 5 series boot.
Definitely worth putting on the list though.

Nik