3.0D estates, Merc C350 v BMW 335D v A4 Quattro, opinions

[Mikey G]

In the market for one of the above, so far I have narrowed it down to these but the AMG spec Merc C class C350 (265bhp) seems to be my favorite (and the mrs...) I'm looking at the Auto versions of all these cars.
I have set my budget up to £14k max which is difficult to stick to in this class, plenty of the slightly lesser versions of each like the non AMG merc (231bhp) and the 330D well within budget.
I'm a big fan of the Audi currently owning an S3 but looking at the A4 Avant's and they just seem bland in comparison, I have hated BMW all my driving life but the 335D appeals to me and is quite a looker for an estate.
Any positives and negatives of any of them from the real world of PH?

[Deerfoot]

I recently bought a Volvo V60 D5 as I found the usual German suspects just a bit meh.

I really like it, one might be worth a look...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

[davidkellighan]

This is exactly what I'm after. What kind of year/mileage are you looking at for that budget?

[Mikey G]

Deerfoot said:

I recently bought a Volvo V60 D5 as I found the usual German suspects just a bit meh.

I really like it, one might be worth a look...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Looking at either RWD or 4WD of all vehicles, I have considered a volvo and saw a nice V60 within budget but didnt seem to have the performance or efficiency of the german diesels.

[Mikey G]

davidkellighan said:

This is exactly what I'm after. What kind of year/mileage are you looking at for that budget?

2010 on with less than 100k preferably but will allow mileage to creep up if condition and spec is right.
I'm expecting to put best part of 40-50k on it in the time I will own it.

[Deerfoot]

Mikey G said:

Looking at either RWD or 4WD of all vehicles

They are available with AWD...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

But I get your point regarding efficiency etc.

I tried one just to see what they`re like and I really took to it. They ride nicely, the seats are great and it was loaded with kit as standard (DAB, Nav, zenons, sunroof, heated leather etc etc).

[Mikey G]

Yes seen that one, there was a white one near me with those wheels and it looked great, but I have to satisfy my need to find something that can accelerate almost as quickly as my S3 when needed, also Mrs not too keen on Volvo's and would prefer me to buy another Audi

[angels95]

The BMW is the obvious choice and the best car on paper, but if it were me I'd get a C350CDI with the later 265PS engine that they did with the face lift.

Fairly rare but they go like st of a shovel and look great. Nice interior being the face lift and lovely gearbox as well.

The Merc would definitely be my choice.

[Mikey G]

Anybody had dealings with this company before? http://www.v12sportsandclassics.co.uk/
A car has just appeared on Autotrader under them and I sent an email, next thing I know a salesman was calling me pressuring me into a deposit, I made my excuses and said I would be in touch if car available to view next week if I was still looking.
Seemed dodgy or pressure sales to me.

[spookly]

I'd go with the Merc personally.
I've had cars from each marque, and the one I've liked most was a Merc. Admittedly an E-class, but it isn't so different other than being the size of a boat.

[Mikey G]

I am pretty much settled on the Merc, just finding one in my price is the thing, I either have to go over budget or compromise on spec or mileage.