Sub £20k workhorse - ML350, E350 or C350?
Discussion
For reasons too dull to explain, I am in the market for a £15k - £18k workhorse. Needs to carry long stuff and be comfortable for occasional long journeys around the UK’s pothole ridden motorway network.
Research has found that at that price range, most of the above are very similar prices for a 50,000 - 60,000 mile 2013/14 car whichever model you go for (I’d be looking at the estates).
So, the question is, of the ML350, E350 Estate or C350 Estate, which would you shag/marry/avoid and are there any specific advantages/points to note for any of them? (I do realise they are different sizes, but they’ll all do the job).
Any thoughts, advice or abuse gratefully received.
Ta.
Research has found that at that price range, most of the above are very similar prices for a 50,000 - 60,000 mile 2013/14 car whichever model you go for (I’d be looking at the estates).
So, the question is, of the ML350, E350 Estate or C350 Estate, which would you shag/marry/avoid and are there any specific advantages/points to note for any of them? (I do realise they are different sizes, but they’ll all do the job).
Any thoughts, advice or abuse gratefully received.
Ta.
When i bought my first e class estate i was going to get a C class estate after coming from an A4 Avant. The e class was so much better in every way than the c class. I bought a 16 plate so the 212 model. Now have a S213.
Can't comment on the ML apart from the fact that is will be very juicy in comparison.
Can't comment on the ML apart from the fact that is will be very juicy in comparison.
Snog - C Class
Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
Deano_BMW said:
Snog - C Class
Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
Agree with this and I have a C class. Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
I have had an ML and a C class. Both competent, the C class does what it says on the tin without fuss but is a bit mundane. The ML was a lovely old thing, leaned into corners but otherwise supremely comfortable and maybe I was lucky but cost me very little in 5 years outside standard services.
Having a series of E, ML, GLE and C Class’s, the E class has been the best of them all. ML used a tow/ horse car, does the job and has plenty of space but handles like QE2, C Class much smaller and less relaxing place than E Class for long trip, but lots of gadgets and quite sporty ride. GLE was AMG version, hilarious until you had to refuel with super unleaded and the air suspension in anything but Sport or higher did not inspire confidence. The E Class’s had plenty of space, good fuel economy and excellent refinement on long journey’s.
Deano_BMW said:
Snog - C Class
Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
I've had one C Class estate and two E Class estates and the E's are much better in terms of the quality of their interiors and their refinement. Really really practical load luggers. Self levelling standard.Marry - E Class
Avoid - ML
imo, the e-class is the best balance of all 3. there are plenty to chose from. It really is a superb workhorse and more room than you'll ever realistically need .the C class will probably be a little more engaging to drive but is much smaller inside and really does feel a step down quality wise (as well it should). The ML i don't really know enough about to be honest but i'm not an SUV fan and cant see any benefits over the E class for what you want it for.
I once had a gen1 ML as a loaner. Horrible interior, heavy lumbering thing. Admittedly it was an early one but I really didn't get on with it. I drove it home, locked it and drove it back a week later.
otolith said:
My E350 diesel is a nice car, but has been a money pit.
I've run a 2010 for 70k over the last 3 years (admittedly 80% of those miles were in the first year) and whilst i wouldn't quite go as far as a money pit it has needed more TLC than any other car i have ever owned. Seems like the engines are decent but the bits around it not so. You've a higher spec one than me
So far i've replaced the AC condenser (£300), rear suspension levelling sensor (£250), DPF pressure sensor (£375 incl an oil change to keep an eye on levels and for fuel contamination)................so nothing major but every year it needs something over and above general servicing and maintenance. There's a couple of other things too that have slipped my mind.
So far i've replaced the AC condenser (£300), rear suspension levelling sensor (£250), DPF pressure sensor (£375 incl an oil change to keep an eye on levels and for fuel contamination)................so nothing major but every year it needs something over and above general servicing and maintenance. There's a couple of other things too that have slipped my mind.
I'm looking to replace it soon, and I gave serious consideration to the C class estate plug in hybrid - but it's such a complex car with a lot to go wrong and I've lost faith in the brand.
It's a shame to get rid now I've fixed so much of it, but it's not ULEZ compliant so if the zone is widened as planned I will have a problem.
It's a shame to get rid now I've fixed so much of it, but it's not ULEZ compliant so if the zone is widened as planned I will have a problem.
The ULEZ bit is a pain - i live outside Edinburgh so in there a lot and that will cost from 2024. Although not there regularly my office is beside Manchester Piccadilly station so that is going to cost me too so i will likely get rid of it next year.
I love the car to bits as it is great for what i need it for but the flakiness of the bits around the engine and ULEZ will see it go.
I love the car to bits as it is great for what i need it for but the flakiness of the bits around the engine and ULEZ will see it go.
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