5k estate: any major problems with Mercedes C Class?

[here_we_go]

Looking for an estate at around £5k, preferably automatic.

There's a C180 not far from me, looks reasonably tidy in the photos. Anything to be wary of on these? I've heard about rusty sub frames and brake lines; going from the MOT history this one has had them done before now.

Alternatively, any other models to look out for? Needs to be petrol, doesn't need to be fast.

[nobrakes]

Nearby is great, but travelling for the right car might be worth it.

[here_we_go]

nobrakes said:

Nearby is great, but travelling for the right car might be worth it.

Thanks.

I don't mind traveling - this one's in the same county rather than just around the corner - but I can't be going around the whole country to look at £5k cars, especially as my old car is off the road.

If anyone's got any perspectives on this period of C class, or any other suggestions for a £5k estate, would.be much appreciated. I can look at things in Yorkshire or the NW.

[cliffords]

I have been doing a similar look recently at that price.
It's actually a price just out of terrible but not into great I decided, however a budget is a budget .

On the Merc they can fail on rusty rear subframe , lower control arm on front suspension, a bigger job than it should be . The petrols suffered rear seal oil leaks, albeit I don't know if they did in auto. I generally think they are a strong car . Like all used cars regularly servicing is important and some history I have seen is just made up writing in service books . Some is real and genuine of course.

At that price . Very good Mondeo, or other Ford estate. Skoda Octavia.

[here_we_go]

cliffords said:

At that price . Very good Mondeo, or other Ford estate. Skoda Octavia.

Thanks- are there any auto boxes to avoid in the Fords? I've got the impression some are problematic.

Could consider a manual but my left knee struggles a bit.

[cliffords]

here_we_go said:

cliffords said:

At that price . Very good Mondeo, or other Ford estate. Skoda Octavia.

Thanks- are there any auto boxes to avoid in the Fords? I've got the impression some are problematic.

Could consider a manual but my left knee struggles a bit.

Yes on Ford avoid Power Shift. Albeit at that price point , I think you may be before them.

[nobrakes]

You need this mate

Avensis 2012 Full Toyota history 74k miles 1.8 petrol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503250...

[here_we_go]

nobrakes said:

You need this mate

Avensis 2012 Full Toyota history 74k miles 1.8 petrol

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503250...

thanks, I'll keep an eye out for these

[blue_haddock]

My £5k for an estate car went on a 2015 Superb 2.0 TDI DSG.

10k into it with no issues and just driving like it should.

You wont find a bigger estate for the money.

[Panamax]

Post-2014 C-class (W205) is absolutely fine. Good value IMO. If you want a comfortable ride avoid the Sport models.

Subframe issues were older Mercs.

The panoramic sunroofs in all modern Mercs are susceptible to,
blocked front roof drains, and
clearcoat separation on the roof panel between the top of the windscreen and the sunroof.

[Skodillac]

If you can find one of these in your locality...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503290...

[DaveyBoyWonder]

I've got a C180 C Class (assume its the 2007>2014 shape?) estate. Its good in that its just a normal, well bolted together car. Drives nicely, enough shove when you want it, boot is a decent size, looks good I think, fully loaded spec wise vs other cars of the era etc. I have zero emotional attachment to it like I've always seemed to have with every other car I've owned - no idea why. I guess its like buying white goods but buying Bosch or Miele instead of Beko

Bad points? The (eco?) "leather" on mine (and all others by the sounds of it) starts to fall apart - got a tear/delamination thing going on on my drivers seat and its only got 60k miles on it. Thats literally the only bad thing about it though.

[here_we_go]

Thanks everyone

[ZX10R NIN]

E350cgi:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503190...

530i:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503119...

Accord:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503290...

A4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503310...