C350 or C350D Estate?

[Bumble SV]

Hi

I'm thinking its about time to replace the family wagon (an A4 Avant).

I'm tempted by a new(ish) C Class Estate. Of course the C63 would be nice but I haven't got the budget. So how do the C350 petrol and the C350 diesel shape up?

[My alternatives being another A4 (either 3.0 diesel or S4), or a 535d/530d. FYI - the driving experience is very high up on my list of important factors.]

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[gizlaroc]

The Mercedes will trounce your A4 for driving experience, I have had various Avants, including 2.5tdi A4, 3.2fsi A6, and the V8 S4, and the Merc beats the lot hands down, also consider the 3 series touring but only if buyig used, new one out next year. The 330i is my personal favourite, or if you want a more relaxing effortless drive but slightly less fun the 335i. I had a 535d sport touring and although an engineering masterpiece it was all a bit 'everyday' and a little boring, don't get me wrong not Audi boring but compared with a nice 530i it was a bit press the throttle and go.

I hated my V8 S4, really hated it, when you get faster in an Audi it starts to show its faults more and more, however the new 3.0T S4 is a peach, really, really like it, but again a little dull compared to a nice NA engine, but mate it with the DSG 'box and it is a nice quick family car that is easy to drive, and surprisingly well poised for an Audi.


One thing worth mentioning is the C Class is now face lifted, much much nicer interior on the cars now being built.

I would also consider an E Class, there is hardly anything in it between a C and E price wise, as you get a lot more standard on the E.

We currently have a late W211 E320cdi avantgarde estate and a BMW F11 520d touring.
Both great cars, and I am a BMW man, but if ordering tomorrow I would probably go for a Mercedes E350cdi Avantgarde or Sport, I think it has been my favourite all round car, I am at 90k miles now and really should change it, but no real urgency to do so.

Take a few out and try.

[Bumble SV]

Many thanks for the reply - that is a really useful insight.

[Toffer]

A late plate Mondeo Estate is an astonishingly competent car...only buy used though. The Titanium X versions are nicely specced and some are really pretty quick too!