What should I replace my Mercedes E-Class with?

I have a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 200 Elegance Kompressor auto petrol and want to change for something more economical and with much lower tax. Was thinking of a BMW 320d auto or Audi A4 auto diesel. Would I get 2012 in either for €20,000 with my own? I really like the Citroen C4 Picasso diesel auto too but am worried about resale value. Any advice?

Thanks a lot.

Ann Joyce (Galway)

May 2014 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Ann,

Yeah, you might just scrape into a 2012 model in either car but to be fair, though rolling back to a 2011 or even a 2010 (assuming that condition and history are OK) isn't really going to be any hardship. As for the C4 Picasso, well it's a very, very different type of car altogether - a big, spacious family MPV rather than a low-slung sports saloon. They're nice and comfy, but won't be as well built as either of the German cars.

If it were our choice to make, we'd go with the Audi - comfy, decent to drive and reliable.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe