Mercedes-Benz CLA or C-Class?
Would you go for 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 1.5 diesel or C-Class 1.6 petrol 156hp? Average mileage per year.
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Sep 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
If you're not doing mega-miles, then I'd say go for the C-Class. Assuming all being equal, it's a much nicer car than the CLA, which, although gorgeous, is a bit on the cramped side and not all that brilliant to drive. The C-Class is really smooth and comfy though, and much, much roomier inside.
Why are there no diesel hybrids?
Why are there no diesel hybrids?
Martin Moroney (Dublin)Sep 2015 Filed under: hybrid
Expert answer
Hi Martin,
There are a few, actually. Volvo sells the V60 D5 Twin Engine here in Ireland, which is a plug-in diesel-electric hybrid, while Citroen sells the DS 5 Airdream Hybrid4 200. Peugeot used to sell the 3008 HYbrid4 too, but it doesn't appear to be on the price list now, while Mercedes-Benz has had diesel-electric hybrid tech for a few years.
In fairness, we don't expect them to get any more plentiful or popular. Hybrid technology is expensive to produce and diesel technology is more expensive than petrol, so putting two expensive sets of components together inevitably means a high purchase price, even if the emissions are low and the VRT is kept in check.
How much is my 2010 Mercedes E-Class worth?
Hi,
Can you please tell how much my 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 250 CDI auto with 210,000km would be worth?
Thanks
Dave OFLAHERTY (Cork)Aug 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Dave,
I'd say in the region of €23,000 - the high mileage wipes a bit off the top of that value.
What do you think of this Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
Hi.
I want to buy a 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Elegance automatic 2.7 CDI. First of all is it a good car? The lift pump is broken in the car I am looking at so when it gets to half tank it cuts off and it also have a malfunction of the light sensor. It has 173,000km on the clock.
Simon Hlati (Capetown)Jul 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Simon,
If say it's best avoided. Mercedes E-Classes from that generation were notoriously troublesome and if this one is already giving bother then it's probably not going to stop even if you get those items fixed. Find one that's been cared for, with a proper service history, and you might be OK.
My wife and I are in the market for a new car...
My wife and I are in our mid seventies and are in the market for a new car. We have been driving Saabs for 30 years and are now considering a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz, a Jaguar or a Lexus. I have been looking at 5 Series/E-Class category cars, mainly because I am for the first time in my life able to afford such a car. But I am totally confused by the jargon and the names the different manufacturers give to their options or packages. Please tell me what to buy. The most important feature for us is safety, including things that will stop us doing stupid things behind the wheel. Also good satnav and park assist/camera features.
And should I be looking at cheaper models? Do we really need E-Class or 3 Series to travel in comfort or should we drop down a category? Just tell me what to buy!
Thanks very much.
Peter, Dublin 6
Peter Kelly (Dublin)Jun 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Peter,
To be honest, if it's just the two of you, then you don't really need to trade up to an E-Class or 5 Series sized car - a 3 Series would do you just as nicely. That said, there is definitely a slight comfort benefit from going for the bigger model, so I can understand why you might want to.
I'm going to suggest something a little left-field for you but I think it might just work - have a look at a Lexus GS 300h. It's perhaps not as obviously economical as a BMW 520d or Mercedes E 200 CDI, but it's enormously refined and comfortable, and endlessly reliable and solidly built. It's also really nice to drive and I think the quirky elements of the styling and engineering might appeal to a former Saab driver. Have a test drive and let me know what you think.
Relevant reviews:
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake or Nissan X-Trail?
Trying to decide between new Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake and new Nissan X-Trail diesel. What would you go for? Or are there any new cars coming next Jan that could compete? Budget max €38,000.
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)May 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
Wow, you really couldn't get two more different cars. The CLA Shooting Brake is a really nice car, probably the best of the A-Class spin offs and very nice to drive. But it's not especially practical, so if that's what you're looking for then it's not the right car.
The current X-Trail is a very good car, with lots of space. It's well made and nice to drive, but if you're shopping in and around the €38k mark have a really good look at a Kia Sorento or Honda CR-V - those are the two joint best mid-size SUVs around at the moment for my money.
Worth looking at a spacious estate too. Mazda's just-updated 6 is utterly lovely and well-specced and the Mondeo Estate and Passat Estate are both well worth a look too.
Relevant reviews:
How economical is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
How economical is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake 1.6 petrol Urban model?
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
The manual version of the CLA 180 Urban returns 51mpg (5.5 litres/100km) on the combined cycle. Our data seems to suggest that the DCT automatic model is the same.
In case you weren't aware, official 'combined cycle' figures are to be taken with a pinch of salt for most cars. This one would do well to top 40mpg by most drivers we reckon.
Further reading:
What is the value of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé?
What is the value of a Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI Coupé?
Mary Barrett (Ballina)May 2015 Filed under: used car values
Expert answer
Hi Mary,
It depends on the year. From around €16,000 for a 2009 model up to €50-odd-k for a year-old example.
Mercedes-Benz C 180: a good buy at €2,500 or not?
2003 Mercedes-Benz C 180: a good buy at €2,500 or not?
Niall Keogh (Dublin)Apr 2015 Filed under: reliability
Expert answer
Hi Niall,
I wouldn't unless it has an utterly perfect service history and has been cared for with the softest of kid gloves. At that point in its history, Mercedes was going through a massive engineering and reliability hiccup and at that price level you're probably buying something that's not been properly looked after at some point in its life. Avoid.
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake or Jeep Cherokee?
I'm driving an Audi A4 at present; how does the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake compare size-wise with my Audi.? I was also looking at the Jeep Cherokee - how is the resale value on both these cars?
Caroline Conroy (Limerick)Apr 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Caroline,
It's too early to tell on Jeep residual values - the brand is well known but still trying to re-establish itself properly in Ireland so it's hard to say quite how values will shake out long term. The Cherokee is nice though, if a touch pricey. Lots of space and it feels rugged.
The CLA Shooting Brake is also nice, and very pretty too, but I think you'd find it a lot less practical than the A4 - space in the back and the boot is really tight.
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