Where will I find a 2002 Mercedes E 200?
Where is the best place to find a Mercedes-Benz E 200 diesel, circa 2002?
Liam BryanJan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Liam,
That's a tricky car to track down, as, at that time, the (small capacity) petrol E 200K was the more popular model. I've not been able to find a 2002 model E 200 CDI on sale at the moment, so your best bet is to try contacting nearby Mercedes-Benz dealers and see if they'll let you know if one turns up as a trade in - or start searching the UK market.
Which new exec diesel auto saloon to go for?
What compact exec would you choose in a diesel auto as a private buyer? BMW 320d M Sport, Audi A4 S tronic, Jaguar XE Portfolio or Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Or would you go with something cheaper like a Volkswagen Passat Highline DSG 190?
Andrew Kelly (Limerick)Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Andrew,
Well, of the posh-badge brigade, my personal favourite is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class - it's supremely comfy, beautifully made and really satisfying to drive, but, to be honest, you couldn't go wrong with any of those cars, it really is down to personal taste.
Your other question is an interesting one though. If you can live without the posh badge, and aren't quite so worried about driving dynamics, then a Skoda Superb is pretty much unbeatable. Same mechanical make up as the Audi but far bigger and way better value. Try a Ford Mondeo or Mazda6 if you want something with a keen chassis or a Toyota Avensis if you never, ever want it to break.
Some relevant reviews for you:
I'd like a new Mercedes GLC 220 d Sport.
I am considering the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz GLC 220 d, but I note the Sport version of this car does not seem to be available from Mercedes-Benz Ireland. Is this going to remain the case or is it likely that the Sport will come on stream, as I would like to consider this car spec as it opens the door to the Off Road Option wherein I would be able to take the car into forest tracks etc, but not in any severe capacity.
Regards Seamas
Seamas McHugh (Belfast)Dec 2015 Filed under: choosing new car
Expert answer
Hi Seamas,
Good choice, we really liked the GLC at the international launch. We asked Mercedes-Benz Ireland about your query and here was the response:
"It will be available and he should go for the GLC 220 d 4Matic AMG SPORT version with the additional option of the Off-Road Pack."
Hopefully that clears it up for you.
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 (Meath)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: