W124 estate instead of a Zafira

quenching

I've posed a similar question in the Motors section for general opinions but I might get some more experienced advice here! Mods feel free to relocate if you feel its appropriate, but often the Classic Cars readers don't venture to the other side! A W124 isn't quiet a classic yet but readers here will probably have more experience of them than most.

So, is it practical and financially sensible to use a Mercedes W124 estate such as this as an alternative to a modern people carrier such as an Opel Zafira. The third row of seats would be for occasional use by small children only. I'm thinking of an E220 in particular.

mountain

have a look here,

http://www.w124.co.uk

quenching

mountain wrote: »

have a look here,

http://www.w124.co.uk

Thanks mountain, I've already been speaking to the owner and have my eye on an E220 he's selling!!

merc3ps

Hi,

I have an E220 W124 estate which I specifically chose over a 7 seater. I just cannot justify the inflated prices that 7 seaters command... plus I like mercs and older cars in general.

The E220 is obviously a 4cyl and is desirable in Ireland for it's (relatively) low tax (€820). If you can put up with it being a bit harsh and buzzy then it's perfectly fine with 150BHP.

They are a fine comfortable car but you have to realise that the newest one is now 15 years old, so you had better pick up one that has had work done to it or you could land yourself with big bills.

The head gaskets go approx every 100k on the 220's.
You have to check the front balljoints.
There will most likely be rust in the usual spots (front arches, sills area, boot windows)
Check for degredation of the insulation/wiring in the engine bay.... at the front.

I am getting about 28mpg in mixed driving.

You DO NOT need to spend 6k+GBP to get a good one, as outlined above at w124.co.uk.
You can pick up decent ones privately, but there is demand for these cars and dealers tend to snap up decent ones and then sell on for an immediate profit.

I managed to pick up a very nice model with sunroof, aircon, leather and 7 seats! Obligatory photos

Dades

quenching wrote: »

So, is it practical and financially sensible to use a Mercedes W124 estate such as this

Great reg plate on that one!

quenching

merc3ps wrote: »

Hi,

I have an E220 W124 estate which I specifically chose over a 7 seater. I just cannot justify the inflated prices that 7 seaters command... plus I like mercs and older cars in general.

The E220 is obviously a 4cyl and is desirable in Ireland for it's (relatively) low tax (€820). If you can put up with it being a bit harsh and buzzy then it's perfectly fine with 150BHP.

They are a fine comfortable car but you have to realise that the newest one is now 15 years old, so you had better pick up one that has had work done to it or you could land yourself with big bills.

The head gaskets go approx every 100k on the 220's.
You have to check the front balljoints.
There will most likely be rust in the usual spots (front arches, sills area, boot windows)
Check for degredation of the insulation/wiring in the engine bay.... at the front.

I am getting about 28mpg in mixed driving.

You DO NOT need to spend 6k+GBP to get a good one, as outlined above at w124.co.uk.
You can pick up decent ones privately, but there is demand for these cars and dealers tend to snap up decent ones and then sell on for an immediate profit.

I managed to pick up a very nice model with sunroof, aircon, leather and 7 seats! Obligatory photos

Lovely looking car you have there merc3ps, exactly what I'm looking for. Did you get it in the UK or here? What did it cost you if you don't mind me asking? PM me if you don't want to broadcast it to the world!

Don't suppose you thinking of selling it anytime soon?

merc3ps

I actually got it from w124.co.uk... but it was a trade in he had accepted and it was not going through the normal sales channel. It needed to be fettled with a bit and he felt it would cost him too much to get it up to the standard of his other cars.

It cost me about 3750 including all transport from the UK and VRT. I did have a bit of bad luck and had to replace the differential in it but it didn't cost me that much.

I'm sure the rest of his cars are in very good condition, but don't be fooled by the way these cars are sold. They are not worth the kind of money that is asked for in some quarters.

I am into my mercs, have owned quite a few, and I bought this nice one at a premium for my wife to use.... I wouldn't even dream of paying 5kGBP+ for one.