Ch-ch-changes.... or not

paulocon

Speaking as someone with a very basic knowledge of cars, I am looking for a bit of advice from some of the experts on here.

I've had an extremely ordinary motoring history, first car was a sardine-tin like Nissan Micra. About the only thing I remember about the car is that it had no wing-mirror on the passenger side which gave a trip up the M50 a great chaos factor.

Having survived those humble beginnings, I went onto a Toyota Corolla then onto a Carina, another Carina (all petrol) and have been driving a petrol 00 Avensis for 5 years or so. I've never bought new mainly because I'm a typical miser from the country and I can't understand how people can take the initial depreciation as soon as they drive the car out of the showrooms. In fairness, the Toyota's have never given me any bother and have been pretty cheap to run/maintain.

I'm now looking at changing again - not going to spend a whole lot, maybe 8 or 9k. My sensible side is saying more of the same whilst part of me is saying to try something different. Been looking around and there's load of Merc C-Classes for around the 8k mark, a random example being:
http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/C180-KOM/201127203250404/advert?channel=CARS

I do pretty low mileage, 12 miles into work and 12 miles home in the evening. I spend some evenings ferrying kids to Football, Karate, Discos and other assorted important social events and have the odd trip down the country but that's about it.

So, should I stick with what I know or try something different (any suggestions welcome)..

Mr Benevolent

I would go for an 05 or later model, they have a better rep.

ShadowHearth

Confab wrote: »

I would go for an 05 or later model, they have a better rep.

The ather way around.

I wouldn't touch anything merc pass 2000. Cl500 would be different story, I just love then too much

GavMan

ShadowHearth wrote: »

The ather way around.

I wouldn't touch anything merc pass 2000. Cl500 would be different story, I just love then too much

I'm with Confab on this.

Electrics were out sourced to china between 2001 and 2004 I think. Absolute nightmare for some folks I believe

ShadowHearth

GavMan wrote: »

I'm with Confab on this.

Electrics were out sourced to china between 2001 and 2004 I think. Absolute nightmare for some folks I believe

I don't believe it's any better past 2004 too bud, that's why I stick with old fat mercs

My old clk200 had all electric bosh. Newer had any trouble.

paulocon

Ok, so give the Mercs a miss seems to be the advice - had heard that the electrics can be a bit troublesome alright but didn't know to what extent.

Any other recommendations?

MetzgerMeister

Fair play to you for wanting to get something different! A merc is a big step up from ditch-water

If you really wanted to spice up your motoring life, would you consider an Alfa Romeo?

Ardennes1944

einheisserschre wrote: »

Fair play to you for wanting to get something different! A merc is a big step up from ditch-water

If you really wanted to spice up your motoring life, would you consider an Alfa Romeo?

or the baby 1.8 version of your mazda 6?

paulocon

Would consider anything - I'm off now to have a look at the suggestions on the auto websites!

paulocon

paulocon wrote: »

Ok, so give the Mercs a miss seems to be the advice - had heard that the electrics can be a bit troublesome alright but didn't know to what extent................

I'd get the Merc if you like it to be honest, they're not half as bad as they are made out to be. A friend has a 2004 model like the one you linked to, he only uses it once or twice a week (he has a van too, he's a carpenter/roofer), no electrical gremlins. A lady at work also has one for years and drives it like she stole it.

bazz26

I'd be looking at something like a Honda Accord, the petrol models give no trouble and they are alot of car for the money these days:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=130945268260980

paulocon

RoverJames wrote: »

I'd get the Merc if you like it to be honest, they're not half as bad as they are made out to be. A friend has a 2004 model like the one you linked to, he only uses it once or twice a week (he has a van too, he's a carpenter/roofer), no electrical gremlins. A lady at work also has one for years and drives it like she stole it.

, now you've confused me!

Must do some more research into the electronics issues!