merc or bmw estate

Don17

Hi

I'm looking to buy either a 3 series or c class estate.
such as these

http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/C-Class/CLASSIC-/201146205594916/advert?channel=CARS

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318i-***/131045888415814/advert?channel=CARS

any opinions or other suggestions?
reliability , running costs, drivability
want to get an estate for a growing family and do not want an mpv.
have about 5-6k to spend

think i would like something german or maybe a volvo v50

thanks

gb153

I take it you won't be doing much mileage as both of the cars are petrol. What about Audi A4 estate also?

If reliability is high on your agenda I would look at Subara Legacy estate. What you gain in reliability over the German brands you lose in cheap plasticy interior with Jap cars.

Don17

Thanks,

i was actually thinkin that bmw /merc would be useless in the snow (if we get any ) rear wheeldrive aren't they??

silverwood

My wife drives a 2003 C Class estate (W203) and to be honest it is a fantastic car. I have read that the build quality for Mercedes of this era has been known to be poor but the car has been faultless for us over the past 5 years.

My only reservation would be that it is quite a small car. For example, if you're planning on putting 3 people in the back on a frequent basis then you can forget it - it's way too tight! Also, it is absolutely shocking in the snow and ice, so much so that I've put a set of winter tyres on this year. We've got the 1.8 petrol and on a long journey, I can get 48/50 MPG quite comfortably.

Other than that, it's a great car. We plan on driving it as long as it lasts. I'd buy another Mercedes without a second thought.

166man

If reliability is a high priority than I would stay away from those C-Class's anyway, supposed to be a bad time for Mercedes reliability. Something like an Audi A4, Volvo or Mazda 6 estate. That is one overpriced BMW too..

veetwin

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318i-***/131045888415814/advert?channel=CARS

Is that an aftermarket TV unit in that BMW or factory fit? Seriously rare option I'd say back in 2003 for a 3 series. Still nice car but overpriced.

unkel

These cars are quite small for a growing family. Why not buy one of their bigger brothers (5-series, E-class, Volvo V70)? Won't cost you a cent more to buy, nothing more in tax or insurance (maybe even less) and only a tiny bit more in fuel costs and maintenance

And rear wheel drive cars on winter tyres are absolutely fine on snow. And if you don't want to spend big money on winter tyres, throw a few sandbags in the boot on the days there is snow...

bazz26

How about a nice Saab 9-3 estate:
http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201145205440744

Don17

mmmmmm are saabs reliable?

just saw this, looks nice

http://www.billgriffinmotors.ie/viewanad.php?ad_id=690193

mondeo

I quite fancy the c class estate for some reason.

E46 estate looks sporty, but dont like those engines with their plastic cooling components and leaky oil filter housings and crank seals.

An Audi estate of sorts would be nice.

rebel.ranter

veetwin wrote: »

http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/3-Series/318i-***/131045888415814/advert?channel=CARS

Is that an aftermarket TV unit in that BMW or factory fit? Seriously rare option I'd say back in 2003 for a 3 series. Still nice car but overpriced.

That particular unit looks like a Hualingan unit, there is also a similar Dynavin unit, the Dynavin comes in Windows CE & Androis forms specifically designed for the e46 & e39.

Websites for more info:

http://en.hualingan.com (Also do other marques)

http://www.dynavin.com/ (generally seen as better quality)

what recession?

Personally dislike both C-Class and 3-Series estates from that time, but love the E-Class and 5-Series ones! There probably wouldn't be much of a price difference and either way it not like you'd pay that much more tax and petrol wise between a 520 and a 318/320 estate.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2766415

Something like that except with big leather sport seats would be ideal!

JP 1800

what recession? wrote: »

Personally dislike both C-Class and 3-Series estates from that time, but love the E-Class and 5-Series ones! There probably wouldn't be much of a price difference and either way it not like you'd pay that much more tax and petrol wise between a 520 and a 318/320 estate.

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2766415

Something like that except with big leather sport seats would be ideal!

Your spot on with the 5 series, I'm a merc fan myself but the 5er estate with DSC and rear air suspension is a good motor

RobAMerc

rebel.ranter wrote: »

That particular unit looks like a Hualingan unit, there is also a similar Dynavin unit, the Dynavin comes in Windows CE & Androis forms specifically designed for the e46 & e39.

Websites for more info:

http://en.hualingan.com (Also do other marques)

http://www.dynavin.com/ (generally seen as better quality)

I am very tempted at about €500 - do you know are they easy to fit ?

Big Nasty

I've an awful horn at the moment for a gunmetal grey A4 Avant Quattro!