Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Ton cruise

Ton cruise

I've recently retired and am looking to buy a new or nearly new car. Ideally an automatic with cruise control; reliable, comfortable and reasonably fast (0-60 in 10 seconds or so). As the kids have flown the nest, size isn't important. Looking to do about 10,000 miles a year including some lengthy trips (200 miles at a time). Budget is £20k max. I've been looking at a Mercedes CLC - what do you think? Any alternatives?

Asked on 12 March 2010 by D.N., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
A CLC is a warmed over C-Class Sport Coupe with a facelift and a huge brake light across the back that blinds other drivers in traffic. I hesitate to recommend a VW Scirocco because of lingering doubts over the DSG auto transmission, but one of these with the 1.4TSI engine should be good, with reasonable ride comfort on 17" wheels. I’d spend a bit more, forget automatic and go for a RenaultSport Megane 250.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I intend to buy a Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe. I’ve decided to go for the 2.0 litre engine but am undecided as to whether to specify the 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed sequential paddle-shift...
In the 1980's, having spent 3 years working in Saudi Arabia, I treated myself to a Golf GTI Mk II and held on to it for 12 years. A super car. Now, somewhat older, I still have adrenaline in my veins and...
I'm looking to offload my trusty 8-year-old SEAT Leon Cupra and am fortune enough to be trying to decide between one of the RenaultSport Megane 250 or the VW Golf GTI, and I'd really appreciate your views...
Related models
Bolder looking replacement for C-Class Coupe, wide range of engines, neat interior.
Handling ability is a huge asset and it remains the benchmark for its class. Affordable with reasonable running costs for a hot hatch.
Good to drive, with strong performance and keen handling, improved from 2014 with up-to-date equipment.