mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Mon 26 Jan 2015 13:24
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - bringmesunshine

Hi,

I've currently got an e class 280 estate. When I bought the car I was motoring about 20'000 miles per year. I'm now only going about 10'000 at a push. I'm wanting to downsize but struggling to find a nice car as my new pride and joy.

My sticking point is that I'm 6foot 3inches and often struggle for head room. Unfortunately, due to a mispent youth I can get a bit of sciatica/back pain if the seats are not supportive.

Any ideas for an alternative car to help with downsizing are appreciated.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 15:27
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - Happy Blue!

Various ideas. ....

1. Keep the Mercedes. Does it matter if you are doing less miles if you like the car.

2. Try a B-class. Excellent driving position and easy access.

3. A small saloon? Mazda 3, Audi A3 or Mercedes CLA?

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 15:36
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - gordonbennet

Agree with HB, what difference will the lower mileage make if you like your car...or is the type of motoring different and you want different fuel?

Obvious downsize in keeping is C Class, not sure as i'd go CLA unless you'd prefer FWD.

Wish my aches and pains (have you got a day to spare to listen) were the result of a misspent youth, too much hard work caused mine, aah bless..:-)

Edited by gordonbennet on 26/01/2015 at 15:38

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 18:14
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - bringmesunshine
Thanks guys the b class sounds like a good idea. Mine is killing me on fuel etc as its only small runs and it's all start stop driving. After a l title more frugal, but also I don't think the type of driving I'm doing suits a large engine. Also toying with a Merva or swift but I've never driven them so don't know if I'll be disappointed.
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Mon 26 Jan 2015 18:41
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - Trilogy
Thanks guys the b class sounds like a good idea. Mine is killing me on fuel etc as its only small runs and it's all start stop driving. After a l title more frugal, but also I don't think the type of driving I'm doing suits a large engine. Also toying with a Merva or swift but I've never driven them so don't know if I'll be disappointed.

If you are thinking of a Meriva or Swift, how about a Jazz? On my recommendation, a recently retired couple bought one new 5.5 years ago. It is the current model. They have been delighted with it.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 19:29
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - daveyK_UK

I have got to say, after having a good look around the B class including a test drive of the diesel, it was not worth the money.

When I get into a E class I can see why it's expensive, can see the quality throughout the car. I could not say the same about the B class, it was no better than the Kia Carens which came with a lot more kit, better warranty, and discounted if pre registered.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 19:58
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - Happy Blue!

Not sure I agree Davey. I have only looked at both of them in the showroom, but the B-Class was much more appealing, with better quality materials, a more natural driving position and a greater range of 'goodies' some of which - if you are down sizing - you still want despite being in a smaller car.

However I have not driven either and that is the acid test. Something for the OP to enjoy...

Alternatives to the B-class are the Ford C-Max, BMW 2-series Sport Tourer and Mini Countryman. Not sure I would want anything much smaller after coming out of an E-Class.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 20:38
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - gordonbennet

Sorry, forget the C class suggestion, thought you wanted something as nice a place to be overall as the E Class but smaller, not the sea change that Meriva motoring will be.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 20:48
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - Avant

I was impressed with the BMW 2-series Active Tourer that SWMBO and I test-drove recently, although at well under 6 feet I am no test for headroom. If you're thinking of buying new, this could be a way towards quality as well as comfort.

But as others have said, any new car is going to be more expensive than putting fuel in your current Mercedes. If you just want a new car - great. As we've been saying on another current thread about comfort for tall drivers, you need to go round the showrooms and see what suits your particular frame.

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Mon 26 Jan 2015 21:16
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - oldtoffee

Pride and Joy - Meriva or Swift? No, no, no, both very capable cars but from where you're coming from you need a Golf GTi.

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Tue 27 Jan 2015 16:18
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - corax

How much do you want to spend?

Manual or auto?

Small, medium or large car?

Estate, saloon, coupe, hatchback, SUV, MPV?

Firm or soft ride?

Petrol or diesel?

Perhaps we should have a standard set of questions as a sticky then go from there.

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Tue 27 Jan 2015 16:36
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - Avant

That's a very good idea, Corax - although I'm not sure how many people read the sticky threads, judging by the number of people who ignore the one at the top of the list, asking people with a technical question to post it in the Technical section. I move an average of one or two a day.

Anyway, maybe worth a try. If I frame the questions like this, has anyone any more to add?

How much do you want to spend?

What is your expected annual mileage?

What size of car are you looking for?

How often are you likely to carry passengers / a lot of luggage?

What sort of car are you looking for? (e.g. hatchback, estate, saloon)

Do you prefer manual or automatic transmission?

Is your priority performance or economy?

Do you prefer a hard or soft ride?

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Tue 27 Jan 2015 16:57
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - gordonbennet

How long do you envisage owning the car.

Are you open to buying from other than dealers.

Who do you expect to maintain the car.

Do you have a preference for front/rear/all wheel drive.

Which fuel, petrol Diesel hybrid electric LPG.

Is the badge important.

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Tue 27 Jan 2015 16:59
mercedes e class - downsizing from mercedes e class - YG2007

Keep the E class if you like the drive and its reliable. Any change in vehicle doing less miles than you are doing isnt going to save you money due to depreciation. I have a customer at my garage who runs a 300TE (1990 model W124 he's had from new) with 250K on the clock as a daily driver and he loves it.

If you like the car stick a private plate on it forget the 180 day rule for a "new car" and enjoy it (180 days is how long a car is new for)

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