Tempted by this... UPDATE: It's home...

[Maniac]

So with the advent of the rescue pooch, I'm considering a switch into something still luxurious but way more practical. The only part stopping me is the idea of spending 17K cash or circa £500 a month for 3 years/whatever I choose to do in the end.

Having owned the e89 in a paid-off capacity for some years now the idea of losing a wedge of cash on another depreciating car or spending x per month makes the old tummy wobble. Especially when part of my thinking is to semi retire in the next few years.

So anyhow, the 'I like the look of this' car of the day is the new Merc C Class, albeit the 2.0 petrol (182bhp) not the full blood AMG which would cost me half the house. The interior looks lovely, can have air suspension to make things a bit more comfy or sporty as well as good sound insulation etc Just the right size to man handle around yet still have room for everything I need from it. I had considered keeping the Z (and still may) and using a shed for mucky duties, but it just doesn't stack up for me. Though the depreciation on the Z is horrific and that may also add into the mix.

In any event, I'm really impressed by the merc, looks good, has impressive spec, mega luxury stuff, but ... I have to spend money... which I've spent enough of... but still can't stop

[ZermattV]

very neat - always think c class estates always look much more expensive then they actually are ( that doesn't mean they are cheap) - but they look somehow a class above the 3 series and A4 estates - looks great in that blue .

the last model seemed really popular as a lease car - id go for it

[AlanJ]

....................... - i'd go for it

....main qualification for a Mercedes is you have to be an OAP to qualify to purchase

[Stark]

I love the C Class, and amazing interior too

[Maniac]

....................... - i'd go for it

....main qualification for a Mercedes is you have to be an OAP to qualify to purchase

That thinking went years back and is from the same people that think Skoda make rusty crap, they don't any longer. You can get big wafting Mercs for OAPs of course, but the A and C class are not OAP material these days, they actually drive quite well, suspension is firm etc, not something OAPs want. Not BMW territory on sharpness, but good enough and IMHO nicer looking and better thought through than BMW. Some of the tech and interior thinking is really nice. Makes the 3 series interior look positively dated.

[Stark]

Make sure you get the full premium pack plus with it, so you get keyless, roof, electric seats, Burmeister hi fi etc....

[ZermattV]

....................... - i'd go for it

....main qualification for a Mercedes is you have to be an OAP to qualify to purchase

That thinking went years back and is from the same people that think Skoda make rusty crap, they don't any longer.

Sorry Alan but the only people who come out with that these days are OAPS

[pvr]

.... or wifes as I was strictly forbidden to look at anything with a star on it

[Maniac]

Make sure you get the full premium pack plus with it, so you get keyless, roof, electric seats, Burmeister hi fi etc....

Absolutely.

[aquazi]

i like the new C too... very refined and comfortable - if slightly sedated compared to a BMW. But will certainly depreciate less.

I do like the premium pack on the wifes SLK... Keyless may seem like a gimmick but once you get used to it it brilliant.. leaves keys in gym bag/ coat and just get in a go!

[original guvnor]

I'd get rid but something tells me you won't.

[Maniac]

I'd get rid but something tells me you won't.

I think its Stockholm syndrome... and the fact I don't want to spend more money. I'm still going to see one though, you never know.

[AlanJ]

Sorry Alan but the only people who come out with that these days are OAPS

....if only I got as many bites as this when I go fishing

[ZermattV]

[thepits]

It's the DARK SIDE ............ resist the temptation at all cost!