Buy newer car or keep old one?

Mr_Warren_2

Hi all. This time i need your advise. I run a E200 Mercedes L reg. Basic car (manual windows"!!!) but engine/gearbox/clutch great as car very well looked after when it was part of our company pool. I now own it and apart from bodywork which is starting to look bad, all is ok (front break need some work done). Car has 156K miles.
I have a chance to buy a great looking immaculate 406 coupe Sept'03 - 53 registration with all mods and cons, leather seats etc (97K miles) which goes for £2400 which is a legit price for car age mileage etc.. The man selling it is mad about cars, and had it serviced regularly by a Peugeot dealer and everything that needed to be changed (cambelt at 65K miles, new exhaust, brake pads/discs, tyres) have been replaced.

If you were me......would you keep the Merc (and keep spending money for repairs when necessary or spend the £2400 (money is available on side account) on a good trusted car likely to last me years.

Thank you for advise.

markelock

keep the german, politely decline the french.

What does Parkers.co.uk say about the 406 Coupe? Nice looking car I'll agree, but you need to know whether it's going to be as bulletproof as the MB

latecomer

If the Merc is starting to have body trouble then its maybe worth considering changing it. As markelock says, check out the recommended prices on Parkers and remember that you'll also need to sell you own privately too.

That said, at the end of the day its got to be your decision.

Mr_Warren_2

........Well that's exactly why I am asking you guys, what would you do?

Merc is worth £400 as it stands but boot cover is rusted internally, have had 2 x front wings changed. Wheel arches have been repaired with filler but it's a question of time before rust gets back through again.

The 406 has the look (i don't care much for look) and is all in excellent condition.

Barneysmom

Rust never sleeps. If I were you, I'd go for the newer one. If you think it'll be reliable, go for it. but remember there are thousands of bargain cars out there. Spend a fortnight looking around, look at ten cars and make your choice.

Nile

The 'Motoring & Public Transport' board is better suited for this thread, so I'll move it across.

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere(please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]!!!!!![/EMAIL].

Nile

anewman

Surprised an L reg Merc rotted as much as you describe. Sounds worse off than my similar aged Skoda. Rust can be dealt with but takes up lots of time more than anything, wire brushing, rust converter, filler, primer, paint etc etc. If things are done carefully and plenty of time taken, generally rust won't progress much further. All you really need to worry about in terms of rust though is the structural bits. Could be worth asking the opinion of an MOT tester if it's due an MOT soon.

You could buy a tin of underbody seal for a tenner, and a pair of ramps for £30 from halfords and apply that underneath. http://www.toolstation.com/messages.html?code=41925&mainWin=1 is probably a good substitute for waxoyl to spray inside cavities, box sections, doors etc.

I'd love to drive an old merc only thing would be insurance with where I live, would no doubt be getting near £3k.

I would imagine repairs on the Merc in the next say, erm, 3-4 years wouldn't get to £2,400?!

hewhoisnotintheknow

i would sayy keep the car until the mot runs out then decide what to do

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

On a Merc of that age rust will be a concern, although replacement panels are readily available. The engine will run forever if serviced regularly.

You may have an issue with the engine loom degrading, not sure if it happens on that age of Merc.

Personally I'd keep it. It won't be depreciating any more - in 5 years you'll get the same as what it's worth right now. If it's an automatic consider having the gearbox fluid changed as it probably won't have been done yet.

Mr_Warren_2

General concensus is to keep the car, run it down to the ground and keep my money until really needed. Car gearbox is manual and goes through the motions like a dream. The bodywork is its only negative point. Thank you all for your time. Cheers and happy moneysaving.

LandyAndy

Mr_Warren wrote: »

General concensus is to keep the car, run it down to the ground and keep my oney until really needed. Car gearbox is manual and goes through the motions like a dream. The bodywork is its only negative point. Thank you all for your time. Cheers and happy moneysaving.

Just one dissenting voice.;)

The Merc is past its sell by date.

The Pug is a decent car at a good price and should see you through a good few years.

I like Pugs.;)