Mercedes CLS (new to me purchase) - initial thoughts

[DSK]

I do around 800-1000 miles a week and have done so for the last 8 years, add on some additional family trips every other month.

There is a reason why the old Volvo fleet is 3 strong and running strong - great build, great performance, practical, quality and reliability at its best.

I have always been eyeing up other cars similar to this but knew that very few can genuinely do what my Volvo's do hence refrained from buying (or paying going rates for stuff that is very average in my eyes). This CLS was an attractive deal, hence why I just went for it coupled with its maintenance record but, expecting to do the DSK overhaul on common faults to ensure long term service. I do expect the Mercedes to have more 'niggles' as in my experience, BMWs and Mercs have these and its why I'd personally never pay strong money for a car that's been used as a tool and is likely to be a genuine money pit.

The Volvo seats are better ouright but, you can sit in these ones for hours and get out feeling fine. Even the E350 I had covered long miles with ease but just felt cheap and crude cabin wise (because it was).

[biggbn]

That is a fantastic stable you have there!!

[I-S]

DSK - you sound an ideal candidate for a Lexus :-)

[Harvey1512]

Originally Posted by biggbn

I have never given a thought to cupholders at anytime in my driving history, other than marvelling at the design of the intricate pop out holders in saabs!!

The cupholder in my Superb doubles as my change holder for car parking as well. Very versatile chap it is

[biggbn]

Originally Posted by I-S

DSK - you sound an ideal candidate for a Lexus :-)

My advice would be never buy a top of the range Lexus LS. It's not that they are bad. It's just that they will ruin every other car for you. I ran an ls400 for a while and have not bought another luxobarge since, should never have sold it. The best engineered, best made, most refined, most cerebral car I have ever owned. And it was a '97 model bought for £1200, albeit low miles. God knows what a 2007 for arguments sake, ls600h lwb feels like. I WILL find out one day.

I always feel big Lexus are cars that perhaps don't test well, their attraction isn't instantly physical, but few cars get under your skin more if you live with them.

[I-S]

Much like Volvos in that regard - cars to live with.

[phil1968]

Have always liked the look of those, I had an E320CDI some years ago & was looking at one of those as a natural progression. I do think they ruined it with the face lifts on the later ones though.

[S60D5-185]

Never used a cupholder and cannot understand people driving around or even walking around with a cup of coffee or tea.



FFS get your RS out of bed earlier and have it with your breakfast

Curmudgeonly rant over.

[biggbn]

Originally Posted by S60D5-185

Never used a cupholder and cannot understand people driving around or even walking around with a cup of coffee or tea.



FFS get your RS out of bed earlier and have it with your breakfast

Curmudgeonly rant over.

Darryl, that's exactly what I THOUGHT when I wrote my earlier post, but I never SAID it!!😄

[DSK]

When I was closing in on driving age, the family always had the likes of Mercedes 230E, 400E, 500E, 420&500SEL, 190 2.6 and 2.5-16 cosworth... those were serious cars and serious quality. New Merc's cannot hold a candle to those in my eyes and the family members who still buy the new ones, do whinge about the regular dealer visits but, they always like a bit of image

After I got the Supra, some family members bought some Lexus models, LS400 (93' or 95) and a few IS250's circa 2007-2008. They drive well and are built well. They have remained every bit as reliable as you like and have also been put through the mileage tests covering similar distances to what I do. They are another one of those cars that just do what you want them to do, very well without giving you grief.