ULEZ compliant alternative.

Spriteracer

Spriteracer

Member
 West Wales
Come October, my office will be within the extended ULEZ in London. The Z4 will be the only car we have that is compliant and it is not really a long distance commuter car. My round trip is 450-500 miles 90 % motorway every 2-3 weeks. In addition I don't want to put such heavy mileage on the Z. So, I have been looking at alternatives, and wondered if anyone has real world experience of the Mercedes diesel C300h estate. I'm attracted by the alleged very good economy of 60-70mpg and the low tax. Older Mercs used to bullet proof, but I wonder if they still are? I need a good motorway cruiser that is reasonably economic and which can double as occasional race support and tow car. Not much to ask I know. Any other ideas..... ? Thanks.
 
Say £10-15k. I have never bought a new car and almost always a quality car - BMW, Volvo etc, with 60k or so on it. Accepting I may have to spend a bit on them. The value for money is good as cars of that type usually feel "just run in" at that mileage and the cost can be 30% of new. For example my last fully loaded 535D E61 would have cost £50k ish new and I spent £14,000 and ran it to just over 200k. Only changed then due to the change of location from Hampshire to West Wales and bought the Volvo XC70.

On the subject of the C300h, the MB forums have quite a bit about electrical issues possibly with the hybrid installation. It is all quite old though and as we know cars with problems crop up on forums far more than those that don't.
 
I'd be tempted to go for a straight euro 6 diesel rather than some hybrid that's getting on a bit, I'd imagine if it s**t its self the cost would be bonkers!

I'd probably go for a 530d or something like that?
 
Thanks all for the responses. Agreed on the engine. I've had the 535D and a 530D before that. Finding a ulez compliant touring for the budget is more of a challenge. Possibly a 330D more likely. I tend to agree with the comment on the Merc and older technology but don't want to rule it out totally unless someone has actual experience of one as it does seem to give a lot for the price - always assuming it works. ? hidden jem or hidden dog.... I'll have a chat with my indy who also does a lot of Mercedes.
 
What about a D4 Volvo V60, or V90? Seems anything after about 2014 is Euro 6 compliant? The D4 is fairly pokey and good economy :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for that - a good shout. Food for thought though I would be sad to loose the XC70 which is very good indeed - apart from the emissions.....
 
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