[ppr]

I thought that was a ridiculous amount of depreciation for a 2 year old car (more than 50%). The 4 year old diesel has depreciated the same amount! I do prefer diesels, but in India it is better to buy a new diesel (as they have great resale values) and used petrol big cars (because they have poor resale values). The buyer comes out ahead both times!

On the other hand, second hand diesels and second hand small petrols are not such great value.

The reason why I put up this post was my concerns about the maintenance costs and the 97 Octane which is so hard to get. I was also hoping no one would say I am buying a lemon (which concern has been put to rest).

[speedy]

A little late in the day but thought i'd put in my bit. I own a 2007 E280 cdi which has done roughly 54/55 thousand kms. I have had no issues with the cars reliability or air conditioner compressor or coils issues. The car has been smooth sailing right from day one and if i was you i would not rule this car out for one bit. My choice the mercedes over the other two in this class.

[4x4 cruiser]

A little late in the day but thought i'd put in my bit. I own a 2007 E280 cdi which has done roughly 54/55 thousand kms. I have had no issues with the cars reliability or air conditioner compressor or coils issues. The car has been smooth sailing right from day one and if i was you i would not rule this car out for one bit. My choice the mercedes over the other two in this class.

+1
I also own 2 merc E280 one petrol and the other is Diesel (CDI), the petrol has 80K on odo and the diesel has 30k, both the cars have faced no issue in terms of A.S.S or reliabilty. If I was in your shoes would definetly pick up Merc. I still have doubts about the A.S.S of AUDI and the resale value is also going to be much lesser compared to Merc.

[MihirC]

Well I would suggest the Audi for 2 main reasons,

1)The car has barely run in. 17K kms is nothing.,

2) Looks and the features on offer.

It would also depend on how long do you intend to to keep the car. If its more than 4 years then I would suggest go for the Audi.

[scooby05]

The E280cdi is a 2006 as you say, so thats a Pre Facelift! The real value of the car should be 22 lacs and no more.
I am using a face lift 2007 september E280cdi and have not spent anything besides the normal servicing. Its Fantastic to drive and returns an average of 9+kmpl overall!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by ppr

Actually the Merc is a year older (2007) and driven about 35000 kms (twice the kms of the Audi). Almost the same cost. I would also prefer the diesel but the Audi is fully loaded and looks new.

Without any doubt, the Merc is the better deal here. As Ajmat posted, later E280's were fairly trouble-free. And with European cars, diesel is the way to go because:

1. 3.0 lakh km engine life at the minimum. Euro diesels are usually more robust than their petrol siblings. 35,000 kms is nothing for such a car.

2. The E280 is a torque-monster. It's mind-numbingly quick, especially at the low end. Better torque = better driveability

3. Diesel FE and tank range

Remember to get a thorough pre-purchase-inspection on the car from an authorised Mercedes dealer. It's a must.

[goingout]

Any specific reason why you are not considering the BMW 5 Series? It should come in the same price range.

Back to the topic:

I would have gone for the Audi because it is newer, but since it is a E280 we are talking about I think it would be really hard to decide between these 2 for anyone.

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by GTO

Without any doubt, the Merc is the better deal here. As Ajmat posted, later E280's were fairly trouble-free. And with European cars, diesel is the way to go because:

1. 3.0 lakh km engine life at the minimum. Euro diesels are usually more robust than their petrol siblings. 35,000 kms is nothing for such a car.

2. The E280 is a torque-monster. It's mind-numbingly quick, especially at the low end. Better torque = better driveability

3. Diesel FE and tank range

Remember to get a thorough pre-purchase-inspection on the car from an authorised Mercedes dealer. It's a must.

Very relevant points, seems like we are on the same page
BTW, what might be the cost of maintaining a E280 - from what I have seen it is the usual 10-20K bill.



Cheers

[djbasscreator]

go for the E280, hands down. It handles great and has a hell lot of power under its hood considering other cars in this segment.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Ricky_63

BTW, what might be the cost of maintaining a E280 - from what I have seen it is the usual 10-20K bill.

From an independent:

Minor services = 8 - 10K
Major services = 15 - 20K

If you are driving 12,000 - 15,000 kms a year, I'd safely guesstimate the total annual maintenance cost at an average of 75,000 per year. Some things will inevitably fail, and parts ain't cheap.

[Ricky_63]

Originally Posted by GTO

From an independent:

Minor services = 8 - 10K
Major services = 15 - 20K

If you are driving 12,000 - 15,000 kms a year, I'd safely guesstimate the total annual maintenance cost at an average of 75,000 per year. Some things will inevitably fail, and parts ain't cheap.

Thanks for the info, so my guesstimate was close.


Cheers

[varunrdas]

the option would always a merc considering its resale value , performance and reliability

as for the a6, i would not doubt its quality, but the resale and reliability on indian roads is something worth debating about...

[ppr]

Wow

I was out of town for a couple of days and there are a lot of responses! The E280 unfortunately is already sold and I guess I missed the bus on that one.

The 5 series would have been under consideration but they seem to be priced far higher than the other two cars I mentioned.

Looks like it has to be the A6 or wait for another E280. That was an awfully good deal!

ppr

[ppr]

I am almost confirmed with the A6.

My brother has been looking at a preowned 2007 C220 CDI. How is this model for reliability and maintenance costs? Is the A4 2.0 TDI a better car? (It seems to be slightly larger but more expensive than the C)

ppr

[Ricky_63]

Why don't you check out the pre-owned program cars with Merc or Audi dealers ?? A4 2.0TDI is great, loaded to the brim with all possible goodies.

Great drive, lesser BHP than the Merc but a hoot to drive nonetheless.

From E280 to C220 - A6 to A4, you will find a fair difference in interior size. Anyways, check them out & take a call


Cheers