Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » The 7 Year Glitch
What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks

The 7 Year Glitch

I have just retired and would like to buy a new car that will last me at least 15 years in the price range £17,000 to £22,000 and wondered what your recommendations would be. I have been looking at Mercedes A and B Class, Volkswagen Golf range and the Volvo S40.

Asked on 20 March 2010 by M.B., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
The only car I have driven recently that I felt would so 500,000 miles was a basic model W204 Mercedes C200 CDI Classic SE 6-speed manual. (The C200CDI does not seem to have had the injector problems of the C220CDI.) Bit more than £22,000 unless you buy 2nd hand. Most cars these days are built to last 7 - 8 years and, while most owners make them last longer, a major failure at 8 years old or more can cost more than the car is worth to repair.

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
For the past 2 years I've been running a Volvo XC70. This car has given me all the comfort that I could wish for with its fantastic seats and long travel suspension. In addition, over the last winter the...
I was looking to buy a new Mazda6 estate and visited local dealer. On the windscreen was an "on the road price" which was about £1,000 less than list. However the moment I mentioned I wanted to avail myself...
I am looking to replace a four-year-old Audi A6 Avant with something similar. This is the second A6 Avant that I have had, and both cars have been almost completely faultless, as well as being spacious,...
Related models
Much better execution of original A-Class concept. Feels far higher quality, especially inside. Easy to park.
Raised driving position, lots of interior room, decent diesel engines, good ride quality on smaller wheels.
A big improvement on the previous C-Class. Feels well built and robust. Very comfortable and refined. High quality ride. Good CDI diesels.
Comfortable and quiet on the move, enjoyable to drive. Nicely trimmed with great attention to detail. 1.4 TSI sweeter to drive than a diesel.
Decent fuel economy across the range. Excellent standard and optional equipment including a self-park system.
Comfortable, safe and enjoyable. Good looks, backed up by a decent drive.