I have recently been looking at buying a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC 180 petrol coupe with 20,000 miles on the clock for £13,990, or the 2008 CLC 220 CDi diesel with 11,000 miles for £16,500.

Performance wise I understand they are both roughly the same, I will obviously get better mpg with the diesel, but is it worth the extra £3k for this and the lower mileage?

They are both from the Mercedes dealership (which gives me piece of mind in that I get the 12months warranty - both cars are also still covered by manufacturers warranty till Dec 11)

Are they both good value?

I am also being informed by colleagues and the dealership, Fords of Winsford, that they do not move on the price for cash. They claim that they make money on the finance and would prefer people to use finance than cash...is this correct?

I have gone to a dealership as I want the peace of mind that I wont be spending this kind of money on a private sale and inheriting a car with problems. I don't want to only have the manufacturers warranty to fall back on for six months.

With the dealership being a Mercedes-Benz one I also know that they have had full Mercedes-Benz service history and that they do a complete check and report on the car.

Is there anything else I should be thinking of or worrying about?