Mercedes R Class and alternatives

Scuzi

Scuzi

Scuzi

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Current car is a 2012 Volvo XC70 D5 which I've had for almost 4 years and about 60k miles. For a family of 4 it has served us fairly well and has generally been reliable bar an alternator failure. The only gripe is that with the kids car seats installed in the rear, the middle seat is unusable.

Given our internationally sporadic families, we are having visitors come more frequently and staying for longer periods, hence it would be ideal to have 6 or 7 seats. Despite the best efforts of my wife, I want nothing to do with the likes of an Espace, Picasso, Zafira or Galaxy.

With a budget of max £17k, I did my research which generally resulted in older and high mileage premium SUVs, e.g. Q7, X5. It also brought up the R class, a car I've never really considered.

Seems a 2011/2012, ~80k miles, R350 CDI long wheel base is within budget. From what I have seen it has 6/7 full size seats, huge rear legroom, and high levels of refinement and spec. Beyond that I know very little about them.

What is the propensity for eye watering bills? Are there any credible alternatives within budget that are not minivans? I'm interested to hear your thoughts and experiences.
 
We have people on here who believe a q7 to be too small for two adults and two kids so I think your only real option is a bus. Honestly never seen an r class which to me says rare ergo expensive parts.
 
Dis86 said:
We have people on here who believe a q7 to be too small for two adults and two kids so I think your only real option is a bus. Honestly never seen an r class which to me says rare ergo expensive parts.
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I fit that category. If they sold the Chevrolet Suburban over here I'd buy one. We briefly owned a Tahoe and I found it limiting :p
 
Scuzi said:
I fit that category. If they sold the Chevrolet Suburban over here I'd buy one. We briefly owned a Tahoe and I found it limiting :p
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I know this is slightly out there but what about an actual van? Something by vw could work?
 
R Class probably gets you more car for your money than the other premium 7 seaters as it was quite unpopular. I had a look around one - if you like mercs it drives like any other. I think my money would go on a disco or more likely a GL if I needed 7 seats, but I like the higher position of an SUV shape.
 
So you can! Just seemingly had quite a short lifespan due to very poor sales.

Only averaged 3k units per year in all of Europe.
 
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chaparral said:
How about a 7 seater range rover or land rover...


I have No idea on prices of them..
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They are premium SUVs, so similar to the ones he mentioned. Also there's no seven-seater Ranger Rover. The one to look for is the Discovery, but it's still probably out of budget (unless older and higher mileage).

After reading the first post I was going to say Suburban, but the OP beat me to it! The Tahoe loses out on the trunk space compared to the Suburban, so hopefully not so limiting! :D

Or try this or this :D
 
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