Car leasing - any recommendations? Merc wanted! [Archive]

bwglaw

2nd March 2006, 18:18

When I return to the UK at the end of the month I will be looking to get a car under a personal lease.

I am specifically looking for a Mercedes CLK, may accept C-class. Ideally the car will be 2.0 or above (not greater than 2.7), turbodiesel and automatic. I had the C200 (1.8) last time and found it to be an 'old man's' car ;)

Having said the above I would like to invite people's views of the C-class and CLK

I would also like to be able to choose from a small range of colours - bit fed up with the Mercs being silver all the time!

This would be a contract without maintenance and for 24-36 months.

Can anyone recommend a car leasing company? I have had a few quotes from various sites and they all look affiliates hence looking for recommendations.

Alpha - do you own a leasing company because I came across Alpha Leasing in the Warwickshire area.

Many thanks

Jonathan

Mwebb

2nd March 2006, 18:40

Hi handsongroup,
I used to work for a mercedes dealership selling new cars. ( and used)

I would highly recommend the new shape CLK.
I am not sure what diesel they are running, but it was a 270 when i was there. ( 2.7 ish) Go for the Avantgarde...not the elegance....

If you are looking for a C class go for the Avantgarde with sports pack, and the 220 CDI
( 2150 cc)

The sportspack will de-Granddad the car for you.

1 serios recommendation referrence resale prices......DO NOT BUY ONE WITHOUT LEATHER!!! Also a factory fit phone kit is advised aswell. ( you want merc to fit it afterwards expect to pay £2000+ for it to be steering wheel intergrated!!)
I am also sure i don't have to tell you to stick to normal colours. The goldy silver is very cool...silver, and black.
I appreciate you are leasing, but it helps the residuals they work out the payments on!!!!

On a serious note. I appreciate you are in Derby, but i still have some contacts at the dealer.
They should deliver to you!!

Mercedes Benz Ipswich
Paul Bishop Or Ian Burroughs
01473 232232

Mention that i referred you, and they will look after you.!!

hope this helps, any other questions PM me.

Michael Webb

bwglaw

2nd March 2006, 18:55

Excellent Mike. I have just looked at the Merc-Benz website and the CLK CDI 220 Diesel is what I want! I quite like black at least then I can stick my logo on!

Do you have an email address for them, or perhaps ask them to email me at jonathan@handsongroup.co.uk

Thanks

Jonathan

Jayne

2nd March 2006, 19:22

Get a blue one!

I've had loads of cars and for some reason, blue ones never break down for me, so now I only buy blue ones, they are lucky :D

And I like blue too!

Jayne

bwglaw

2nd March 2006, 19:51

Hi Jayne...

Had 2 blue Rovers...had enough, one got stolen!

Defo going for black or grey if possible. We will see when we have that frothy coffee in Ponte! ;)

Jonathan

Jayne

2nd March 2006, 19:53

Hi Jayne...

Had 2 blue Rovers...had enough, one got stolen!

Defo going for black or grey if possible. We will see when we have that frothy coffee in Ponte! ;)

Jonathan

I told you blue is the best, they even steel them to get there hands on blue cars :lol:

UK2004

2nd March 2006, 20:44

Oh wicked, a question on cars! If you buying newest shape the C Class is nice and roomy and a lovely driving position good view of the road easy to maneuver, personally I always avoid diesels even the newst ones still have that diesel noise when you're inside the cabin it goes when you accelerate away but I like petrol, I presume you just wnat disel for company car tax emissions etc.

They have brought out the 3.2 litre diesel into the C-Class, still has good fuel economy and packs apunch loads of mid range torque so very quick in real world tems.

I think the biggest difference to take into account with the CLK and C-Class is practicality, the saloon you get four doors and an upright driving position, a very clear view of the road, the CLK is more laid back and visibility is more restricted but some peopel prefer the style. We have 3 Mercedes and 2 BMW's in our house and I have to say I much prefer the saloons, I find I can drive more aggressively with confidence in the car where safe and prefer the whole driving position a lot more it's more accessible. The CLK is a lovely car to look at especialy with AMG bodykit and wheels but its not my cup of tea to drive. I agree with poster above on Avantgarde, the springs are sitffer and suspension lowered, bettter for handling you feel more connected to the road, the Elegance is for elderly folk who want a wafting type of ride!

If I were you I'd get the C-Class either 220 or 320 CDI Avantgarde with AMG wheels if you can and in Obsidian Black, I agree too many Silver Mercs!

multilingual

2nd March 2006, 21:20

Jayne

2nd March 2006, 21:26

[quote="multilingual"]Jonathan,

The C-Class and CLK are a bit girly for my liking. OK for the missus or the girlfriend (or both) but a bit lame for a bloke.

I would go for an E-Class Avantgarde in Violine (deep purple) with the 18" AMG wheels and wouldn't go for any model based on the C-Class chassis, just not big enough and has no real presence on the road.

The C-Class is fine if you want to play it safe and blend in with the crowd unnoticed, but a lot of reps drive them now. They are solid cars but not very inspirational.

Can you guess which car I drive?

Let me think? Which car do you drive?

:idea: Reliant Robin, with fluffy dice :lol:

Just kidding!

Jayne

UK2004

2nd March 2006, 21:50

I agree that the CLK new model is a bit feminine but didn't say as should respect hsi choices but to ay a C-Class is feminine is silly, an Amg wheeled and bodykitted one or even the AMG model is an aggressive car, the E-Class is for old people unless with AMG wheels and bodykit, the E-Class also is big you can't throw it around the place its just too unwielding, the C-Class is a nice size, if you want road presence for snob value why bother with just an E why not go for an S-Class or CLS if you want to be up to date or even a CL the E-Class is small in comparison.

Jayne

2nd March 2006, 22:01

I like this one (in blue) :D

http://aol.whatcar.com//Car/Mercedes-Benz/2826635422.jpg

Mwebb

2nd March 2006, 22:09

You have to remember that it still does come down to budget.

A really good E-Class will set you back about £10k more than a really good C class, and The CLK will fall somewhere in the middle.
You might aswell forget the list price....you won't find a standard car build anywhere, they all ahve options, no matter how small!

As for the CLK being " A bit girly" I take it you guys are joking. The car looks awesome, and the 55 AMG, is a better drive than most. ( and i have driven some very tasty cars...ferrari, porsche, SL55AMG's)

If you put a body kit on, AMG obviously, it looks a lot better.

Now i know i maybe slightly merc brainwashed after working for them, however, each and everyone of their vehicles out does it's BMW counterpart, now the new M class is out!!

The only thing i would say is the AUDI A4 is maybe a better option than the C-class.

well thats given you something to argue over....i would start by telling me that the Mercs aren't better than the BMW's-Just don't even try it with the 5 series. ( If you own one I am sorry, i truely am)

sherry_d

2nd March 2006, 23:59

If you are looking for contact hire you may want to try.

http://www.lingscars.com/

Its a funny website but her prices are among the best esp for the 24months contract she does

UK2004

3rd March 2006, 00:06

MWebb think it's a silly statement to say all Mercs are better than Bimas, generally it would be said that BMW's edge towards being a drivers car whereas Mercs edge towards comfort, now I agree on the 5 series its load of rubbish, Chris wahtever hs name is has messed the design up big style and the new 3 series too. However if you take an X5 against an ML for what people in that market of soft roaders want then X5 wins hands down, the Z4 is nicer and a better drive than the SLK(have you seen the new Z4 Coupe its a beauty!).

I mentioned earlier than the AMG kit changes the car and the AMG wheels but if you aren't getting them then the CLK I think is feminine looking car.

Both brand sprovide good all round cars, for true driving enthusiasts people will look to mod their car to exactly how they want but I stick to my original a C-Class is a nice all round car I like them, very convenient size, has some poke, they have a lot going for them and yes definetly choose one over the new 3-series.

Ahh Chris Bangle that's that idiot who messed up the 3 and 5 series, the onyl one thats ok is the 7 series, the 760IL with tinted windows looks the dogs danglies!

multilingual

3rd March 2006, 09:00

E-Class is for old people unless with AMG wheels and bodykit, the E-Class also is big you can't throw it around the place its just too unwielding.

I would agree that the older model E-Class was certainly a pipe and slippers car, especially the Classic and Elegance models. But the Avantgarde was always aimed at the younger executive market and they do tend to be driven by people in their 30s and 40s. (Maybe that is still old in some people's eyes).

As for them being unwielding and too big to throw around, I would have to disagree there. They have gradually been tweeking the handling on these cars in order to get them to provide more feedback to the driver, ala BMW, and the results are clearly evident now. If you fancy a spin sometime let me know.

If you want a poor handling big car then go for a Rover 800. :roll: I had one for only a few months and the thing scared me so much I gave it away to someone for nothing. (honestly)

I still have nightmares about that car! :(

JB

Richard Conyard

3rd March 2006, 09:25

Check out Driven Leasing http://www.drivenleasing.com/

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 10:04

I like this one (in blue) :D

http://aol.whatcar.com//Car/Mercedes-Benz/2826635422.jpg

That is exactly what I am looking at Jayne, but maybe not Cabriolet but Coupe. The car you have shown I believe is the top of the range AMG with a 5 litre engine! - a tank of petrol to go shopping!

I will probably go for a black Coupe CDI 220

Jonathan

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 10:10

Jonathan,

The C-Class and CLK are a bit girly for my liking. OK for the missus or the girlfriend (or both) but a bit lame for a bloke.

I would go for an E-Class Avantgarde in Violine (deep purple) with the 18" AMG wheels and wouldn't go for any model based on the C-Class chassis, just not big enough and has no real presence on the road.

The C-Class is fine if you want to play it safe and blend in with the crowd unnoticed, but a lot of reps drive them now. They are solid cars but not very inspirational.

I think any car up to C-class Sports Coupe is girly. I think the CLK is too big and powerful for a girl to handle ;)

I was actually looking at a used E Class in Deep Purple with grey leather interior but I feel that E-class goes out of date quick.

I take it you like to take up the road with E-class being big enough for you ;)

I won't be having the car too sporty because I want it to be in between sport/executive and I am becoming convinced that CLK is that go-between.

Jonathan

PS. I would have thought you would have bought a Lada since you visit Armenia, Russia etc frequently ;)

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 10:14

If you want a poor handling big car then go for a Rover 800. :roll: I had one for only a few months and the thing scared me so much I gave it away to someone for nothing. (honestly)

I still have nightmares about that car! :(

JB

I had a Rover 820SLi and it was my best car. Of course, Mercs are better. BMW's are rubbish in my opinion. They appear so aggressive and has no style.

I know someone with a BMW and he is the most arrogant git I have known! ;) BMW is a cheap status symbol

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 10:15

Thanks to those who have given links to Car leasing sites - I will check them out later

Thanks again

Jonathan

Hedgehog Toys

3rd March 2006, 10:20

I like my Totoya Estima Emina.....it's big, roomy, diesel, good looking and big enough to put a merc in the back :wink:

UK2004

3rd March 2006, 10:23

creospace

3rd March 2006, 10:24

How about a push bike and bus pass?

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 10:24

UK2004,
I take onboard what you are saying. I am not saying BMW's are bad cars, they are not..( accept the 5 series...it really is terrible and worth bugger all when you get it off of the forecourt) But in my experience, from driving them all, and having to know the products inside out, of both Merc, BMW, and AUdi for that matter, the mercs win hands down on every vehicle against the BMW's. ( I would say that the C class is brilliant, but take a look at the AUdi A4 before you buy)

I make one exception, which BMW have refused to make a competitor.....the Vaneo.....Who ever thought of making a merc people carrier, with a tiny engine(1.6 automatic), with the look that it was desinged by a school child, with his first attempt at drawing a car, should be shot!!

I would have areed with you on the X5 / ML arguement until they launched the ML, Sorry X5 owners, you now don't have the best 4WD on the market, for on road driving. ( Of course the X5 is terrible off road, but not many footballers wifes have to go cross country on the school run!!)

If you want a real all rounder 4X4, go for the range rover sports!!

Michael

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 10:28

How about a push bike and bus pass?

Sorry i can't join the merc club yet....this is where i am opperating at present...It is a big step down from my new company car every 3 months....getting it cleaned when i asked, and a fuel card to use at my leisure. ( But i did leave to go see the world :D :D, plus the job was more 5-9 than 9-5! )

Oh well helping the enviroment i suppose.... :(

creospace

3rd March 2006, 10:31

who wants a pimp-mobil anyway!

multilingual

3rd March 2006, 10:31

I take it you like to take up the road with E-class being big enough for you ;)

I think it is more do do with fact that at 6' 3" tall, I look a bit daft in anything smaller than an E. :) My wife has a Ford Ka and although it is quite roomy inside, I do look a tad silly in it!

PS. I would have thought you would have bought a Lada since you visit Armenia, Russia etc frequently ;)

Funily enough my Wife's Grandma thinks that everyone drives a Lada, or Zhiguli as she calls them. She has never heard of any other car!

The picture that Jayne showed was of an CLK63 AMG, which is the 6.3 ltr V8. I did once look at an E55 AMG which has a similar engine.....but looking was as far as it got. The novelty of 8mpg wouldn't last long with me. I went for the diesel option, but with the 18" wheels and a few other extra goodies.

Quite honestly, based on what you are saying with regards to your requirements, I would go for the E270 CDi Avantgarde. The CLK is a bit too 'Jody Marsh' for me.

JB

creospace

3rd March 2006, 10:35

Boys and their toys, sorry status symbols ;)

When you've traveled on a microbus in riga for 50p then a flash car will never give the same buzz!

multilingual

3rd March 2006, 10:43

Boys and their toys, sorry status symbols ;)

When you've traveled on a microbus in riga for 50p then a flash car will never give the same buzz!

You need to go to Yerevan and try a 12p route taxi!!!!!!

Just to give you an idea, a 20 year old transit-sized mini bus with bald tyres (not just getting low on tread, I mean bald, with bits of wire sticking out) stinking of burnt oil with knackered suspension containing at least 30 people hurtling downhill into a city at 60kph with the engine switched off to save fuel.

The silence is deafening!!

:roll:

JB

creospace

3rd March 2006, 10:47

sounds like they have the same transport company! Only cheaper!

I've been corrected it's 25p here.

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 10:50

Or a taxi in china, a tuk tuk in Thailand, or driven in the outback.......you then realise just how boring driving in this country is......Or do i mean safe??

webit

3rd March 2006, 13:08

If you are looking for contact hire you may want to try.

http://www.lingscars.com/

Its a funny website but her prices are among the best esp for the 24months contract she does

I love the pitch:

Note that at end of the contract you just hand back. Payment is off your balance sheet. You have no risk or reward. You can't buy it, there is no "balloon" or end payment. You don't own it, you just rent it, give it back. Then you are free. Get another new car, or walk away. Your choice, OK? Why put company money into depreciating asset? Use big bag of money to run business, not to buy cars. I try to explain well, but my English not perfect. Contract hire is beautiful easy product, you see?

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 13:13

I just ahd a look at the site......My god it is hilarious.

I imagine it is very similar to what the Armstrongs French conservatory/windows site may read like in french???

Some one who does copy writing may want to give her a call, and offer to translate into "english" :roll:

creospace

3rd March 2006, 13:21

Very funny site but 'busy' just doesnt seem the right word!

Gary

webit

3rd March 2006, 13:21

NO!!! - The site is to be best left alone - It is the best site I've seen for a long time...

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:16

How about a push bike and bus pass?

Now you mention it Gary I have a Freedom Pass that entitles me to travel around London for FREE. However, I am moving back to Derby for the quieter and steadier life so a car would be handy, even though I would also get free travel pass in Derby.

Jonathan

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:21

If you want a real all rounder 4X4, go for the range rover sports!!

Michael

My ideal car. Have driven one and its a beaut! Living room on wheels! However, it is over my leasing budget. To lease it is about 700/month when I can get a Porsche for 450/month and a Merc CLK for about 350/month

When I have kids I will get a Range Rover! By the way, here in Georgia the Merc ML is so popular because the roads here are not too good. There are a few X5's around and Porsche Cayenne!

An old E-class is your average taxi here in Georgia all imported from Germany!

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:23

I wouldn't call BMW cheap, look at the cost of the large engined 7 series, they are no cheaper than Mercedes. Some people like aggressive looking cars, epople just have different tastes.

I did not mean 'cheap' in price but in design etc. Like you said everyone has different tastes.

I have to follow my father's steps because he bought a brand-new C-class TD Merc which he then took with him to Aussie! Charming!

Jonathan

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 15:27

If you want a real all rounder 4X4, go for the range rover sports!!

Michael

My ideal car. Have driven one and its a beaut! Living room on wheels! However, it is over my leasing budget. To lease it is about 700/month when I can get a Porsche for 450/month and a Merc CLK for about 350/month

You are so right. But so many people don't realise this and then go and pay £350 on a ford focus...on a PCP, with a Balloon payment.

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:32

Boys and their toys, sorry status symbols ;)

When you've traveled on a microbus in riga for 50p then a flash car will never give the same buzz!

Try a 50 tetri (15p) minibus route here in Georgia. The minibus is a clapped out Ford Transit 16-seater with the seats the same colour as the floor and the minibus was once white but is now rusty

Jonathan

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:43

I have tried all methods of purchasing a car:

1. Cash - bought a Rover 820 for 5000 and then could only sell it for 850 18 months later!

2. Bought HP and ended up paying the dealer to take the car off me! (difference between HP and car value)

I am now going for contract hire. It will be a personal one so that I am not liable for Company Car tax and I will claim 40p/mile to make up the monthly payment. I will then have a commercial and personal benefit. I don't want to worry about the value of the car etc

Jonathan

UK2004

3rd March 2006, 15:47

Jonathan, you decided on the CLK, whicj engine?

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 15:51

UK2004

Provided the insurance is not too high I will go for the 220 CDI which I think is a 2.2, next one I think is 270 which would be too thirsty. I think the 220 can also be turbodiesel.

There is a Merc garage here in Georgia so will go to see a brand-new CLK. No doubt I will have a test drive in a UK Merc dealership when I get back

Jonathan

UK2004

3rd March 2006, 17:25

Cool, let us know when you get it , getting new car always great fun!

multilingual

3rd March 2006, 17:29

Jonathan

I would just cheack on that as I think there may be a problem in fitting a turbo onto a 220 when they are right hand drive. They may have cured this problem now (been a couple of years since it was an issue) but worth checking out.

Just for the record, the 270 in the E does about 35mpg on average, or on a nice long journey speeding at no more than 70mph you ight get 45mpg.

On the other hand, if you really cane it and then it will struggle to do much more than 22.

That particular engine will respond to the way you drive it like no other I have known.

JB

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 17:32

check this out for all the UK details on MB CLK

http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/content/unitedkingdom/mpc/mpc_unitedkingdom_website/en/home_mpc/passenger_cars/home/products/new_cars/clk-class_coupe.html

bwglaw

3rd March 2006, 17:53

Jonathan

I would just cheack on that as I think there may be a problem in fitting a turbo onto a 220 when they are right hand drive. They may have cured this problem now (been a couple of years since it was an issue) but worth checking out.

I have seen on some websites the Merc CLK 220 2.2 (2148cc) CDI Diesel 2-Door Auto. I need to find out if it is actually 'turbodiesel' and MB website is not saying much on that!

Have been searching for hours for one on contract hire and waiting for replies too! A MB dealership don't do PCH but PCP which works out a bit more expensive and larger deposit.

Mike, have not heard from your contact yet.

Jonathan

Mwebb

3rd March 2006, 18:26

It is a CDI Common rail diesel ( Direct ) Injection

It is the more modern "turbo diesel". More powerful diesel, with better performance, and better economy......gone are the days of turbo diesels!!!

these new diesel engines, sound nearly as quiet as a petrol, and have similar performance....and massive amounts of torque.

The 220 CDI is available in the C-Class, i am not sure in the CLK