• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I value safety - its old now but still has more safety gadgets than most newer cars.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Practical with a family and they think the car is nicer than it really is. Its big and imposing!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    No - its nice but a bit large and cumbersome. I would opt for the smaller S60 with a sportier engine.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Mercedes C-Class.

  • Buying experience

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £1,100

    When did you buy the car?

    December 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    I managed to haggle down on the price as the mileage was higher than advertised - the garage owner had been using it as his runaround!

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    What was the dealer like?

    Small, family run used car dealership.

  • Driving it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Its huge so carries presence on the roads, suspension is very soft - it wallows - comfy but far from sporty! Powerful engine - it really is a motorway cruiser.

    What's it like to park?

    Its huge and mine doesnt have sensors. On most cars these are a gimmick on this they would be useful - the car is a nightmare in smaller car parks!!

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    AC compressor went so replaced with a part from salvage yard for £65. Had a brake fault which meant the brakes were 'on' the whole time..... did a 200 mile motorway journey with an increasing noise. Cooked brake fluid and actually warped the disks!!

    What's most practical about your car?

    It has a very roomy cabin - friend drives a 3 series BMW and it is tiny inside in comparison!

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Nice stereo as standard and the climate control is very good.