BEST USED LUXURY CAR MERCEDES S-CLASS W221
OUR PICK 2010 (10) S350 CDI, 64,000 miles, £16,000
THE Mercedes S-class is more than just a luxury saloon; it can lay claim to the title of best car in the world. For more than half a century this imposing limo has set the standard for comfort, refinement, technology and safety.
As a result, any second-hand S-class is likely to feel more modern than brand new rivals – and the previous W221 generation is no exception. It was packed with cutting-edge kit at 2006’s launch, from infra-red night vision cameras to Mercedes’ pre-collision safety kit.
Yet while some of these features still feel futuristic today, you can pick up an early S-class for the price of a new entry-level Dacia Sandero. Yes, the Mercedes will have done around 200,000 miles, but it’s engineered to last and will feel as if it will do that mileage again.
Spend a few thousand more and you can get the keys to a facelifted S350 CDI with fewer than 100,000 miles under its belt. Powered by a creamy smooth and lusty V6 diesel, the S-class delivers a fine blend of performance and economy, while the standard air-suspension smothers bumps and potholes effortlessly.
Yet despite its size and refinement, the big Mercedes is quite agile. Well weighted steering, strong grip and decent body control allow it to corner with the sort of confidence reserved for cars half its size. And if you’d rather be driven than drive, the S-class is just as accomplished. Standard cars get loads of legroom; LWB models deliver the ultimate in lounging space.
The cabin is also packed with top-notch materials and beautifully built. It’s loaded with kit, too, including leather trim, climate control and Mercedes’ intuitive COMAND infotainment system. Just ensure all the toys work properly, and that the service book has been fully stamped; although the Mercedes hasn’t appeared in Driver Power, these are essential checks on any buy.
Find a sound example, and the S-class can make you look and feel a million dollars for a fraction of the price.
Powered by a creamy V6 diesel, the S-class delivers a fine blend of performance and economy
LOOKING to go green? Electric cars have stronger eco credentials than most. And the good news is that there’s never been a better time to buy used.
Not only are there more models than ever to choose from, the second-hand market is still unsure about zero emissions vehicles, meaning prices have tumbled.
One of the best electric cars is the Nissan Leaf, which combines hi-tech electric underpinnings with the everyday usability of a compact family hatchback. More importantly, a lightly used example can be yours for less than £5,000. Stump up a bit more, and you can get a low-mileage example that’s still covered by a healthy chunk of manufacturer warranty.
All Leafs feature a 108bhp electric motor that offers surprisingly brisk acceleration in eerie silence. Early cars get a 24kwh battery that gives a claimed range of 124 miles, while a facelift in 2015 brought a 30kwh upgrade that stretched the official range to 155 miles.
However, as with all battery-powered cars it’s best to take these figures with a pinch of salt. Cruise at higher speeds, use the air-con or heated seats and the Nissan’s range will quickly tumble.
Yet if you drive the Leaf for frequent short journeys and can plug it in to charge every night, your savings on fuel will run into thousands. A full charge will take around eight hours using a regular three-pin plug, while models with the optional 6.6kw fast charger can be replenished to 80 per cent capacity in only half an hour.
Look past the Leaf’s cutting-edge underpinnings, and you’ll find a surprisingly conventional family car. It offers space for five adults, and the boot has a useful 370-litre capacity. Climate control and an infotainment touchscreen are standard, while most cars get sat-nav.
The Nissan should be hassle-free to own, too; it came an impressive 12th in the top 150 of our Driver Power 2016 satisfaction survey. And it finished a brilliant second in the running costs category of the same poll.
Drive it for frequent short journeys and plug it in every night, and your savings on fuel will run into thousands