If it were me and I wanted to have my sensible hat on I'd say the 230E is the sweet spot of the W124 with everything considered. They are as frugal if not moreso than a 300D, and 250D Autos can be slow from what I'm told, albeit a little more frugal. The engines are tough and decent and being a non-diesel they go for sensible money still, but even they are not as cheap as they used to be in estate form.
My mate who I sold my 300D told me my 250D is quicker than his, albeit mine is semi-base spec. He also told me a 230E is around as quick as my car. With a manual mine does 38-42MPG which is well within the realms of the 230E.
If you commute to London as well my 250D will cost £10 a day on top of the Congestion charge. Being a petrol 230Es will be cleaner to work on too!
If you don't believe me, believe Keith Adams from Modern Classics!
So, if the above is the case, why didn't I get a 230E? Simple. Beer was involved in my purchase partially and I really wanted a diesel. While I did my research I assumed the petrols were either frugal and slow or reasonably paced and thirsty. Since then I've found out it's not quite the case.
Diesels are now rare too. 300D Estates are rare with 250Ds being also. When I looked mine was one of two 250Ds for sale. I've seen another 250D come up as a breaker and not another manual. But with 40 250Ds left with not many them being manuals (and a specialist down south owning two of them) it is easy to see why dervs command a premium.
My mate who I sold my 300D told me my 250D is quicker than his, albeit mine is semi-base spec. He also told me a 230E is around as quick as my car. With a manual mine does 38-42MPG which is well within the realms of the 230E.
If you commute to London as well my 250D will cost £10 a day on top of the Congestion charge. Being a petrol 230Es will be cleaner to work on too!
If you don't believe me, believe Keith Adams from Modern Classics!
So, if the above is the case, why didn't I get a 230E? Simple. Beer was involved in my purchase partially and I really wanted a diesel. While I did my research I assumed the petrols were either frugal and slow or reasonably paced and thirsty. Since then I've found out it's not quite the case.
Diesels are now rare too. 300D Estates are rare with 250Ds being also. When I looked mine was one of two 250Ds for sale. I've seen another 250D come up as a breaker and not another manual. But with 40 250Ds left with not many them being manuals (and a specialist down south owning two of them) it is easy to see why dervs command a premium.
