Used car tests

Used buyer's guide: Mercedes R-Class

The R-Class MPV is a steal second-hand, but it is expensive to run

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16 Oct 2012

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What to look for

• All R-Classes have an automatic gearbox, but along with the different engines, there was a choice of two wheelbases. The long-wheelbase version adds 235mm, so at over five metres is very long, but the extra space is necessary to fit three rows of seats in the cabin.• The R320 CDI and R350 CDI are the engines to go for; they’re also by far the most common.• There are SE and Sport trims to choose from. Both are well equipped, but it’s worth taking the time to seek out a car with the optional glass roof fitted.• All R-Classes have four-wheel drive, apart from the R280 CDI and R300 CDI – they’re front-wheel drive.

Recalls

The R-Class has been recalled a total of six times, spread evenly through its production lifeftime. There were two issued in 2006, concerning the risk of short-circuits in the starter motor and the possibility of the driver’s seatbelt unlatching itself. Two more recalls in 2008 were over the engine shutting down or losing power, while the most recent – in 2011 and January of this year – focused on possible leaks from the fuel filter or its housing. Check all this work has been carried out.

Check out the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) website for up-to-date recall information.

Driver Power

Our view: The R-Class is too rare to make our Driver Power satisfaction survey, but Mercedes tends to do well overall. This year it was the eighth-placed manufacturer, with its dealers 10th. Owners love Mercs’ ride and refinement, but not their running costs.

Your view: James Hastings of Alvechurch, Worcs, bought his 2008 R320L CDI two years ago. He says: “The car is reliable, refined and suits my family of four. It also feels really well built. And because it’s not that popular, you can haggle dealers down.”