2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E270 CDi review from UK and Ireland

Weeping seal on injector pump (expensive, but thankfully sorted under warranty)

Otherwise fault free.

Staggering value for money. This was bought as a 3 year old ex-lease car with 77,000 miles, FMBSH and 12 months RAC warranty from an independent dealer with a bit of haggling for just under UKP15,000.

The 3.2 diesel has stacks of grunt, is near silent when cruising, and returns an average of 38 mpg so far. It can be surprisingly vocal under load however, and the leaking fuel pump it developed after just 3 weeks of ownership caused some concern. Apparently it's a known issue, and expensive to fix. Thankfully the warranty paid up without hassle.

Fabulous automatic gearbox - always had manual cars, but it's just wrong to buy a manual Mercedes. For my traffic laden commute it's so much more relaxing than pumping a clutch for miles on end. Kickdown is swift, and changes barely more noticeable than the slur in engine note.

Interior is everything you would expect of a Mercedes. Beautifully trimmed and finished, ultra comfortable and nicely specified. No hint of the build quality issues reported on more recent Mercedes cars - finish is first class.

Handling positive for a big car, but steering could do with more feel. A first class motorway car though. I can manage 500 mile trips feeling almost as fresh as when I left. The kids love the rear seat accommodation too. Vast boot, but limited by usual saloon aperture restrictions.

Feels barely run in to be honest, and a steal considering it was well over UKP 30k new.

Far less unpleasant image than the BMW I was going to buy.

Recommended.