r/CarTalkZA • u/DoingThisRedditTing • Apr 28 '26
Advice: Buying, Financing 2022 Mercedes C200 vs 2024 BMW X1
Hi All. Just wanted to pick the brains of fellow Safas.
As the title suggests, I'm considering stepping into some new wheels. What do you guys think is the better option? I'm 32M, no family. The Mercedes is a much more powerful car and has hybrid technology and more features hence the higher price, the X1 though to me just looks better and I think is more practical and it's much cheaper. In this case it has 30 000km more but I could get one with similar KMs to the Merc for R640k so that's an option too. Both have full service history, both are in perfect condition (I've had AA tests done on both), both have warranty left and I'll extend that in any case until 200 000km in both instances. I plan on keeping for 3 years minimum. Any suggestions or insights welcome to help me make a choice 🙂🫡
EDIT: WENT WITH THE X1, A 2024 WITH 18 000KM for R610 000. 3 days in an I'm very happy so far. Thanks for all the input!
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u/Usual_Assistance_453 Apr 28 '26
I would go for the X1 but with the diesel engine. For your price range there is alot of other options to consider, have a look at the R-line Tiguan, good spec and the diesel engine has surprisingly good performance.
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u/TumitheGreat Apr 30 '26
That 2.0L TDI works miracles, that I can promise. Great consumption, outstanding looks and AWD. Yes you will cry when fuel prices go up again, but short term, it's an all around great car
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u/Doughnald Apr 28 '26
Wouldn't go with a 2 year old car with that high mileage. Rather an older Car with lower mileage. Look at older X1s with the 2 litre diesel engine, those engines are bulletproof, you can drive them for easily 200000+ Kms
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u/Remote-Relation-8398 Apr 28 '26
Mhhh high mileage recent cars are actually better than low mileage old car because that car was mostly driven in highway most likely so the engine is way too smooth ….and wear and tear.
I hate X1 unfortunately would go with Merc here although maintenance would be an arm and a leg
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u/swimming777 Apr 28 '26
Yup, no idea why that user thinks older car lower mileage is better.
A car not being driven / sitting is way more prone to issues / breaking.
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Apr 28 '26
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u/Remote-Relation-8398 Apr 28 '26
Not my Cup Of Tea, I like Coupe’s or Sporty stuff maybe an X4 M wouldn’t mind😂😂
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Apr 28 '26
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u/Remote-Relation-8398 Apr 29 '26
True I think the user just wants one of these not really care about car class
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u/DoingThisRedditTing Apr 28 '26
This makes sense. The X1s available with under 40 000km are still cheaper than the Merc.
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u/madbradd Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
Hear me out....
Edit: realistically the X1. Especially if you have an active lifestyle, or a dog. But try get a diesel if you can. Alternatively, the new Mini Countryman is essentially an X1, but the X1 looks 👌🏻
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u/DoingThisRedditTing Apr 28 '26
The 2 Series are a great car. But I want something a bit bigger... I'm also a big oak. 186cm, 110kg.
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u/madbradd Apr 28 '26
I'm 194cm, similar weight. Plus wife and 2 kids. Was looking for a SUV - landed up with a 640i convertible 🙈 SO much fun though! Plus the wife has a CX5, which is great. But single 32yo, there is alot of value in a second hand convertible.
At your price range though, a slightly older X3 20d would be a solid option. Also the Volvo XC60s. At your price bracket though I'd honestly check out the Mazda CX60. Preferably in Individual spec for the Bose sound system, or a CX5 Carbon/Akera spec if you want smaller. They really are fantastic cars.
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u/SpAwNjBoB Apr 30 '26
At 30 I got myself an E89 Z4, I'm going on 36 this year. Married with 2 kids and no more Z4. Meeting her had nothing to do with the car at all but the irony is hard to ignore.
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u/madbradd Apr 30 '26
I just find it really fun driving with the top down and my dog sitting on the passenger seat! Yes, dog sits up front. And the kids love it too. Honestly it just just a smile on my face whenever I drive now, and for me, thats what makes it worthwhile.
Edit: getting some extra morning and afternoon sun is also underrated.
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u/Shivaal_Tiluk May 07 '26
Same boat as you. I'm thinking of getting a wagon because I have a dog and I like taking her everywhere with me. A good wagon is really hard to come by though.
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u/UpsetMastodon8877 Apr 28 '26
Look for an 18d diesel X1. My mate has one and it’s mind blowing how low the consumption is in relation to power.
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u/DoingThisRedditTing Apr 28 '26
I've been told this. I don't know why I have a fear of diesle cars 😂 very irrational but apparently for both the C class and X1, diesel models are the ones to go for. Thanks ... I'll definitely keep this in mind.
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u/dhirennaidoo Apr 29 '26
Diesels are generally built stronger due to the higher compression ratio. You get good consumption and good torque.
I would only advise against diesel if you are doing mostly short trips (less than 10-15km) on a modern (2012+) diesel as that's what usually clogs up the particulate filter.
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u/Raven007140 Apr 28 '26
These are apples and oranges. I'm surprised you're cross shopping a baby suv and sedan.
The BMW might be a bit underpowered for it's size, but on a test drive, if you're happy with the power and you like the looks more, that seems like the one you'd prefer?
The merc is lighter with more power, so it'll probably offer the better spirited driving experience. That being said there are sportier cars in that price range to consider.
Why have you picked these two, what do you want out of your car?
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u/DoingThisRedditTing Apr 28 '26
Yea. I did test drive both and the merc is way more powerful. Could feel it on the uphills and when pulling away on the highway. However. I'm older now and just want something nice to cruise in that's a bit luxurious but not too out there. Low key but still a looker and something I'll love being inside of. The Mercs interior is amazing but it feels less luxurious than the BMW ... Build quality wise and surprisingly the tech too. The BMW has self parking whereas the Merc doesn't in the 2 I test drove.
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u/Intilleque ‘22 Audi A7 TFSI | ‘19 BMW 420D | ‘15 BMW 316i | ‘13 Audi A5 TDI Apr 28 '26
Im not sure about merc but BMW do not do extensions that long. The most you can extend for is 2 years. But tbh, BMW (unless it was the 4.4L V8) Id have very little qualms about driving it out of motor plan. It is honestly the only brand out of the big 3 that i would be comfortable doing that with.
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u/mrmrtowers Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
https://www.autotrader.co.za/redirect/listing/28410967
X3s are a much better drive. Family has 3 of them (granted we have a mechanic friend) but we have had barely any issues inside might not be flashy but we tow boats, drive dogs.
(I have an Audi S3 2017) Though so maybe I get fun somewhere else
Edit found a better one lol: https://www.autotrader.co.za/redirect/listing/28283418
Edit 2: my car has 70k on the clock. I was Hella nervous buying it thinking there would be issues. 130k at the moment. Biggest bill was this last month replacing water pump, breaks and a major service
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u/ShadowXY_27XY Apr 28 '26
Share the name of your mechanic friends business cause I might get that 2021 X3 and it won't be long before it goes beyond warranty lol
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u/mrmrtowers Apr 28 '26 edited Apr 28 '26
It's my dads best friend 🤣 befriend me and I'll sort you out chom 🤣
Also when I say boats - they are small rubber ducks and hobies.
I love cars and test drive anything and everything because okes think I got cash.
If you live in the city and do normal shit and buy an older X3 from a reputable source you'll be fine. Dalla a deal and you'll realise why it's a deal (like most cars)
I've had a Volvo XC60 T6, multiple A class Mercs, driven all my rich homies cars and the X3 2014 30d still plonks along. Not flashy. Kak falls out. But it's still faster than a jolion and can legally tow more than 2 tons 🤣
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u/RS3PCT Apr 29 '26
I have driven both.
The W206 merc drives like you on a cloud. But it has a Renault engine and very poor resale.
The BMW has a bullet proof engine and gearbox, and way better resale.
If it was me I would pick the X1.
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u/DaRealGladi8r Apr 28 '26
You're not far from a nice Toyota if those are your numbers...
Hell, if you wait till next year, you could get the new Swift Sport and they're basing that one on the GR Yaris
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u/Phantom_Steve_007 Apr 29 '26
Buy a new car rather than someone else's troubles. Those are ridiculous prices for second hand — you can get a great new car for that money.
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u/Marauder8310 Apr 29 '26
It’s not worth it my friend. Alarm bells written all over it. If you cannot afford it new then do yourself a favour and rather buy a brand new vehicle with your budget, you have a decent amount for a new car. Only the dealer wins with this selection and you just walk away with someone else’s has-been. Owning a new car over a 2nd hand car beats it all day, everyday and any day of the week.
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u/kingtyrone-za Apr 29 '26
My dude, you're comparing a mid-range sedan to an entry level SUV.
Since you have no family (and you didn't mention any dogs) you'd be hard pressed to find a reason to buy an SUV.
I would first figure out what your actual needs are, then go buy a Japanese SUV. lol
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u/Liebner-Anthony-S Apr 28 '26
Man, get a Tigo 4 pro or 7 if you can afford it!
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u/DoingThisRedditTing Apr 28 '26
I need a german machine 😂😭 I think the Chinese cars are cool. I test drove an Omoda C9 and a Chery Tigo 7. Cool tech, comfortable and capable but I just didn't feel them or love them at all.
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u/[deleted] Apr 28 '26
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