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Used buyer's guide: Mercedes R-Class

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

How much?

The cheapest R-Class we found was a 136,000-mile R320L CDI Sport for only £8,995, but most are more than £12,000. That will secure an R280 CDI, R320 CDI or a petrol-engined R350. In theory, an R500 is also within reach, but these cover fewer miles, so prices tend to be higher – typically starting at around £14,000. The cheapest R350 CDIs are about £24,000 and you’ll do well to find an R300 CDI at all – expect to pay at least £20,000.

Running costs

All R-Classes need to visit the garage every 12 months. In the case of diesel models, there’s a 15,500-mile limit between services, but petrol versions cut this to only 12,500 miles. Even the cheapest service is £265, so maintenance isn’t cheap – an intermediate service costs £395. It’s the fourth one you have to watch out for: there are lots of fluids and filters to renew and it will set you back £750-£900 depending on the engine. At least there are no cambelts to replace, but the brake fluid does need to be renewed every two years (at £60), while the coolant has to be replaced every 15 years, at £120.

ModelInsurance groupFuel economyCO2 emissionsAnnual road tax
R350L4624mpg271g/km£465
R500L SE4921mpg317g/km£465
R63L AMG5017mpg387g/km£465
R280 CDI SE4430mpg246g/km£465
R300 CDI4431mpg240g/km£465
R320L CDI SE4630mpg253g/km£465
R350L CDI 4730mpg253g/km£465
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New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,249 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,300
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,538 off RRP*Used from £14,000
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,641
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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