Thanks folks, some good insights there, very useful feedback.
I have looked at Toyotas and they all seem to be quite a bit more spendy for the year, mileage and condition. Trouble is I've backed myself into a bit of a corner, timewise, as my current runabout is awful and needs re-insuring and testing next week and I don't need the expense of that just while I use it to source another vehicle...........but I will broaden my search and see what's out there.
Water-based metallic silver paint? Well I've learned something there, who'd have guessed, eh?
I must say, though, I am really taken with the cabin layout and seats etc. on the Mercedes; seems to be exactly where I'd be comfortable for me to be in, and I guess that means a lot in a car you'd be looking at using for three or more years, hopefuly.
Thanks again all