Mercedes-Benz B, 2014, Nokia

Note. The vehicle is owned by a finance company. Huutokaupat.com handles payments and registrations, so there is a longer than usual delay in registering the car.

For sale: a Mercedes‑Benz B 200 NGT with just over 300,000 km — a German sensible choice that runs on gas and petrol. This example was originally a German taxi before coming to Finland, so the kilometres weren’t accumulated sitting in a dealer’s forecourt but on the autobahn and in everyday service. In other words: made to be driven, not to be a showpiece.

This is a B‑class Merc — compact outside but surprisingly roomy inside. It easily takes passengers, luggage, shopping, child seats, a dog, or whatever load the situation demands, including a mother‑in‑law. The boot is quite practical. Don’t try to fit two prams and a mother‑in‑law in there at the same time — one can go on the rear seat.

The seating position is pleasantly upright. This is not a low sports bucket that requires a physiotherapist to get out of; a slightly higher driving position helps visibility without having to buy a full‑size SUV just to see over hedges.

The engine is the B 200 NGT — a factory‑built gas car. It runs on gas, and petrol is available as backup so the journey won’t end at the first missing gas station. Driving to Lapland on petrol isn’t sensible unless you live there. I don’t know anything about gas stations in Lapland and please don’t try to fill the car with barbecue gas.

Fuel consumption is sensible, and driving on gas remains a pleasant change from looking at petrol bills.

With the odometer showing just over 300,000 km, consider that a feather in this car’s cap rather than a criminal record. The car has seen life but doesn’t look like it’s given up. The interior is tidy for the mileage, the leather seats are intact and the overall condition is reasonable. It’s not new, nor sold as such — signs of use are present, but the general appearance is still perfectly acceptable.

Equipment includes, among other things:

* automatic transmission

* leather interior

* air conditioning

* cruise control/speed limiter - the latter was probably previously between the seat and the wheel

* multifunction steering wheel

* central display

* heated seats

* generous boot space

* extra front lights, because night falls surprisingly early in Finland

* automatic wipers

* Bluetooth

* ISOFIX anchors at the rear

* folding rear seats

* a very cool red fuel flap!

It snowed last Saturday, so studded tyres are currently fitted. Smarter alloy wheels with summer tyres are waiting quietly so they don’t wear out too much. Finnish summers are short and usually low on snow, so their use is already a carefully considered natural resource.

This car suits well as a daily driver, a commuter, a family second car or for a buyer who values space, sensible running costs and a car that already has a story. It’s not a showpiece for an exhibition hall, but an honest Merc for everyday use, built to get people and things where they need to go.

First registration in Finland:

8 August 2017

The vehicle must be collected within 7 days of the auction ending unless otherwise agreed - Huutokaupat.com.