USED Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (00 - 08)

My car

I traded in an 07 Golf 1.6 FSI on a runout special C200 CDI with sports equipment pack, I am very glad that we did, a couple of nights ago we were hit from behind, the driver who hit us was doing 80kph, I don't think we would have walked away from this accident had we been in the Golf. The car is very solid and strong, three cheers for Mercedes.

So apart from saving us the Mercedes has been an excellent car, it's been a good drive, quiet, fits all the junk that a fmily crts around and I will be replacing it with another one (w204) when the insurance company sends me the cheque.

My car

This is a very good car. It may not be the most exciting car in the world but as a family workhorse (ours is an estate), it takes some beating. Ours has 75,000 miles on the clock and is almost 6 years old. By comparison, we also have a new (2007) BMW 520DSE Auto (177).

The BMW is much smoother and more comfortable but, despite the official figures, does not come close to the Mercedes in economy terms (45 for Merc v. 35 at best for BMW - despite the claimed figures!) - and despite the BMW being 5 years newer. The Mercedes cabin is a little austere and lacks the luxury of the BMW. However, in some ways, I prefer the older Mercedes. It is 100% reliable. It can take the rubbish to the tip one day and impress the neighbours the next.

In terms of servicing, I find that the best thing is to get the Mercedes dealer to do the minimum to 'stamp the book' leaving independents or Kwik Fit to sort out the brakes or any potentially expensive extras. The only slight issue is the reliability of the electrics: nothing serious, just blown light bulbs and the like. Tyres cost around £80 each and it's best to source them through a mobile internet fitter.

Finally, image-wise, you can't go far wrong with this car - it looks a million dollars with a decent valet, despite the fact that ours is worth less than a new Vauxhall Astra (I know which one I would have any day)

My car

I purchased a new merc c class diesel estate on the 23/12/04.The car is fitted with a particulate filter which does what's called a burn off about every three days.When the burn off ocures it makes the car vibrate and rumble at speeds below 35 MPH.I have been told by my local Mercedes service dept., that they all do this that are fitted with the particulate filter.On my car the burn off takes over 30 mins to complete.The car has had a lot of parts replaced under warrenty.I would not buy another mercedes.

My car

This is the worst car I have ever owned. Its totaly unreliable, and the build quality is poor. Mine has done 39k miles (5yrs old) has had new electrical wiring, eats tires, air con failure, a new dive shaft, and now needs £900 for a new electical ignition. Reare suspension is failing. Main dealer customer service is the worst I have ever come across, ...when they pick up the phone.