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

My car

I've only driven this car on a test drive. It's a nice smooth car, with very direct steering. It's sporty as this car had an optional sport pack. The auto 'box is super smooth, even from start-up cold.

The downside is that this car is a bit sluggish with only 122bhp, it's better go with the C220 CDi.

My car

FED UP!

I own the pre "new generation" version of the car that was introduced in the summer of 2004 (mine's a Dec 2002 edition).

Cabin, low-speed handling and comfort (especially the seat) are all fine.

The problem (and in my opinion a very serious one at that) is relative to the body roll on the Elegance version. While overtaking HGVs or large trucks at anything over 60mph, I start to get roll on the body by the tail wind of the truck in question. On (moderately) windy stretches of the motorway, I feel the car gets buffeted quite heavily and I often have to make an effort to remain on course.

I appreciate that this problem apparently doesn't exist on the Avantguard model (probably why MB apparently stiffened and lowered the suspension on the new-generation version), however I find that for the class and price of the car this sort of ride is absolutely appalling.

Please note that this has also been confirmed by other owners of the pre-2004 Elegance model I have spoken to. If you're buying second hand and intend to use it on the motorway, take it for a test drive before parting with your money.

My car

The C-Class is not as engaging to drive as a 3 Series BMW, but the BMW is nowhere near as refined and the feeling you get of looking down the bonnet at the three-pointed star is better than any BMW. The C Class is a class apart from all others in the price range.

Audi wanted £22,000 for 1.8T SE nowhere near the same league. The dealers are great and not condescending in any way.

The Mercedes Benz dealership was really welcoming. We started with a wish list and worked down, ending up with me buying a C Class 180 Kompressor Avantgarde SE with full leather, sports pack (the wheels and suspension are awesome) and I highly recommend the black maple wood, it's 10 times better than the aluminium finish of the the normal Avantgarde.

All in all, a class act in a car that is understated, yet real drivers notice what you are driving!

You need one of these - trust me!

My car

Whilst the car is good to drive, the reliability is somewhat questionable. In the two-year period I have owned the car (from new) it has had in excess of 20 warranty faults. The dealerships response is somewhat ambivalant in that they assure me that this is very unusal. Cold comfort if you have spent £20K plus for a quality car.