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

My car

I chose this as a company car in Nov 2003. Within two weeks the heated rear window had packed up (which they still haven't fixed after two repair visits), the interior developed a terminal death rattle so the dashboard had to be replaced, and to cap it all on Boxing Day 2003, the petrol filler flap refused to open and I was left stranded waiting for the AA in an M4 service station at 7am.

I would implore anyone to never choose a Mercedes. I have several colleagues who have had similar problems with theirs. On the positive side, the free coffee in the waiting room of the service centre is quite nice. I should know, I've drunk enough of it!

My car

I've been driving this car for nearly four years and have been appalled at the reliabilty, service and quality. Problems really started after year two but they have been consistent. Everything from a broken electric motor on the driver's seat adjustment to a manifold gasket have been replaced.

Service has been poor and it even took two days to get a new battery from Mercedes breakdown, with the car stranded in the meantime! I am getting a new car in three weeks and guess whcih brand was not on my shopping list. Not worth the money or the perceived image.

My car

Build quality cannot be faulted. (So much so that the guy who fitted the car kit complained that there wasn't a gap in the interior panels through which to run a wire!)

Refinement of engine, automatic gearbox and drivetrain all combine to give a smooth, near silent progression.

All fixtures and fittings within the (very well specified) cabin are solid, and feel as if they would last for 100 years. Certainly they have given no concern within the past two years.

Fuel economy is 33.7mpg overall, which is nearly the MB published figure. In excess of 42 mpg is easily achievable on a run.

My only minor concern is with the shape of the boot. Whilst it is easily possible to fit two sets of golf clubs in, the same cannot be said of two suitcases. The last family holiday involved a very crowded back seat!

The C-class has presented no problems in the 22 months I have had it since new. Would I get another? Yes! (But have you seen the new A Class..?)

My car

I have had this car from new for nearly four years now and covered over 88,000 miles. I can only describe this as being the most reliable car I have ever owned with low running costs to match - circa £2,000 inclusive maintenance in total over the equivalent of nearly 8 years normal motoring in mixed cross country, A roads, motorway and city, (London), driving.

My overall average fuel consumption has been 40mpg with the best brim to brim over 50mpg.

I cannot agree with comments over quality having driven previous model C-class Mercedes and note that the interior is both hard wearing and easily cleaned up to look new and the body is clearly built like the proverbial Panzer.

Stray branches and the like have not caused problems.

I also run an A-class diesel and similar comments apply!