USED Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV (96 - 04)

My car

It is ok for pepole with 4 children.

My car

I bought my 2.2 diesel auto Ambiente V Class new in 1999. It was bought with travelling to France 3/4 times a year in mind and for five years was without doubt the best vehicle I have ever owned but in the last thre years it appears that everything is going wrong. New suspension pump, steering rack and various bits connected to it, carbon build up around the fuel injectors. Now the suspension pump is playing up again and the bodywork is a complete mess. I have referred the bodywork to Mercedes but they are not interested even though there was an article in What Car stating that there were quality issues on bodywork at the time of manufacture in 1999. Finally, the electronics seem to be playing games now. I feel very let down that what started out as a superb 'prestige' vehicle has suddenly become a major burden.

My car

I had the 230 petrol automatic, very nice to drive and comfortable, however;

Air conditioning feebly gasps cold air at front seat passengers leaving rear cabin to swelter in summer. On very cold days, heater unable to make the car really warm. A de-mist system is something that's fitted to other cars, make sure you have rag to continually clear windscreen. A friend has a V class and has the same problems.

Self levelling suspension causes expensive problems. Ours stopped working and was traced to a sensor thankfully (about £200), our friends stopped and was traced to the suspension pump. They're about £1000, make sure the suspension self-levels when you step inside. There's quite a few spots of rust now which for a 1998 Mercedes I wouldn't expect. Similar age Peugeots and Renaults seem mainly rust free.

Great space and comfort, let down by badly designed heater/airco system.