Item: Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV 1996 - 2004
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Estate

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

V CLASS

Prestige badge, yes. Prestige car, no. The Mercedes V-Class isn't pleasant or rewarding

Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV 1996 - 2004

By MPV standards, the V-Class is not cheap to buy or run. And, how much it costs depends on the age of vehicle and where you buy it from.

The V-Class lost more than half its value after three years, although the turbodiesel fared better than the other two. So, if you buy one now, it will be a lot of car - size-wise at least - for the money. The problem is it's just not a very good one.

We'd steer clear of the franchised showrooms because they will be pricey. Instead, find sellers who specialise in executive or ex-fleet vehicles, and consider auction houses, as well.

You can also expect high, and probably quite regular, maintenance bills. The V-Class is way below average for reliability in the respected Warranty Direct index.

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Prestige badge, yes. Prestige car, no. The Mercedes V-Class isn't pleasant or rewarding


There's only really one answer to this question - avoid the petrols and go for the diesel.

The 2.3-litre 143bhp petrol engine from the old E-Class struggles and wheezes to shift the V-Class's considerable bulk and only gives 24mpg fuel economy. The 2.8-litre V6 with 174bhp offers a more powerful alternative, but returns an appalling 21mpg. So, pretty much by default, that only leaves the 2.2-litre diesel, badged 220 CDI, giving a half-decent 35mpg.

However, you've still got to floor the throttle to get anywhere, and the same is true in the 2.3. Driving any V-Class isn't a peaceful experience, and you really notice the coarseness of the 2.2 and 2.3 if you have the four-speed automatic gearbox, which was an option on those two models and standard on the V6.

Trend is the basic trim, while Fashion gets a special velour upholstery and Ambient adds leather, cruise control and wooden inserts on the door and dashboard.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.

Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.

But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.

With plenty of V-Classes sold or leased to the chauffeur-driven market, it could go one of two ways. The vehicles are either used responsibly by their drivers, well cared for and serviced according to the manufacturer schedule... or they aren't.

Needless to say, try to avoid the latter and anything with high mileages. Known problems include sliding side doors that can jump their runners, as well as a host of different electrical gremlins.

Check the paperwork to see what warranty work has been done before you buy, and if it's a catalogue of disaster there may be more to come in the future.

Rust was also an issue on some models, and there were reports of collapsing rear suspension struts, too.

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The phrase 'van with windows' to describe people carriers has never been more accurate than when applied to the Mercedes V-Class.

Despite its appeal to the chauffeur-driven industry for groups of travelling executives, this is a Mercedes Vito van with extra glass in the body, six captain's chairs in three rows of two, and lots of luxury kit added. That includes electric everything, plus air suspension at the rear.

MPVs aren't meant to be hurled around, but the sheer size and weight of the V-Class makes it unwieldy, even at low speed. The huge turning circle is a pain, too.

To its credit, the cabin doesn't feel too van-like from behind the wheel: there's decent visibility and a good driving position. All models come with air-conditioning, and there's a host of options including folding tables and chromed coathangers.

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Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV 1996 - 2004 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

Used Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV 1996 - 2004 review

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