Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180

mackrel

Are these good cars? I like the look of them and was thinking of buying. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks

bazz26

mackrel wrote: »

Are these good cars? I like the look of them and was thinking of buying. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks

Which model are you talking about as there are 3 generations of C-Class since it was launched back in the early 1990s.

Personally myself I always saw the C-Class as third choice behind the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The C-Class never really did anything better than the 3 Series or A4 imo. The second generation (2001 to 2007) was poorly built and didn't feel like a Merc should.

Sheeps

I've heard that the new C class is actually built very well in contrast to the older versions. The newest model on the road now is probably one of the nicest cars driving, looks wise.

mackrel

Sorry should have given more info, maybe a 02 or 03 coupe

Owen

I personally hate them. Fine looking car, but drives like a speedboat wallowing everywhere, rolling in the corners, the interior's drab, the steering wheel is just oversized with that huge boss behind it for no reason, and don't get me started on that all in one wipers/lights/trip computer stalk which is the size of a TV remote.

Everytime I get into one, I tell myself I'll look at it with a fresh mind, and everytime I drive it, I feel like a pensioner buying a Merc because it's a Merc.

Hissing Sid

mackrel wrote: »

Sorry should have given more info, maybe a 02 or 03 coupe

Hi there Mackrel,
I drive an older 220, the w202 model, and would recommend them as super cars to drive. The later model w203, 01-06 were not built to the same standards and I wouldn't go for them, but the latest, w204 are top class.
Good luck.

Mr.David

I think the first gen is a good car, well built and a proper old school merc.

The 2nd gen is poor, it really is. And its unreliable too.

The current gen is decent. Had a 220cdi there for a couple of days. Good engine, looks well from the outside and handles and rides well. Even the steering is decent.

Negatives are the drab and low key interior - so so poor not a nice place to spend time at all. Its well put together, but some of the materials are low rent and the design language is very square. Feels like a taxi.

As for the C class coupe, no, I most certainly wouldnt touch one with a barge pole tbh.

Leonard Hofstadter

The W203(01-07 model) is one of the worst cars ever to have a Merc badge on it. Only the original W168 A-class and W163 M-class(that had to be the worst car Merc ever made) are worse than it, though the W210 and pre-facelift W211 E-class are pretty $h!t€ cars as well and I can't say I like the current generation A or B class either.

The W203 doesn't even feel special inside, especially the 'Sports Coupe', which is neither sporting nor a coupe, it's a three-door hatchback that is even less well made than the saloon/estate models. I mean if it wasn't for the Merc badge you'd think you were in a Toyota or some other piece of dross it feels so cheap inside.

The current W204 is meant to built almost as well as last of the really well made Mercs like the W124 and W140.

The W202 C-class(93-00 model) is worthy of the Merc badge, but rust problems have put most of them in a scapyard by now.

mackrel

Thanks for all the input.

mackrel

Looks like the c-class in getting the thumbs down. I'm looking to spend about 5grand on something along the lines of an A4, passat, BMW 3series and was thinking about the c class, which looks to be out the window. Any suggestions?

Thanks

johndaman66

captainspeed wrote: »

The W202 C-class(93-00 model) is worthy of the Merc badge, but rust problems have put most of them in a scapyard by now.

ECU failure is also another noted problem on this model. Extremley costly to rectify. Injector seal failure on diesels can be very costly if it is not caught in the early stages. Also on diesels replacing glowplugs is known to be a costly job due to the amount of dismantling involved to get to them.

mickdw

maybe the OP should look at CLK. Ive no idea if they are throublesome or not but it would certainly be a better coupe option than the short arse C class coupe

-Corkie-

mickdw wrote: »

maybe the OP should look at CLK. Ive no idea if they are throublesome or not but it would certainly be a better coupe option than the short arse C class coupe

I think they are a horrible lookin yoke. I hate them. Arent they the ones with a led brake light about 5 foot long built into the boot.

Not a very manly car. Mostly driven by women in there sixtys with rather large sunglasses and of course a pooch in the passangers seat.

Anyway back on topic I love the new C class. Fine bus.

coylemj

mackrel wrote: »

Sorry should have given more info, maybe a 02 or 03 coupe

It's a CLK he's looking at, not a C180.

Max_Damage

If it was me, I'd go with an older 190E (W201). Far superior built, engines will last forever, they're incredible easy to maintain and work on, and spare parts are cheap.

bazz26

mackrel wrote: »

Looks like the c-class in getting the thumbs down. I'm looking to spend about 5grand on something along the lines of an A4, passat, BMW 3series and was thinking about the c class, which looks to be out the window. Any suggestions?

Thanks

This might be worth looking at:

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201044200085052

johndaman66

Max_Damage wrote: »

If it was me, I'd go with an older 190E (W201). Far superior built, engines will last forever, they're incredible easy to maintain and work on, and spare parts are cheap.

Same here but would imagine they are getting pretty thin on the ground now all the same though, especially good ones. No doubt many of the purists would argue that these are the last of the great Mercs. I suppose one of the things to look out for is cars that have being driven to a pulp by overly enthusaistic pups and tarted up after...seen as all 190's have being around a long time now this has surely happened to a lot of em at some stage in their lifes being RWD too. Any car of this age rust will be another thing to look out for in particular of the car was imported from UK. I'd seriously suggest getting it up on the lift and having a good gander and poke about.

Early models will be attaining classic car status in the next few years and will cost peanuts to tax...assuming the gubberment doesn't close off this privilege to classic car owners. No doubt early models in good order will demand a premium because of this though...if you can find one!

This one would appear to be a peach.
http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1667937

I'm sure if the guy selling it is reasonable and serious about selling his car he'll haggle on the price.