Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (96-01) - Review

Review by Parkers on
4
This excellent compact executive estate makes an fine introduction to Mercedes ownership and is a faithful family workhorse. Those high standards of engineering, finish and driver satisfaction don't come cheaply.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (96-01)

Prestige; quality; V6 engines; slow depreciation

Audi A4 makes C-Class look expensive

New price range:

£21,750 - £48,950

Used price range:

£360 - £3,315

View all used prices

Summary

Parkers Rating:

4 out of 5

This excellent compact executive estate makes an fine introduction to Mercedes ownership and is a faithful family workhorse. Those high standards of engineering, finish and driver satisfaction don't come cheaply. C-Class may have become realively common, but the Estate is more sought after and there are fewer on the market so prices remain stronger than for the Saloon. Bought as much for its prestigeous image as for its practicality there are bigger estate about but few feel as special.

Parkers Ratings

Overall

4 out of 5

Performance

3.5 out of 5

Handling

4 out of 5

Comfort

3.5 out of 5

Practicality

3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

4 out of 5

Safety

1.5 out of 5

Reliability

5 out of 5

Running costs

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

not rated yet

Buying used

3.5 out of 5

Selling

3.5 out of 5

Equipment

3.5 out of 5

What owners say...

 The space and the fact that is easy to drive. The switchable auto transmission is great and when you need it tiptronic makes passing really quick and easy.  

4 out of 5

Robin Mead ,   15 Feb 2011    ... read more

 It's an estate! Loads of space to move trash to the tip!!  

5 out of 5

Anonymous ,   18 Sep 2009    ... read more

 The boot - got a new spin drier and just put it in the boot no tipping of seats it just fit.  

4 out of 5

Mark Muirhead-Reeves ,   21 Feb 2007    ... read more

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