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

Review by Parkers on
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.
1.5 out of 5

Safety

All get ABS and a driver airbag and the passenger gets one from '95 onwards. Side bags were fitted from '97 onwards. The body didn't perform tremendously well in crash tests only scoring two out of four.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    2 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
5 out of 5

Reliability

Reliability is extremely impressive with very few problems reported. As cars get older, continued faultless performance will depend upon correct servicing being maintained.

Car check problem points

Body

Panel repairs are costly.

Engine/Gearbox

Awkward manual gear shift and foot-operated handbrake.

Other

Faulty bonnet release on some early cars.