Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (08 on) - Review

Review by Matthew Proud on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
The C-Class is a roomy, premium estate with high levels of comfort, safety and equipment. Competition is tough and its main alternatives are BMW’s versatile 3-Series Touring and Audi’s popular A4 Avant. However, the C-Class stands up well to both. It blends potent performance and good looks with interior refinement and a big boot. There’s a wide choice of engine, trim and transmission combinations available. It’s evident that Mercedes-Benz has thought the design through well and there are many practical solutions that make C-Class easy to live with, it's a shame then that the cabin lacks the upmarket feel you'd expect of a car with this price tag.
3 out of 5

Buying new

The estate commands a premium in excess of £1000 over the saloon, while an equivalent 3-Series Touring model is a few thousand pounds cheaper. Mercedes dealers rarely give discounts, especially on their popular models. You can maximise demand when the time comes to sell by specifying leather seats and automatic transmission - although you won't get all your money back.

Buy a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate and save 12% on selected models

4 out of 5

Buying used

The best models will often be found in the Mercedes-Benz dealer network. All Approved Used models come with a reassuring one year, unlimited mileage warranty. Wherever you buy from, check for a full service history as it’s good proof of careful ownership.

See 351 used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estates for sale, starting at £10,590

4 out of 5

Selling

The C-Class shouldn’t be difficult to sell, providing you look after it well and adhere to the manufacturer’s service schedule. If you’re selling privately, emphasise to potential buyers how comfortable, practical and roomy the estate is to live with. The diesels will be the most sought after, they suit the long distance carrying ability of the C-Class estate well.