Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate C220 CDI Elegance SE 5d Auto (2002/52) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A premium price for a (not quite) premium product.
Costs
High initial cost. Essential extras (leather, parktronic, metallic, Xenons, auto) also pricey. Servicing costs silly, but only every 2 years. Residuals good, as is 42 mpg overall, and nearly 50mpg on a fast tour of Europe last year.
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On the road
Driving
Steer well, but not quite as crisply as something like a BMW 3 series. Good driving position. Good visibility.
Performance
Never lacking for pace in the real world, though kickdown for overtaking might be a little faster.
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Living with it
Reliability
See alarm, above.
Image
High. From any angle this is a delicately proportioned car, far nicer to look at than any other in its class.
Comfort
I found the suspension firm and seats not as supportive in the lumbar area as I would have expected. Noise subdued until high speed. Climate control works well and unobtrusively. Cruise control and automatic lights both a boon. Auto gearbox is sublime.
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Security and Service
Security
Problems with the car alarm soon after delivery (kept going off in cold weather) have not been fixed, now goes off in very hot weather.
Service
Ridiculously expensive, but on the other hand with my driving style the on-board computer only requires me to have it serviced every two years.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None. Smooth, strong, including in the upper ranges. A bit noisy at idle, but it is a diesel and this is to be expected.
Other
Continuing problem with car alarm. Interior trim (cubby lid, armrest, steering wheel) also mark up more than I would have expected, despite me never abusing the care.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes