Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 - 2014) C180 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 5d (2012/12) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

It says that I am a champagne socialist who, because of my leftie liberal views, should be driving something altogether much more modest but, I just have a fetish for great cars!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

I live in sinister suburbia so I assume they hate me and are jealous. But they shouldn't be because I didn't buy it to make a statement, I bought it because it represents automotive excellence.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Hmmm, tough question. Not happy with the whole 'badge'/status thingy for reasons outlined. That said, it is a great car (ignore the picky reviews online written by speed happy journalists who just like to waste tyres for which they don't have to pay). Dealers make you feel special (albeit in a, "Welcome to McMercedes, have a nice day!" type way). And, boy, does it go round corners! It's like a limo with (very sharp) teeth. Would be hard to go back to a TAG watch after an Omega/Rolex.

What are you likely to buy next?

BMW X3 (new shape - second hand) but rather pricey! Same again?

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,000

When did you buy the car?

August 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yep, it's a a good market because of current poor economic conditions so got 1k off screen price (including ipod stereo system fitting thrown in) though they wouldn't budge on giving me road tax and begrudgingly gave me half a tank of fuel to leave the showroom...

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

It's a Mercedes!

What was the dealer like?

Friendly, pleasant - no 'wide-boy' tactics. Helpful but, ultimately, still did the bare minimum to get the deal done - you'll need to push hard and be prepared to walk away to get a good deal...

What's it like to drive?

At first, I thought it was boring compared to my previous excellent and saucy BMW 320 D but, now I've got used to it, it's amazing! Refined. Corners? What corners? Bumps in the road - what bumps? Heavy. Solid. Safe. Excellent distribution of power. Extremely comfortable for all passengers.

What's it like to park?

It's quite big and the parking sensors don't beep until you are very close to something - you have to watch the LED display on dash and in rear view mirror to check distance which is tricky when you are also trying to look out of the respective windows for distance. Lovely light steering at slow speeds though makes it oh so easy.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yep, windscreen wipers bone hard and needed changing (£34 a go!), rear tail light is 'faint' and has a wiring problem, rear tail gate automatic lift is temperamental and auto windscreen wipers seem to have a mind of their own - vehicle currently in garage being fixed by Mercedes for all of the above at no cost to me, which is great!

What's most practical about your car?

Boot (it's an estate), room in cabin and for my three young sons in the back.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Leather seats and they are heated - ahhhh, lovely! ipod stereo system, can play any songs at will all controlled by buttons on steering wheel.