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• As the C 63 AMG ages, independent or DIY works best
• Fuel costs are an obvious downside
• Tyres, brakes and bushes shouldn’t be skimped on

Even if you’re paying a bargain price for the car, running a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is not going to be cheap – this is a high performance car with a big, powerful engine. It’s also well out of manufacturer warranty, though you shouldn’t discount the long-term resale value of a full, main dealer history.

An average claimed economy of just 23.5mpg reflects mid-teens if you enjoy the soundtrack too much around town, likewise it can be nudged closer to 30mpg on calm motorway runs.

Any high performance car is not the best way to make a statement of how green you are. However, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG emissions have been reduced compared to the previous model but they are still high. Emissions are 280g/km CO2, meaning you will find yourself in the top bracket for road tax and showroom tax.

Mercedes C 63 AMG reliability and servicing

Although it is a high performance car, there’s very little to worry about in terms of Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG reliability. Regular maintenance is vital to keep the AMG M156 V8 engine in pristine condition. The materials used in the car are a high quality, and everything is well-built. Mercedes-Benz can still make high-quality reliable cars, and the C-Class is a good starting point.

Mercedes-Benz dealers can be expensive, though many services – particularly for older cars – are offered at appealing rates to maintain the brand’s reputation for quality and instill loyalty in a new generation of owners. Don’t be afraid to approach the dealer for routine servicing and oil changes.

For reconditioning, damage repair and trim or cosmetic renewal, join the Mercedes-Benz Club and seek out a recommended specialist. If you prefer to do work yourself there’s good news, Mercedes is one of the better brands when it comes to aftermarket parts supply, and the engineering is top-notch, designed to be repaired and maintained.

Your biggest expense, and concern, after fuel should be tyres and brakes – neither of which are cheap – but as the cars age, be prepared to spend money renewing the suspension and subframe bushes as well to ensure it always performs as well as it did when new. Small things, like replacing shrunk and perished window seals, will avoid bigger problems with rust and damp in the future.

We know from experience that a neglected Mercedes AMG model will keep on going, and impressing, long after similarly potent rivals have thrown in the towel. If you don’t spend on maintenance it’ll keep going, but it will be next to worthless when it ends up in an auction; in the long run it’s better to invest and enjoy it at its best.