Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate C250 TD Elegance 5d Auto (1997/P) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Expensive to buy, but quality of parts (most notably the dashboard plastics) is high, and depreciation is low. Few goodies as standard, so pay a few extra hundred pounds for a model with optional extras such as leather trim, e/sunroof, orthopaedic seat.
Costs
Fuel consumption disappointing - 35mpg on avg, with a light foot. Mercedes parts/labour is expensive, but car sold very well, so use independent brokers and dealers instead. Insurance group is low (13).
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On the road
Driving
Unexciting, but v. reassuring & relaxing. Composed/planted - feels solid & safe. Great dampening, but you feel all the bumps. Well-weighted steering & tight turning circle. Good grip. Poor driving position for long-legged people. Attractive dashboard.
Performance
Acceleration is v. good thanks to high torque at low revs. However, engine is loud & unrefined under acceleration. Gear changes aren't as smooth as I'd hoped. Wind & road noise also not as good as I'd hoped.
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Living with it
Reliability
Not as reliable as Japanese cars, but better than most others.
Image
Better than brash BMW or anonymous Audi. Prestigious, high-quality, elegant, ""old money"", understated image. However, image is also staid/unexciting. Styling is classic but looks a bit plain/dated. Go for tan leather interior for Gentleman's Club look.
Comfort
Good range of front seat adjustments, but seat bottoms not long enough for long-legged people. Go for model with orthopaedic driver's seat, as it provides much-needed comfort and support. Rear sets are set low, and legroom is poor, but headroom good.
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Security and Service
Security
Alarm and immobiliser seem to work well. No problems. However, safety could be better - crash protection is poor.
Service
Superb after-sales service by telephone and post, but long waits at service desks at dealers. Exorbitant labour rate (£90 + VAT per hour) so use local independent dealer instead (typically £35 + VAT per hour).
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Cambelt worked loose at 69,000 miles. Glowplugs needed replacing at 75,000 miles.
Other
Indicators and hazard lights sometimes stopped working over a period of 1,000 miles. Replacing the glowplugs solved it. Wipers came on by themselves yesterday (and I couldn't turn them off!). Minor rattles in headlining above driver.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes