• Summary

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What does this car say about you?

    Different, don't want to drive the common cars.

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

    Alright about it, prefer the look of my previous car (Seat Ibiza).

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    If they make a new version possibly (wouldn't got for auto again though).

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Mazda 2.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Didn't buy from a dealer

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £3,700

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2009

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Decent not too high mileage and lots of extras.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Loved the look, the two toned colour, Merc build and engine, economy and power spec of the 1.5CDI.

    What was the dealer like?

    Private so was good.

  • Driving it

    2 out of 5 2.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Semi Auto terrible particularly at low speed, dangerous if you get it wrong on approach to roundabouts. You have to adjust your driving to suit the autobox, it should be the other way round. Engine is very noisy and more so when cold, feels quite unrefined (I had a VAG TDI before this and it felt much better to drive). Windscreen pillars are dangerous blind spot, I've had two near misses, lucky the other driver stopped/slowed. I would recommend a manual. Because of the diesel and auto they leave the car not feeling particularly special to drive.

    What's it like to park?

    Easy as is a small hatchback.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Broke down after a 30 mile trip in a traffic jam - gear suddenly went to 0 and could not put back into drive or neutral. Towed to garage, after half a day car seem fine again, couldn't find any issues. Trip to London ~ 100miles. 2 hours later driving around, there seems to be some issue where it feels like the clutch is slipping and you can't move off without a jolt. Remedies itself after half day rest, but happens everytime Random ESP fault on startup (clears after restart) A/C no longer worked. Dipped beam blew a few times (nightmare to change).

    What's most practical about your car?

    5 door hatchback.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Electric large sunroof and steering wheel controls.