Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2000 - 2007) C230 Avantgarde SE 5d Auto (2006/06) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

1. You like prestige quality transport. 2. You are sensible and practical. 3. You are willing to pay a lot for 1&2.

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

They love it! Stylish and Expensive. Passengers are amazed at the smooth, quiet and fast ride! Those who have driven it say it is effortless to drive and a real joy.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Heart says a big YES!!! Head and financial logic say NO!!! It drinks without a care in the world - MPG = 7-12 City!!!, 27-29 Combined. Road Tax £400+,Servicing £500+,Insurance £1,600+. Enormously expensive to run!!!

What are you likely to buy next?

A BMW 320d or a 6-cylinder Diesel Mercedes C-/E-Class.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£15,000

When did you buy the car?

August 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. Rare model version in the UK. Excellent Condition, Full Mercedes Service History and only 30,000miles covered.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a Stylish, Comfortable, Prestige car with plenty of space and automatic transmission.

What was the dealer like?

Good.

What's it like to drive?

Effortlessly fast while simultaneously smooth, quiet and refined. M272 Engine is amazing and the auto transmission like no other. You will be addictively impressed and thoroughly enjoy the drive!!! Many big smiles every trip!!!

What's it like to park?

Turning circle is fantastic for such a large car. Steering is light and all round visibility is very good. Electric Folding Mirrors are surprisingly useful.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes - Beware when the multitude of onboard sensors, computers and electronics are unhappy, you will suffer bizarre problems that even Mercedes will struggle to fix despite the extortionate prices they charge. Within six months the driver’s door would not lock via the Remote Central Locking. Mercedes Main Dealer charged £500 for a new lock, sensor and multiple diagnostics checks. Upon collection, car did not lock, so still with Mercedes 3weeks+ on. They do not have a clue.

What's most practical about your car?

Cruise Control is wonderfully easy to use. 3 Flash Indicator stalk is great for lane changes. Passenger space and rear boot space is impressive. Auto Headlights good for tunnels and Auto Dimming Mirrors all round are fantastic!!!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The 7G Tronic gearbox is a masterpiece of engineering. Utterly seamless and smooth changes make it exceptionally comfortable. 24v V6 Engine is magnificently refined and quiet, with plenty of pull and Variable Valve Timing when you really want to floor it!!!