Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 - 2014) C200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY SE (Map Pilot) 5d Auto Owner Review

Very little to say really. This is a work horse, bought for daily use and not as a fun car, so I went for the basic car with no frills. I have to say that having previously owned the previous model, the newer 7 speed auto is a delight and provides far better economy. It is relaxing to drive (far more comfortable seats than before) and does what it says on the tin. Gripes? Well, the automatic wipers have a mind of their own changing between intermittent/full/fast at will, and I wish there was a way of disabling the stop/start mechanism. The morning routine is get in - start engine - disable stop/start - switch gearbox to sport mode. But, and here is what counts in my book, I have not spent a penny other than consumables. In fact, we like it so much that madam has taken it on as the shopping trolley and I have found a 2014 one with but 15,000 miles to replace it. In 25 years, 400,000 miles and four Mercedes I have spent but £4,000 on repairs. On the T202 a new aircon compressor and two front springs, on a W124 we changed a camshaft, but on the T204 not one penny in six years. I have my fun cars, so life isn't dull, but for reliable transport I can't fault Mercedes. Oh, and another thing. In 25 years I have never had need to change the battery either.