Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (2008 - 2014) C220 CDI Sport 5d Auto (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I'm mature, sophisticated and have a good taste in cars... Despite the fact that I dress like a skater boy with baggy jeans, hoodies, a beanie and oakleys pretty much all the time! I've been told that I'm growing old and that the golf bags are due any time soon! (Only 28!).

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

They were surprised that I actually went for a Benz, given my strong preference to JDM cars and imports. But they also know it would be the ideal whip for my adventurous and musical lifestyle. Although, some have said that it looks a bit bling, or told me that I was a "Baller" (whatever that means!).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. Perfect blend of comfort, refinement, economy and image.

What are you likely to buy next?

Most definitely another estate, although not sure on brand or displacement. C450 AMG estate will be nice, although the S205 variant with a 3L 6 pot diesel might be a good choice too.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,350

When did you buy the car?

January 2016

Did you get a good deal and why?

I got an honest P/X for my old car, given its condition and known issues. Despite that, I stil managed to drive a hard bargain in order to maximise the reduction over list price. A free service and MOT was thrown in, along with 1 year aftermarket warranty on parts.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a practical, yet stylish estate car in order to lug music equipment and mountain bikes for me and my mates.

What was the dealer like?

Very amicable and pleasant to deal with. Had a variety of other luxury and prestige cars on the forecort (given it is in the middle of The Cotswolds).

What's it like to drive?

400NM Torque - Need I say more! Plenty of grunt on the motorway when you need to overtake and the in-gear acceleration is very respectable. Best left in the comfort mode on the auto gearbox since the sports setting likes to shift down a bit too eagerly on wet roundabouts! Paddleshift is useful when you want to go for commited overtakes. The brakes are very sharp yet progressive and belies the fact that this car has a 1600kg kerb weight! Handling is also surprisingly good for a dad-wagon, whilst the 20mm lowered sports suspension is not as harsh as what most automotive publications make it out to be. However, its natural environment is on long stretches of dual carraigeways rather than bumpy B roads. It can still be entertaining and rapid!

What's it like to park?

Good visibility from the rear tailgate and from the B pillar backwards. However, reversing out of parking bays can be a bit tricky given the length of the car. You can't often tell where the nose of the car is!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing so far.

What's most practical about your car?

When my hands are tied up lugging muddy mountain bikes in the wet, or several guitars, the remote power assisted tailgate makes opening the boot much easier! Low load lip and flat storage space means it can swallow a massive load.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise control. This being my first car with cruise control, I use it more as a licence saver when on the motorways or bimbling through average speed cameras. The auto illuminating lights when you lock/unlock the car is a nice finishing touch. Rain sensing auto wipers and auto lights are dead handy to have! Plenty of user friendly automation.