Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 Esprit 4d Auto (1996/N) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
You can get a car with the star for under £6,000 with no rattles or squeaks (which many new cars have within a year) and at least half its life still to go! If it weren't for the running costs, no-one would buy a Ka when they can have a pristine Merc?
Costs
Drinks petrol, Not had a service yet so crossing my fingers it doesn't bankrupt me!
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On the road
Driving
This is a gentleman's car, so it is great for cruising. Don't throw it hard into corners unless you are alone and holding on tight! The car has loads of grip and is very stable, but passengers will be flung from pillar to post due to unsupportive seats!
Performance
Not for boy racers. Great for what it is as it has more than enough power for normal everyday use (No I am not a 70 year old doddering driver, I'm 26 and a motorhead!) if you want more power, just get a bigger engine and quit complaining!
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Living with it
Reliability
Rock solid German build quality and reliability. Not a squeak from the trim after 7 years on the road.
Image
That star brings with it a great image whether the car behind it cost you £5,000 or £50,000. Everyone recognises a Mercedes and assumes, wrongly, you must a fair amount of cash to have bought it!
Comfort
The ride is smooth and refined and the cabin is quiet. The seats could be more supportive (particularly on the lower back) but you can still sit in it all day without feeling to achey when you get out.
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Security and Service
Security
Immobiliser and alarm, that's more than many cars of this age.
Service
My car too old to make a costly Mercedes service worthwhile, but local dealer couldn't have cared less when I wanted a new key cut. Not a great advert to encourage me to use them for anything more than a key!
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes