Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon (2000 - 2007) C220 CDI Classic SE 4d Auto (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
In this case - I have money to burn. Normally though, it say "I'm doing OK".
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Girlfriend and I both loved the car - just not the bills it generated.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Not a chance. I don't think I'd ever entertain buying a Mercedes again - shocking reliability and i've heard that electronic gremlins are commonplace too. Boyhood dreams of Mercedes ownership well and truly shattered.
What are you likely to buy next?
Definitely going back to VW. Dependable, reliable and good to drive. Things you really should be expecting from a car that cost over £24k new.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£11,000
When did you buy the car?
February 2007
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Looks the business - good quality feel to the interior.
What was the dealer like?
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Fantastic. Disappointing acceleration, but the auto gearbox is a dream in traffic.
What's it like to park?
No problems. Feels much smaller than it really is, but good responsive steering makes it really easy to park.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Bought with only 47k on the clock. Had it one week and the starter motor died with no warning at all - at a cost of over £500 to replace - apparently one of the chips that monitors the engine was also damaged and had to be replace too (another £100). Two weeks later had problems with the parking brake (why couldn't they just have a normal handbrake like other manufacturers) - another £100 down the drain. Really disappointed with the quality of the build. Have no faith in it at all everytime I go to drive it, just expect something else to go wrong!
What's most practical about your car?
Nice big boot - drives nicely (when it's working). Bit disappointed with the auto gearbox though, very lazy on accelerating unless you floor it, but even then nothing to write home about. A good motorway cruiser though. Shame about the reliability.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
On board computer was fantastic - although perhaps someone should tell Mercedes that low fuel or windscreen wash does not constitute a malfunction. Funny how that can be called that when the computer had no idea that the starter motor was dead... moan moan moan...
