Mercedes-Benz CE-Class Cabriolet 77-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    You are buying a car that was £36K new in 1990 and is only about half way through its economic life. Depreciation is steady and will value of car will bottom out around £2k.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    It's a luxury car, don't expect it to be cheap! 22mpg in town, high 20s on a run - overall 25mpg. Servicing: 6000 miles around £100, 12000 around £250 and the vital 36000 around £500 (yes!) plus anything that needs doing. Find an independent specialist.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Effortless - like a mobile room. Neat handling. Good turning circle. Commanding road presence. Feels very safe but it's not designed to be particularly involving.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Effortless wafting - mind your licence. Smooth and responsive auto is always in the right gear (use S mode). Completely untemperamental.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Some minor problems over the years but not too bad overall. It is now a 14 year old car but it runs so beautifully you would not know it.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Proper Merc grille. Moneyed bachelor or retired Colonel. It's a Mercedes before the cost cutters really got their hands on the company products. So much better built than a CLK. Could be future classic.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Ride around town is nothing special but is excellent on motorways. Seats firm but comfy in front, once you are in the back it's great if you are not too tall.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Has a top grade alarm. Bit prone to vandalism though. I lost my bonnet star (£15) and badges (£5+) and car has been 'keyed' many times.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Keep away from main dealers - too expensive and too busy fixing the latest MB offerings - join the owners' club and find yourself an independent specialist. The specialist I use is absolutely superb - never a fault with what they do.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Oil pressure switch failed (£50). Routine: distributor cap (£60) battery (£70) etc.

    Other

    Propshaft coupling worn at 90k (£80+fitting). Seatbelt extender motor (£200 from MB - not fixed yet!) Window regulator driverside worn out (£70), odd bits of trim. Routine: brakes, tyres (£60ea) and exhaust downpipe (£200).

    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