Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (2002 - 2005) 1.7 CDI Ambiente 5d Tip Auto (2003/53) 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?
That I am a bit of a mug; I really thought Mercedes would be better, this is my first and last ever Mercedes. Currently looking for a replacement.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
My kids hate it, hated it on sight and haven't stopped reminding me that I should have kept the Honda! (Cheers girls! They are right of course, damn)
Would you buy this car again and why?
Absolutely not. I think the engine is no where near powerful enough for the weight of the car and it's potential load, especially hard on the auto gearbox.
What are you likely to buy next?
A garden shed would be better but am looking at an LPG converted work-horse Land Rover type thing for the hills here.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchise
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£11,500
When did you buy the car?
November 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
I thought I had got a good deal at the time but their reluctance to resolve issues after the sale proved otherwise.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I thought that Mercedes was a good make and needed the 7 seat option.
What was the dealer like?
Overbearing dealer, rue the day I traded my trusty but rusty steed in (Honda CRV.)
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Sluggish performance; this wasn't so apparent when we lived in London but up here in Wales . . . . it has a hill phobia which has resulted in the gearbox going after less than 100k
What's it like to park?
Parking is no problem it's pretty nimble really
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
I have had huge problems with this car. In the first year I had no less than 8 blow-outs on the motorway; it transpired that the tracking on the car could "never" be put right, causing major problems with the tyres. Mercedes accused me of removing the steering wheel, as they could not get the tracking right. I wouldn't know how to!
What's most practical about your car?
It is fantastic for lugging things around, easy access and not too low for lifting things in and out.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Cruise control
