What's the used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon like?
With the introduction of this third-generation model, the Mercedes C-Class became truly competitive with the BMW 3 Series.
While the Mercedes still isn’t as sharp to drive as the BMW, it compensates with a softer, gentler ride. In fact, the overriding impression of this version of the C-Class is one of comfort, even if the four-cylinder diesel engines are disappointingly noisy.
Head room is noticeably tighter in the rear seats than it is in the Audi A4 of the same era, but average-sized adults will still fit and the boot has enough room for a couple of big suitcases or golf bags.
It’s worth buying as recent a C-Class as possible because the dashboard received significant styling, quality and equipment updates as the car aged.
What used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon will I get for my budget?
You can now buy pre-facelift C-Class models for less than £5000, especially if you’re buying privately or from a small, independent dealer. They lack the interior sophistication of later versions, but mechanically they should still have plenty of life left in them.
A post-facelift 2012 car will set you back around £8000 to 10,000, depending on the engine and specification.
The last of the 2014 C-Classes still command prices of more than £20,000, while AMG performance versions are most expensive of all.
How much does it cost to run a Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon?
There is a clear divide here between the smaller-engined, fleet-friendly models and the more performance-oriented variants.
Obviously, the V8-engined C63 AMG is a highly specialised car that will be expensive to run, but a C180 petrol, with better than 40mpg in daily driving, will be very similar in overall running costs to a more mainstream saloon, albeit with servicing costing more if you use a Mercedes main dealer.
The star of the range in terms of running costs is the C220 CDI, which can get close to its official 68mpg fuel economy figure in real-world driving and which, thanks to CO2 emissions of 109g/km, will cost just £20 a year to tax.
The only serious concern over running costs would be the failure of a major component, such as a gearbox or the ‘Comand’ infotainment system, which could cost many thousands of pounds to rectify.
What should I look for in a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon?
Unusually for a modern car, the Mercedes C-Class can suffer from rust, most commonly around the edge of the boot lid, close to the boot release handle.
The door mirrors can also be problematic, with noisy folding and adjusting motors and the integral indicator repeaters falling out of sync with the main units. They’re expensive to replace (as much as £500 each) so check them carefully.
The Comand infotainment system can be fragile, so make sure that all functions are working properly. There have also been reports of alloy wheels corroding and flaking.
Finally, the seats, especially when fitted with part-leather trim, are prone to bursting their stitches, so check carefully around the seat bases.
What are the most common problems with a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon?
Headlamps can be a problem; they seem to be prone to letting moisture and condensation in, although the post-2012 facelift lights are less vulnerable in this respect.
Blue Efficiency diesel models can develop fuel injector problems, which will cause hesitant acceleration and uneven running.
A clunking noise from the optional seven-speed automatic gearbox is usually due to a faulty transmission valve, which can seriously damage the gearbox and cost as much as £3000 to rectify.
There were recalls for leaking fuel filters and power steering lines, incorrect brake discs, faulty Active Body Control sensors and engine management systems. Check if the car you’re looking at was affected and, if it was, that the work has been done.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon reliable?
A 32nd-place finish for Mercedes in the 2015 What Car? Reliability Survey is something of a worrying sign – it places a brand that was once renowned for its reliability in the bottom third of the table. Nonetheless, this generation of C-Class was generally seen as a model where Mercedes worked hard to restore its reputation for quality.
The C-Class gets through bulbs, brake pads and brake discs faster than most rivals, but it’s easier on filters, suspension and brake fluid.
Generally speaking, no major engine work should be required on cars with less than 100,000 miles on the clock.
Which used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon should I buy?
The C-Class range is broad enough to be bewildering, running from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 154bhp (the C180 Blue Efficiency, introduced in 2012) to the mighty 6.2-litre AMG V8 model with more than 500bhp in its final iteration.
The C180 petrol models probably represent the best value route to C-Class ownership – they’re frugal (unless your daily drive involves a lot of motorway miles) and quiet, with enough performance to be considered adequate.
The best all-rounder, though, is the 2.1-litre C220 CDI diesel, which in its post-2012 form came with 167bhp and the potential for fuel economy above 60mpg. It is rather noisy, especially when cold, but the mid-range performance is hugely impressive.
Post-2012 models could also be had with a menacing AMG-Line body kit, including black-finished alloy wheels, which really lifted the looks.
Our favourite used Mercedes C-Class: C220 CDI SE
What alternatives should I consider to a used Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon?
The most obvious rival is the BMW 3 Series. Always popular, it can match the Mercedes for the sheer breadth of its range (from 316d to M3) and is a more engaging car to drive, but it can’t quite match the C-Class for comfort.
The Audi A4 is another solid rival to the C-Class and is a more practical car, with a larger boot and more space in the back seats. Again, it has a vast engine range, although the perceived interior quality is a little disappointing for an Audi and the driving position is poor on manual cars due to heavily offset pedals.
A more left-field choice is the Lexus IS 300h, introduced in 2013. Its hybrid drivetrain won’t be to all tastes, but it’s smoother and quieter than the C-Class, and has exceptional build quality and reliability.
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