2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class AWD

Summary:

Great car, awful service

Faults:

Parking brake sticks after 3 times repair.

Bearings had to be replaced at 20,000.

Sunroof stuck after 1 year, but has been fixed.

General Comments:

Car is fantastic. Tight handling, good braking, good in snow. Service centers are entirely awful though. Takes multiple times to get things fixed and they don't care. Are an embarassment to the Mercedes name and the time and trouble it has taken is making me switch to a different brand of car, even though I love the C240. :- (

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 27th January, 2006

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240

Summary:

Nice to have a Benz, but my Maxima was quicker with nicer leather

Faults:

Car is slow off of the line. Trouble seems to be getting worse Dealer does not find an issue.

Otherwise, the car has been fine.

General Comments:

Handles great in traffic, and at highway speeds.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd June, 2005

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C320 3.2 liter V6

Summary:

The best in its class

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

A perfect small four door sedan. This car was totaled with my wife driving a week ago (other driver's fault) equaling about a 40 mph head on crash. The whole front end was gone. The driver and passenger's compartment were totally undistorted! My wife has virtually no injuries, and in other cars I would be a widower. I have never seen a car after such a collision with the cabin so untouched! Immediately ordered a replacement, and will be MB drivers from now on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2003

4th Nov 2009, 01:11

BMW's and Volvo's are just as safe. Sorry to burst your bubble there, Hoss.

In reply to 4th Nov 2009, 01:11

24th Jun 2012, 01:57

Volvos were once... BMW's are not, and never have been. Mercedes invented and continue to perfect crumple zones. Everyone else is just playing catch-up.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C240 2,597-cc SOHC 18-valve 90

Summary:

Satisfying entry-level luxury sedan

Faults:

The fuel-level indicator stopped working at 250 miles, requiring an "all-day" service visit to repair.

The "premium" sound system is actually quite mediocre.

The glove-box lid fits poorly.

The front driver's side wheel-well is a bit small for a big guy.

General Comments:

This car has snob-appeal! I get envious looks while driving this car (even though it is only an entry-level Mercedes).

Overall, I have been very pleased with the car and the dealership's service.

While the C240 is a satisfying car, I do not feel the newer Mercedes-Benz cars possess the same level of engineering and quality as they did years back. As to fit and finish, my old Toyota appeared more carefully built (though Mercedes materials are of much higher grade).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th July, 2003

29th Oct 2004, 23:37

I test drove the C240 and wasn't turned on with its performance. I settled on the BMW 325i. Great car and fun to drive. owners get more for the money and heads still turn when I drive it around.

In reply to 29th Oct 2004, 23:37

23rd Mar 2013, 20:00

Have to laugh at the 'heads turn' comments, as Mercs and even more so Bimmers are almost dime a dozen these days.

In reply to 23rd Mar 2013, 20:00

24th Mar 2013, 13:37

Well, did you notice that the comments that preceded yours were entered in 2003 and 2004? A good 9-10 years ago? These just came out at the time, and the previous C-class still had squared-off features.