Faults:

Nothing worth mentioning. Replaced brake and driving globes. Replaced wiper blades. Replaced bonnet struts.

General Comments:

I bought this car from a good friend who owned the car from new. When my C240 was hijacked I asked him to consider me when selling the C200. It was maintained by the MB dealer throughout the time he had it. I used to own a different luxury German car and it gave me a lot of trouble, so I decided to buy a Mercedes Benz and I have never been happier with this brand. Excellent car with good performance considering the engine size. Very good fuel consumption considering the weight of the car. Extremely comfortable, except on bad roads. The car has stiffer suspension than the standard model, but it makes the car feel very stable at speed. I would recommend the C200 if it can be established that the car was properly maintained. I will not be replacing it any time soon. It still runs like a new car and I have no reason to look for anything else.

Faults:

In 8 years, only replaced the battery.

General Comments:

Very impressive fuel economy - 5.1l/100km.

Quality finish, every knob/switch is still working.

Leather seats are still in very good condition after so many years of travelling.

Power of the engine is still high.

First time now, it seems the front suspension rubber mouldings could be shot... yet the driving comfort is still high.

Faults:

Since I've owned the vehicle, it's cost me an annual service and power steering pump seals at 200 000km.

General Comments:

It is lovely car to drive, pull-off is a bit slow, but from 3rd gear on it goes very well.

Performs best between 130 and 170 km/h.

Keep in mind that it is not a compressor aspirated engine, and it has heavy body to drag around; a bit of an advantage when you come into an accident.

Can't complain otherwise; if you look after it, it will look after you.

Faults:

Well I had the car for only 15000km, so nothing went wrong.

General Comments:

This car is the most comfortable car for long journeys from anything that I have travelled with.

Good power, and hardly had to look at the rear view mirror to allow anybody to overtake.

It is so smooth, and the turbo is very good; some minimal lag that I got used to, but excellent in overtaking, even at higher speeds.

Also love the centre storage panel that takes the place of the handbrake, and miss this entirely when I drive my second car, a Daihatsu Sirion. This car even puts the Merc B Class to shame with quality, comfort, performance.

It is actually a pleasure to drive this car, and I always look forward to going on a run, even though I can be tired as hell. Oh, and I love the looks.

Awaiting eagerly the 2012 face lifted C Class with all new gadgets and 7 speed auto gearbox.

Faults:

Aircon broke down at 76,000 Km. Cost ZR 14,000.

Sensor in cam shaft housing leaks at 81,000 Km and causes engine warning light to come on. Cost ZR 11,000.

I am told this is a regular problem and that M B are aware of it.

Faults:

The air mas flow sensor was faulty. This was noticed during the first inspection by Cargo East, but not replaced.

During the second service (in Germany) the agent noticed the fault and replaced the sensor unit under warranty, even though this car had been bough in South Africa.

Otherwise, no problems.

General Comments:

The C180 is very underpowered and therefore not what one expects from a Mercedes.

On the reef the low engine power and torque results in poor gear changes, but at sea level this is not such a big problem.

The C180 is a good car for an older, retired person who wants a comfortable car that will give many years of service.