Faults:

Mostly wear and tear. I do not remember any major issues.

General Comments:

In the mid 1990's Mercedes was still Mercedes. I bought this C-Class, had it for many years and loved every minute.

Esprit model was sporty, but in trim level only! Sharper suspension, nicer alloy wheels, and a smart look and feel. The 1.8 with the auto box was anything but sporty however. Not fast, nor economical, but acceptable performance and economy for its time.

I loved driving it and it felt very solid. Cars at this time (especially Mercedes) had a focus on reliability and longevity, and I wish manufacturers would go back to this!

Silver saloon model, very good looking car, practical as well, huge boot and space inside for all luggage, also seated four adults comfortably. I do miss cars like this. I sold it it in 2006 and it was still going strong at over a decade old with higher mileage. I got a good return from it, held its value well. I needed a newer car for work and could not keep it, otherwise I would have. It will probably be long gone now. But they are essentially classics now, and expensive to buy for a nice one in 2026.

Faults:

Tie-rod end on one wheel. $150.

Spark plugs had never been changed, which caused a no start condition. $350 (LOL).

General Comments:

I wasn't very sure about this car when I got it. I was tired of the Paseo and the suspension problems, and I just wanted something else.

I wanted RWD, and I found the C220 for a cheap price. I came here, read the mixed reviews, and said, what the hell. I will go with my instincts. I guess I was right.

It took me a month to get used to driving this car. I didn't enjoy it at first. The gas pedal was stiff compared to other cars. It was so quiet at lights, I'd forget I was driving. It has pretty good pick up once you get past 25.

It just feels heavy, like a tank, but handles well considering the size. You can cruise all day without exhaustion. I get 28 MPG combined.

This car has left me impressed. Cruise control and central locking have never worked, will fix them one day. It never breaks down. All the equipment works like new. It looks new. And it's over 20 years old.

I've been keeping my eyes open for potential problems because I don't have deep pockets, and so far, I've had to replace only brakes, wheels and oil changes, and recently the A/C because the auxiliary fan had stopped running.

After this car, it's highly unlikely that I will buy any other model than Mercedes from now on.

If anyone knows how to fix the central locking and cruise control, I'd love to know.

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.