Faults:

Nothing major in my two year ownership. Rust is becoming a problem (it is over 25 years old!) but that's also only because on closer inspection the car has had some rust repaired (poorly) over the years. I plan to fix this myself properly.

Interior surprisingly unmarked after all this time.

The car has had all the important mechanical work over the years and runs just fine even with mileage nearing 200,000! Never touch these cars without a full history. Mine has had every service since 1997, mostly from Mercedes garages.

General Comments:

When Mercedes was still Mercedes. This 1990's C-Class is a fine car to drive even today. Super comfortable and smooth, and great looking for an estate car. Silver metallic. Popular and best color.

It's not very economical, but I only use it as a second car. It is however fast and smooth, being a petrol automatic. Very nice to drive.

Interior is classic Mercedes-Benz. Super high quality materials that have stood the test of time. This Elegance model has leather, wood effect trim and all the electrics of the time. Spacious, comfortable, near perfect for me.

I wish Mercedes made cars this good again!

Faults:

Replaced all seats bottoms, since they were worn out after 450,000km and 7 years on the road as a taxi.

Replaced fuel pump at 460,000km (never been changed before).

Some rust on the hood under the water sprinklers for the windshield.

Replaced radiator water pump at 500,000km (never been changed before).

Replaced rear axle shaft after the gears were only changing up to 2nd gear at 500,000km.

Replaced the Mercedes star sign at least a dozen times after being vandalized (for the front and rear).

General Comments:

The car would be better if it had just a little more power. I personally was servicing the car every 5,000km by changing the motor oil, air filter, fuel filter, and every 60,000km, the automatic transmission fluid.

Moving the car from 0-100km was pretty slow, but once on the highway and on a straight road, it would go well.

The car didn't like the heat very much, where on hot days it felt slower than usual, even if the A/C was off.

The car never left me hanging with no prior notice, as before the rear axle broke, an attention light came on in the car, and also the fuel pump and water pump also gave me warnings.

Faults:

I bought it while I was in UK. I brought it home (Malaysia) with a view to getting an advantage over the higher local price. Unfortunately, during that time (2005) Malaysia already committed to a bit more liberalised economy. I just got back to square one.

The car had air-conditioning fitted. But as predicted, Malaysian weather is just too hot for such a rarely used unit to work well. A replacement was required twice, with exorbitant costs, thanks to my ignorance and lack of the right mechanic.

The differential was also replaced twice, with costs.

The wiper does work the way it should, which makes me frustrated when raining (this is Malaysia)

Some rust I brought from UK. Just leave it for the moment.

General Comments:

Besides the problems above, the car is fairly reliable, still feels tight, no apparent squeaks or rattles.

The fuel consumption is generally acceptable. More economical than my other car, a NAZA Citra (Malaysia's Kia Caren)

But this car is far from being a driver's car. In fact it is a passenger's car instead. Relatively quiet, comfortable etc. etc.

But with the lack of steering feedback, soft suspension, no engine noise until it is pushed hard - but even then it is a rough and unpleasant - the car is indeed a boring companion; especially after a hard day's work.

Driving should be fun and pleasurable. Not everybody can afford the service of a loyal chauffeur. At least I learned that the new C class does give attention to this aspect. But I just cannot afford it at the moment. Buying a a new car is not an option during this time around. The resale value is so unfavourable.

I already swapped the car with my wife. I found driving a tall, less charismatic MPV Citra gives me a little bit more fun than that Merc