Faults:

Engine misfiring at idle; this was due to a torn gasket and clogged up manifold, which were fixed for $70.

A/c compressor was leaking; replaced for $700 as it had to be ordered from N.Z.

Indicator lights were faulty, so my mechanic replaced the fuse, $5.

I found a mechanic who was a real expert at fixing my car with reasonable price. It's been 9 months now and there are no other complaints.

General Comments:

My previous Honda was a beautiful car; very reliable, but I had to trade it because it was outdated.

My Mercedes is a 1998 model, and the previous owner never drove it much, which explains its low mileage.

My car is very comfortable with leather seats, ABS, CD, electric front seats and 8 speaker system.

The engine is smooth, with a smooth transmission, which can be selected for economy mode or power mode.

There is no rust or rattle, and the build quality is excellent.

The car can cruise around at lazy engine revs, but if you are really in a hurry, press the gas pedal to the floor and it can embarrass some of the bigger engined cars.

On the highway the engine is so smooth; the pulling power is sensational compared to my previous VTEC Accord. Once the rev goes past 4000, the Merc feels light; like riding on rails.

The fuel consumptions is pretty good with 10L/100Km in the city, and lower on the highway.

The space is quite adequate for a sedan of its class.

The turning circle of the steering is amazing, you can squeeze in tight spaces with ease.

The car may not be as technologically advanced as compared to a Lexus, but it's a Mercedes, and every time I get behind the wheel, I'm struck with awe and amazement at the build quality and engineering put into this car. When you close the door, you contemplate the century of engineering in this vehicle. They say that these cars could reach 1 million Km. These cars were engineered like no other car in the world.

Faults:

Climate radiator broken because of near by ventilators in front the car.

Oil for servo wheel control, need to fill every month a half of liter.

General Comments:

Great car, very reliable, cheap service, very easy to fix, engine bullet proof. My friend buy this from me, he is a mechanic and he told me that engine can go more 300,000 km without any service.

This engine wasn't turbo and I think that is the reason for this big mileage.

The main cons of this car is small space inside, but that is C-class it is ancestor of Mercedes 190 class, if you need speace buy E-class.

Faults:

Steering damper replaced at 67500 miles at a cost of £250.

Rear brake pads replaced at 67500 miles and again at 70000 miles, both fitted at Mercedes Benz main dealer.

Main dealer has had the car for the last 10 days due to the engine reaching temperatures exceeding 100°C (it used to run at a constant 80°C). After many diagnostic tests, costing a fortune, and 20 hours of labour looking at the car, also replacing numerous items, they say they cannot find the fault with the car and there is nothing else they can do to assist me!

General Comments:

The car is only 9 years old, but has large rust patches on most of the exterior body panels. A problem with Mercedes of this era I am led to believe. We have a 1996 Honda Civic which has no rust and 120000 miles on the clock (great car).

The car is comfortable and nice to drive, although it does feel underpowered and consumes vast amounts of petrol even when driven with a light right foot (18-20mpg).

I,ve always wanted a Mercedes, however after one year of ownership I am very dissapointed and therefore selling it on to buy another Honda.