2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180 SE Executive 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Best compact exec saloon

Faults:

I have only had it for a year and had no problems. Brake pads were done at last service, that is all so far.

General Comments:

Always wanted one of these, the C-Class is a very classy car; having test driven the BMW 3 series and Audi A4 from the same time period, those were nice cars but I settled upon the Mercedes as my favorite.

C180 nameplate so I thought it would have a 1.8 engine like in older models - as it turns out it is a 1.6. But with a decent 154 bhp it never feels slow, and you can average mid 40's mpg, not bad. Preferred over the diesels long term as they can be expensive to repair. Tax is also reasonable on this car, though insurance is a little expensive. I am also under no illusion that these are expensive cars to fix in any specification if something goes wrong, but hopefully the fact I have bought a full history low mileage petrol car and look after it, there will be no major issues.

For a 9 year old car it still feels very modern, yet retains that classic Mercedes feel. I actually do not mind the foot operated parking brake, it is better than the electronic buttons on more modern cars. Comfort is top notch and the car is well equipped. Auto-box is smooth. Cabin is spacious but it is no S-Class - 6 footers may find the rear seats cramped on long journeys.

Mine is grey, probably the dullest color, but almost every car these days is a shade of silver/grey/beige, certainly cars in the executive range. Buying used I had no choice, I would have chosen black or dark blue if it was up to me. Alloy wheels are very nice however, and the black leather interior is stunning.

In short if you are after a smart executive car, check out any C-Class. Do not buy without full history however, these cars need looking after to avoid costly bills.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2022

27th Aug 2022, 11:44

They are much more reliable than 2001 - 2006 built cars; the C Class is finally back to what a traditional Mercedes should be.

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 CDI Executive SE 2.2 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

All the car you could ever need or want

Faults:

The steering was squeaky, but the dealer fixed that quickly. Other than that, it has been faultless.

Still early days I guess, as she hasn't done many miles in the grand scheme of things, but I would have hoped any nasty gremlins would have surfaced by now.

General Comments:

This is the first new car I have bought. Went to the dealer to see whether it was feasible, and walked out a few hours later having left a deposit for one.

Originally I had been after a used sports model, but the deals on this shape C-Class and the cheap finance made it viable to go for a brand new car.

I have the entry level model, but it is quite well spec'd as standard. I have electric seats, leather look seats, fully adjustable steering, smooth auto gearbox, and plenty of leg room for all passengers, so really can't fault it.

It doesn't look as nice as the AMG trim cars from the side profile. To be honest though, inside there isn't a lot of difference, other than you do not get flappy paddles for the gearbox, so money well worth saving in my opinion.

It rides well on the 16" wheels, and the tyres look to be about £50 a corner; less than those needed for the AMG trim.

Overall, a nice car. Would happily get another in a few years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th March, 2014

20th Mar 2014, 14:03

Don't worry about no AMG trim - unless it's what you desperately wanted yourself. If you're replacing it in a few years' time, sports kits can be like swimming pools in a house: one can see it also as a liability during the sale. A sports kit might (rightfully or not) give the impression that the owner may be one to hoon it around. Besides that, if you've ever entered or left parking complexes in high rise apartments, the low clearance will mean scratches under your front spoiler. Many cars look superb in their unadulterated trim spec. Please keep us posted on how the car goes, any problems encountered etc.