Faults:

The plastic parts of the thermostat tend to crack, causing coolant leaks and overheating.

Engine and transmission mounts frequently wear out, often before 70,000 km, causing vibrations inside the cabin.

A classic electronic fault occurs in the steering lock mechanism where the key is inserted: the unlocking sound is not heard, and the vehicle refuses to start.

Suspension arm ball joints and shock absorbers often produce creaking sounds when driving over potholes or speed bumps.

General Comments:

The C 250 Coupe is the classic example of an elegant two-door vehicle that combines a sporty, aerodynamic design with a refined and efficient ride.

It features an arrow-like silhouette and dynamic two-door proportions.

The cabin design is nearly identical to that of the sedan, including the new dashboard with an upper hood sheltering a color screen with an integrated navigation system. The instrument cluster consists of three circular elements, with a display in the center of the speedometer that shows various vehicle functions and information.

The dominant black color scheme is broken only by brushed metal accents and some chrome detailing. The quality of materials and finish is impeccable. The design is topped off by a full glass roof, with a large front section that opens.

Access to the rear seats is tricky, as is typical for a coupé, and space is limited, but there are at least two sculpted seats styled just like the front ones.

Considering it is a coupé, this C-Class is comfortable, with the only harshness stemming from the tires low-profile sidewalls. The automatic transmission works to keep the engine near 1,500 rpm, blending smoothness with composure.

The same dynamic applies here as with other turbocharged models paired with automatic transmissions: when you stomp on the accelerator, the brief lag while the turbo spools up combines with the time the transmission takes to downshift two gears. Once that delay passes, acceleration is flawless; furthermore, response time can be improved by switching the transmission to Sport mode.

On the road, the C-Class Coupé is incredibly stable, even as it approaches its top speed. At legal speeds, the transmission keeps the engine running smoothly and quietly. The steering is precise and slightly weighted, while the braking system is powerful and easy to modulate.

It is a sports car possessing the presence and status expected of a model from this brand; it is also comfortable and practical for daily use, yet fast enough to provide thrills on the right roads.

Its shortcomings lie in the level of exclusive features offered relative to the price and the badge it wears. For instance, there is no electronic parking brake, and seat fore-and-aft adjustment is manual. Furthermore, a Golf GTI currently offers more power.

Faults:

Services (expensive at dealer, find an independent!) Plus the usual consumables, no major issues. Always buy a full history looked after car.

General Comments:

It's a fairly modern Mercedes - expensive to buy and run, but worth it for a good car.

2.1 diesel auto is both fast and economical.

Very comfortable interior. The car is silent on the move. Classy.

Black AMG sport plus saloon, love the look.

All in all love it, not quite as fun to drive as my old BMW, but a damn good car.

General Comments:

I bought this car very cheaply knowing it was basically sound but needed some maintenance catch up at 200,000 miles. I have a Sprinter which has done 380,000 miles with minimal problems, so I thought the same engine in a lighter car would be pretty good.

So it had a new steering rack, pump, timing chain and brake discs, which doubled the cost, but still it was 60% of any other comparable one on Ebay. Parts are on a par with other quality makes, but not cheap.

Since then it has run for three years with just regular services, which are a bit pricey, but no problems except water in the spare wheel compartment, cured by renewing some rubber seals, and slow cranking necessitating a new battery though it never failed to start. Despite the mileage it uses no oil or water and averages 45mpg, though you can take it easy and get 55mpg quite easily.

But it drives so well - quiet, powerful, smooth ride, no rattles, comfortable and excellent aircon and heating. All of its many features work properly except the Eco-Stop system, which I gather needs a new auxiliary battery, but I don't like these systems anyway. I see plenty of older examples of this model about so I imagine it has some years of life left; certainly there is no rust anywhere.