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.

Faults:

Nothing but servicing.

General Comments:

I bought this 2014 C-Class saloon a couple of years ago and it has been a great car. Last of the older shape for 2014 before the newer model came along in late 2014/15. I prefer the look of this model which has been about since 2007, though obviously this 2014 car is slightly face-lifted. Bright silver, the car looks the part. AMG styling pack. Very nice wheels and exterior touches.

With around 200 bhp from the 2.1 diesel the car performs great and you can still get around 50 mpg taking it easy. The auto-box is seamless and does nothing to blunt performance or economy it seems. I'd avoid the manual transmission in this car, although I usually prefer them; this car suits an auto-box just fine.

Interior is gorgeous, half leather, very comfortable, all electrics. Center console is a bit dated now, but I prefer the old analogue controls to fully touch screen or whatever else modern cars are going for nowadays. Sound system is just spectacular and the car rides smoothly with little cabin noise.

I have given this car high ratings in everything except running costs and that is because it is a Mercedes. I am just being honest - this is an expensive car to buy and run. I got a good deal on mine and being an older guy insurance is OK, but I am under no illusion that if anything serious goes wrong it will be expensive to repair. Luckily my car appears well looked after and I have a local Mercedes specialist nearby independent from main dealers to help me out at a reasonable cost. Do your research carefully when buying these cars, do not touch abused examples or cars with missing history, and make sure your local mechanics are knowledgeable about these cars.

All in all just bloody brilliant, what a Mercedes should be - solid, dependable and classy car.