1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 Elegance 2.8 inline 6 from South Africa

Summary:

Excellent long distance cruiser, very refined and powerful car let down by a terrible dealership

Faults:

Power cuts during acceleration at around 110000km were tracked to a faulty knock sensor which was replaced under motor plan, as well as a cracked spark plug cable. Same problems are creeping up again.

I'm dreading the trip back to the dealership as part of the car's interior trimmings went missing after the last service.

General Comments:

C280 has plenty power and is an absolute joy to drive. This car was made for long distances. It puts a smile on my face every day and was a great step upwards from the old, unreliable Landy.

The agents give bad service which is disappointing for a new Mercedes-Benz owner, but I'm told it's the same with other makes as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2001

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2.0? from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not as good as my 1979 Datsun

Faults:

Nothing really.

General Comments:

A good car, but overrated, sure it's never broken down, but neither has my Datsun and that's 20 years old.

For what it is, it's very overpriced.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th February, 2001

24th Nov 2001, 03:46

That's pretty funny, comparing a Mercedes to a Datsun.

11th Jan 2002, 16:12

Yeah, I know it sounds funny, but what I've said is true. The Datsun gives you value for money, 100% reliability, a comfortable ride with many extra features. It is also easy to work on and more fun to drive around in!! The Mercedes could be summed up as "over priced and not a lot to show for it".

10th Apr 2003, 12:32

You can't really compare a Merc to a Datsun; the Merc is better built, faster and with more equiment! 1970s Datsuns are well known for their tendencies to rust, while Mercedes cars are famed for excllent build quality. and a Mercedes would have better equipment that a Datsun, and probably be better to drive. Much as I am a fan of classic cars, you can't really compare them to modern ones, especially a Mercedes.

In reply to 10th Apr 2003, 12:32

19th Feb 2017, 16:15

Actually, Mercedes cars are NOT famed for good build - they were in the 70s and 80s, but the last truly good ones were built around 1996. After that they rested on their laurels.

Don't believe me? Check the reliability charts - Mercedes is never in the top 10 or even 20 most reliable cars. The Japanese ALWAYS are.

I have a C-class 1996, possibly the last good cars Mercedes made, but my Mazda 626 was of super high quality build compared to it.

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Elegance 2.3 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The best car I have ever owned... love it!!

Faults:

Electric aerial failed.

Stop lamp failed.

Cylinder head gasket failed.

All replaced under warranty.

General Comments:

Marvellous, effortless and safe. Fabulous car which turns heads and is much admired. Easy to own and run, comfortable, powerful and solid.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st December, 2000

1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 200 Elegance 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

By far the best of the 17 cars that I have owned!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st May, 1998