Mercedes Benz C180 Kompressor Classic SE (W203 series)

The W203 model lasted from the early '90's until 2007 when the W204 replaced it.

It was never quite the drivers car that the BMW 3 series was, but was more rounded in it's ability, offering more space and comfort, while the legendary build quality shines through as soon as you close the drivers door and settle into the creak free seat!

This car has the 4 cyl. Supercharged 1.8 engine which develops 140bhp so in traditional Mercedes fashion, it's no ball of fire, but is very sweet, smooth and is always willing to have a go at your right foots demands. The essential five speed auto is the only sane choice, and is impeccable, with either Sport or Comfort mode to blend in with the day in question, with tiptronic override too.

PLUS POINTS:

It does almost everything very well, and has very very few poor points. This compares favourably to other cars in this class, such as an Alfa, which has loads of downsides, the sometimes excellent 3 series which passengers never praise, and despite the matching price tag never was as well crafted as a Benz, the Bland Audi A4, which lacks the class of a Beemer or Benz, and so on.

Space is just fine, Ride and refinement just lovely for a compact executive, and all the bits and pieces work exactly how they should. The boots beyond reproach, as it's 18 sq.ft just like the E Class!
Materials used in constructing these cars are all hard wearing, so a well maintained C Class will do 300,000 miles and still be running just fine, as long as you service according to plan, while fuel consumption varies from 25mpg if thrashed to 42mpg cruising along a Motorway at the legal limit. Overall 33mpg is realistic, and for a heavily built 138 mph family car, can't be moaned about either!

The attention to detail is what makes Mercedes Benz stand out. Every switch requires exactly the same pressure in order to make it work, the Wipers cover nearly every square centimetre of the glass, as do the washers, and every instrument is as reliable as a Swiss watch.

No creaks or rattles are evident even over 70,000 miles, and it's easy to see why Taxi drivers the world over favour C and E Class Mercedes as their tool of choice. Service intervals on pre 2007 cars is up to 2 years or 15,000 miles (17500 for Diesel variants) and can be purchased for £24.99 per month for a fixed period of up to 36 months from any Benz outlet. This includes fluid changes such as Brake and Coolant too, and all models apart from the AMG range topper.

The chassis is lovely and predictable, with the natural handling balance tending towards mild understeer, and the standard fit ESP program removes any risk of skidding or oversteer, unless you switch it off of course!
Bear in mind the multiple airbags, ABS braking system Three point seatbelts throughout and multiple other safety innovations, and you will realise the value that Mercedes offer over lesser brands. Provoke a C Class of a slippery wet roundabout, and you'll be able to feel the ESP system 'check' any wayward traits by firstly reducing engine power, and if necessary applying individual brakes to 'steer' the car in the intended direction. It all works very well indeed, and you would have to do something fairly suicidal to get into trouble.

MINUS POINTS:

The Benz isn't cheap. If you want cheap, buy a Mondeo and enjoy the good points, but rest assured the Benz will last longer, feel nicer, work better and hold onto a far higher second hand value.

Servicing isn't too bad, but spares will be a bit on the dear side to say the least, and the dealers are expensive, although second to none in terms of quality.

Insurance will cost a bit more, and the Benz won't be as fuel efficient as lighter cheaper cars either, hence perhaps a bit dearer to tax too!?

The rear space is a tad narrow, there's no hatchback version with four doors, and options were expensive, so don't expect too many toys unless the first owner had lots of money!

OVERALL:

If you want to own a fine Motor car, and enjoy all the kudos of Benz ownership, but wrapped in an easy-to-own compact package, the C might be just what you're looking for. This is just the basic version, but lacks little of the ability of other models, and represents the best value by far!

I have owned a few Mercedes over the last 30 years, and while this is one of the more humble ones, it retains all the feel and character of the best of the older cars, and nearly all the features and ability of the latest ones.

For under £10,000 too!