- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.8SC, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
120kW, 240Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class review: Used car guide
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the biggest sellers in its class, TIM COLQUHOUN reports.
Sporting the best safety features
The C-Class is a popular choice for Australian luxury car buyers. Its predecessors were considered fairly basic and conservative and served as the entry level range of cars bearing the three-pointed star. The C-Class has since evolved into a broad selection of variants with some sporting credentials, while the AClass now sits below it in the Mercedes-Benz line-up.
The C-Class was significantly revised late last year, with improvements including a restyled nose and cabin, scratch-resistant paintwork and suspension tweaks to improve steering responsiveness and handling.
The range now includes sedan, wagon and coupe variants, as well as the high-performance C55 AMG. Buyers can choose from supercharged four-cylinder, turbo diesel, V6 and V8 engines, while prices range from $56,990 for the C180K Classic up to $159,900 for the AMG version.
We speak to three owners
Name: Veronica Appleyard.
Age: 46.
Occupation: Small business owner.
Car: C180.
When did you buy it? 2002.
Why did you buy it? It was my job to buy a new company car; we bought it because of the safety features.
Which other cars did you consider? A Holden Astra, but I didn't really want a smaller car. Going from a Ford Fairlane into an Astra is a big difference.
What did you drive before this car? A big V8 Ford Fairlane.
What do you most like about the car? It's a good, solid safe car and it feels like that when I'm driving it. It doesn't want to go anywhere I don't point it to like our last car used to.
What do you dislike about it? Nothing.
How could they make the car better? Perhaps a little more engine power.
Name: Martin Huisman.
Age: 45.
Occupation: Mortgage broker.
Car: C200K Sports Coupe.
When did you buy it? Four weeks ago.
Why did you buy it? For the safety features.
Which other cars did you consider? A four-door C-Class.
What did you drive before this car? A Toyota LandCruiser.
What do you most like about the car? The way it looks; it's a great-looking little car. Also the way it goes; it's got the economy of a 1.8-litre motor, but if you need the power the Kompressor really gets it going.
What do you dislike about it? Nothing. For what it is used for, it's perfect. Putting a few people in the back of it would be a bit difficult, but that's not a problem for us. It goes fantastically and it's safe.
How could they make the car better? I don't think they could.
Name: Dennis Nolan.
Age: 55.
Occupation: Solicitor.
Car: C200K Estate.
When did you buy it? Easter 2005.
Why did you buy it? We wanted the safest possible car. My wife was struck from behind and her car written off, so we wanted a car with a five-star safety rating.
Which other cars did you consider? Volvo XC70 and XC90, Subaru Forester and Liberty GT.
What did you drive before this car? Mazda6 and Holden Berlina station wagon.
What do you most like about the car? It feels solid, safe and secure. It is surprisingly zippy. The front and rear parking sensors are great.
What do you dislike about it? My wife activated the speed control function without knowing it; the car would not go above 15kmh.
How could they make the car better? Nothing; it's the best-finished car I've ever had.