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Used 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
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Pros
Cons
4.5 out of 5 stars

Economical car, but weak horsepower

Michael L, 05/04/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

This car has been very reliable and never had it towed to the shop as of yet now that it has 168,000 miles. This glossy black car looks very classy and luxurious at all levels. It drives well when the speedometer is over 60 MPH+ on the freeway, but from the get go it is slow because of the car is heavy and the engine is a sohc inline-4 with 148 horsepower. My cost of repairs on this car has been reasonable because the C220 had less features. Now the car is 14 years old and there are some wear and tear items that need to be addressed, but as long as it drivable and safe it should be no problems.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

One of the Family

swd4647, 03/05/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Our first near-luxury vehicle. Still gets looks after eight years. Great on the highway. Could not have made a better choice. Recommend highly.

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5 out of 5 stars

A very Dependable Automobile for myself.

C. Benjamin Hahn, Los Angeles, 12/30/2018
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I've owned since new C220 in April 1996. Now 2018 December. The cars has 175K and still just keeps going. Routine maintenance is a must. I see no reason to purchase new at this point.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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2.38 out of 5 stars

not the best built mercedes

C200 esprit auto, 03/21/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
18 of 21 people found this review helpful

Would i buy another c class merc the answer would be no i would not, for the simple reason that this car just seems to go on and on with never ending faults.As for the body work thats no better than a rusting ford escort from the 1980s. Its a shame because i still enjoy the look of this car and still for some mad reason still like driving it,even when things do keep costing me more money each month and each year. The problem with most of these merc c class models seems to be all the same,with very bad electrical problems like wiper arm gives up working hazard warning switch gives up headrest button stops working, blower fan stops working,along with warning lights flashing at high speeds.

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3 out of 5 stars

Went for looks

itchy, 03/27/2005
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
11 of 13 people found this review helpful

As in most of the other reviews, just about every light has burned out. Some have been replaced many times. It's kind of exciting if the car can go between oil changes without some other issue needing to be addressed. The fear of an expensive repair always looms. We bought this car because of the classic look. We still like the look, but drive our Hondas when we truly have to be someplace.

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3 out of 5 stars

problems at 80k

BarbaraC280, 08/03/2004
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

puchased car in 2000 with 54k . now 2004 with 82k and the problems have begun.. a/c has never worked, seems to have continual emmission problems.. check-engine light on evry month or so.. in the past 2 months 1300.00 in repair.. this is not a car that you will get 200k out of.. very expensive to repair.. would not purchase another mercedes.. parts expensive and don't last..

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4.63 out of 5 stars

It Saved My Life

Chelsea P., 01/10/2010
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I got in a bad accident just a few days ago while in my 96 Mercedes c220. I was at a gas station waiting to turn left. While I was waiting to pull out a semi came by that had tractor rims. One came loose, because of an insecured load and also the driver didn't notice the suv in front of him get ready to turn right into the gas station. 7rims bolted together that weighed 1,000 lbs each struck the driverside of my car and caved it in. The rim weighed at least 7,000 lbs (not including the momentum added) that not only crushed my side of the car but also pushed it and lifted it a good 20 ft. I have no idea how I made it out of there but I thank god that I did. It saved me

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5 out of 5 stars

Time To Retire Her 214,000 Later

C220 FAN, 09/20/2015
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
8 of 10 people found this review helpful

I purchased this car 10 years ago from my sister who purchased it new. Thought our journey this car has been nothing but reliable and comfortable to drive. That is, until this last year. Here's the list of issues: 1. A/C has a small crack and therefore no A/C during a SUPER warm summer 2. Front driver and passenger windows won't go up or down (had all wiring redone and still nothing) 3. Interior lights stay on and won't go off (had to pull all the bulbs) 4. Key Fobs stopped working 5. Car dies after starting it when I put it in reverse but restarts fine and still drives fine. There's a handful more issues but I LOVE this car. Yes, it's expensive to repair but I think it's been worth it!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Decent Value

Carguy, 12/30/2005
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

112,000kms when I bought it. I've put 15,000kms on it and have replaced the air mass sensor, wiper regulator, brakes, rad flush. Every few months the engine light comes on for some reason. On the other hand this car is 10 yrs old and does give you great value for the vehicle. The inline 6 has to be one of the best engines ever made. Very roomy and all creature comforts. Many of these cars are 1 owner cars so you can find many that have been well looked after. Forget about a Camry or Accord you and have a Benz with more options, lower miles, and more class for about some price.

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5 out of 5 stars

It's A benz!!!!!!

benzin, 01/12/2003
1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

This Car is Extremely wonderful I have put 112,000 miles on it since I got it and that seas a lot. Have had no problems at all. It’s a Mercedes what can I say but just wonderful.

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