Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Safe
benz, 04/04/2010
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Bought to drive for awhile, however the car was in a roll over, I could not even think it was rolled over, by the looks of it after. It was hardly messed up, with just a small crack in the windscreen. A few dents here and there, but in all it looked good for just being rolled over and slamming into a tree. No one was hurt at all in fact all the doors opened just fine. This really is a safe car. One thing I did not like when I had this car was the fact it leaked fuel. When you would put fuel in, I have read in other places on the net this is a problem with this model. I think MB should do a recall. Other than that I was a great car. Had to replace the water pump. Did it myself with a new part.
Best Graduation Gift ever
Taylor J, 01/04/2016
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
My dad got me this car as a graduation gift 3 years ago. The only major issue I had was a belt replacement so far. I just recently took it on a trip from south east GA to Orlando Florida, a nearly 5 hour drive and the comfort level was just amazing. I think this car was the perfect Suprise gift for me because of the fuel economy and the durability of the car itself. I'm a college student and I drive the hell out of my car but for the most part it takes a lickin and keeps on tickin.
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1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- C230 SedanMSRP: $3,668968 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $10,9952,032 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $6,9992,062 mi away
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Samfitfit, 05/03/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
When I tried to start the engine in the cold morning around -5c, it will not start the first time. It was okay when I started the second time. The car did not run smoothly ,always on the first gear, without proper , at least 3 minutes, warmup. When I pressed the gas pedal hardly on the stop light, the transmission did not respond quickly. It states in the 1st gear and takes some time to go to the seond gear. Also, I heard a 'click click' sound from the 1st gear to the second gear. It runs perfectly under normal driving conditon.
Baby Benz
Jake, 02/24/2006
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
This has to be one of the best cars I have ever owned, I bought it in August and have had only a few problems, but it's a 97, have driven this car many places around the country and have never had a problem, 7 hour road trip is nothing in this car. When dealing with maintenance take it to the dealer they know what they are doing and if you tell them your on a budget they will work with you!
Definitely not a performance car...
anon123, 08/05/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
But what do you expect from a weak engine in a Benz? Car has been pretty reliable except the transmission failed once. Sturdy construction, got hit by a truck on driver's side and got scratched and dinged, but no real damage.
Good News
michael, 07/28/2009
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car with 163000 at a dealer in Dallas. The car had a small oil leak and transmission leak. I repaired both for under $300.00 and I have enjoyed every minute. It never fails to start and I am getting 24city 34highway. The leather and dash are in excellent condition. Mercedes really knows how to make a car that last. This is a sedan although, with the sunroof and short body with great steering capabilities it feels like a sports car. I would rate the reliability a 10. I would not think twice about driving this car out of state anytime. I is really inexpensive to maintain because it has a 4cyl gasoline engine. You just have to use premium gas, although, the mpg's make it up.
It Should Have Been Better
Tipper21, 07/11/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had a few minor defects at the beginning but the real problem has been long term reliability. Left me stranded twice between 52,000 and 58,000 miles-once for a failed air mass sensor and intake flapper valve and second for a bad fuel pressure regulator.
If only it down shift faster
GTS348, 03/01/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got it used last year and so far there is no problem. The only thing I had to replaced is the fan belt. The car runs runs good, I tested 0-60 at 7.5 seconds! Better than M-Benz's data after it breaks in. The Fuel Econ is 21 per gallon. It has last interior (parts) noise than my brother's 97 BMW 528. It has more room than a BMW 3 series. However, the seat up and down feature does not move the whole seat. The 5 speeds transmission works good at high speed, it speeds up fast even with the last gear. But the transmission down shift to slow, the kick down has a 1 second delay! Also, the auto climate control does not respond as fast as it should be.
blast the 1/4 mile-- NOT
1stMB, 07/22/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
great entry level MB-- just dont get into a hurry merging into traffic. Also, be aware of the shrinking cabin area. After some time, I am convinced that something causes the vehicle to slowly but surely decrease its interior space, thus severely cramping all occupants. Perhaps it is the "new" wearing off. And, if you're a large cup purchaser at the convenience store-- get ready to change your drinking habits, or wear your beverage. Still no real cup holders! All in all, sophisticated and comfortable, just don't plan on taking the kids and spouse on a road trip in this one-- opt for the larger E class!
'97 C280 Sport - An excellent buy
SMPIndy, 11/04/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used with 45K miles. It was in excellent condition and still runs smooth. I added a 6-disc CD Changer but had to put it in the trunk. Car has handled quite well although maintenance can run high dollars...but then again, if you are buying a MB you need to realize that going into it. The car is fun for both myself and my wife to drive, but I use it for work. When I have more than two people, seating can be cramped in back seat. Other than that, the car runs smooth and sweet.