Used 1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used C-Class for sale
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The last of the mighty inline 6
MBC280, 02/12/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car with 80k and have 115k and havnt really noticed any problems. Its reliable and maintenance isnt as hedious as people make it seem.
Great Fats Car
MB Lover, 08/18/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car rides beutiful for a v6 and is releibable. Just perform service as needed and the car will take care of you
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- C230 SedanMSRP: $3,6681,161 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $10,9952,470 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $6,9992,561 mi away
See all 4 listings
Excellent Car
d_t, 12/14/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car at 40K miles from dealer put another 9K and it is an excellent car and I had no issues and mileage is great. Definitely will recommend the car.
New to me in 2018
Scott - WA State, 02/21/2019
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a one owner loved car with 103k miles for $1200. It was a steal. I've driven 5k miles so far and love the car so much I'm planning to sell my SUV. I was building my house and could put 10' conduit in by doing the back seat! I had to replace a coil and my mechanic charged $175 - not bad. The oil change was $100 with synthetic. I don't fill the gas all the way because of the aformentioneded gas leaking when topping it off. I took her for a 600 mile trip and set the cruise at 75 - sounded awesome and didn't even take it off cruise for 2 mountain passes! I've been driving it for 2 weeks in a big snow storm - has dumped 2 feet of snow. Been stuck 2x but dug out easily... do need to drive it and be ok with some sliding as pushing through deeper snow or climbing snowy/icy hills - also always plan your drive in the snow and never park facing up hill. It did come with snow tires. I am satisfied enough that, like I said, am selling my 4wd suv. The interior is like a new car and everything works like it should. I am braced for some higher maintenance, but I've paid for over half of the purchase price in gas savings over my SUV... so if need to can junk it... but I don't anticipate that and it's such a beautiful car! I've owned over 30 cars (new and used - from a beautiful BMW 740 to Jeeps, Subarus, Hondas, Toyotas, plus more) and this is the first I'm reviewing because it hits all my sweet spots. Now to see how long I'll keep it - but definitely have made a car connection!
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Better Than My Cadillac
Steve , 05/23/2024
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought just a few months ago and except for the listed issues, completely happy. Car only has 85k miles on the odemeter and looks nearly new. 1. Screen on the radio/CD player was clouded. Couldn't read it to put the unlock code in. Called MB who told me it would take Mimimal of 2 hours labor at $125 per hour. Yanked it out and replaced it with a Keenwood system. Keep it along with car phone, (also removed), in a box in the trunk next to the CD changer. 2. Some plastics are brittle. Bose speaker cover frames, sunroof shade handle and a switch or 2. 3. This was a European Premier Edition. LED key, (don't have and MB no longer makes), forces me to lock/unlock doors from passenger side with a standard key. 3. Transmission hesitates for 15-20 seconds after starting and won't shift manually, just in drive. MB said 6 hours minimum labor. Took it to a foreign car specialist. His opinion was that there was a shift lock mechanism off track. Told me not to worry about it. I also own a Cadillac CTS and a new Mustang. This car is by far the most comfortable. Doesn't feel highway speeds and just took a 700 mile trip to TN and back with no issues. I would drive this car anywhere.
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Transmission or Soup du-jour
Reza Hollakoohi, 09/16/2002
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
So I buy this C-230 last Friday for my wife ,every thing is fine. Saturday we take it for lunch so far so good, we go to see a movie and come back to find out on the way home that the transmission is slipping than jerking and a hard shift up. Heading home disappointed ,I let the car rest till Monday soan take it to the nearest dealer and On the way the check engine light comes on and the trans mission is Stuck in the first gear ,asking why ?? you've got me !!! with only 77k on the clock you would think a Geo Metro or Kia Sephia would give you more run for the money than a baby Benz ,what's up with that? And what ever happened to German Engineering ??
$ and comfort nightmare
Hardy, 05/19/2003
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought last year with 84000 miles. My.right shin hits dash.Now looking at $850 to replace bushing in lower control arm plus $1800 to 2100 to replace leaking head gasket. Excellent Mercedes Mechanic said the gasket is a common repair to the C 280 and no guarantee it wont happen again.Already had to replace a worn bushing on shifter arm.
Couldn't afford to keep it
Uncle Dan, 03/21/2008
1997 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C280 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I previously reviewed this car and gave it pretty good ratings. But, I finally had to get rid of it. I only drove about 5000 miles a year, but it was costing a fortune to keep it running. I was spending $1000 a year above and beyond routine maintenance to keep it running. This was a weekend driver and was babied. But I had several major repairs, none related to each other. I had all work done at the dealership which was expensive. Although I loved driving the car and liked it's fit and finish and it's look, I sold it and bought a new Infiniti. I've owned older Mercedes, but based on this experience, my 97 C280 will be my last.