Used 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews
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The Car-1998 Mercedes Benz C230
I bought it in Nov 1997 brand new with 4 miles on it.Its now 16 years old in Nov 2013 and accumulated about 85,ooo miles.My verdict:this car is extremely reliable and economical to maintain,during the past 16 years it never turn me down,never brakes down on the road,in parking lot or at home,it starts on time,i follow the car maintenace program every 10,000 miles,the major expenses on this car is my battery last year and replace my 4 tires 3 time during the last 15-16 years and the rest are minor repair or maintenance,annual inspection for sticker thats why i never traded it to any type of car,my 98 Mercedes Benz C230 is my buddy for the last 15 years she is always with me all the time.
$0.10/mile car
I bought this car with 50k miles on it and have driven it for the last 10 years and currently have 270k miles on it. I agree with most of the comments below and aside from replacing a transmission (that in all fairness, I beat on) and replacing wear items (breaks, belts, front end, tires, charcoal canister) the car has been outstanding. My goal is to put 1 million miles on it and the key is finding a good, independent mechanic that knows Mercedes and have him look it over once a year. It's good in the snow with 120 lbs of sand tubes in the trunk and good treads on the tires. I'm in New England and don't even use snow tires with the extra weight.
- C230 SedanMSRP: $12,995968 mi away
- C230 SedanMSRP: $2,5001,018 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $8,9951,471 mi away
Ole Reliable
Never let me down plan on 1 million miles >
Very satisfied after 9 years
We did purchase a I-Net bumper to bumper warranty for $2000 and that's helped. I'd say we've almost even on that. Very few serious repairs. Did need a cat converter, a/c compressor and a few other minor things. Outside Mercedes warranty work, I'd say we had $1600 of I-Net warranty over 6 years. We take very good care of the car and it only has 82,000 after 9 years
Still a nice car at 14 years old
This is my first Benz, I bought it not long ago from old lady that passed away so truly it was the "Little old lady that drove it on Sunday" car. It had less than 68 K on it which was extremely low mileage for a 14 year old car, but unfortunately she took very poor care of the car bordering on car abuse. I have been going through it repairing what I can and getting all the service caught up, mostly by doing the work myself. The trick to owning one of these old Benz's is that you don't want to constantly pay somebody else to do the work, (no dealer) you need to be able to fix it yourself. Fortunately, the car is actually quite service friendly, though parts can be expensive.
16 years later still a good car
we have never had the car in the shop, for major problems, just o2 sensors replaced a few times and a few other maintenance parts, still drives well and has held up well 146k miles or so and you still take it on a 6 or 8 hour trip without worrying about anything bad happening to it
Still going... and going.... and going..
I bought this car from my Dad with 250,000km on a little over 1 year ago now. It's up to 319,000km (200k in miles) and its still moving just fine. The engine will be the last thing to go I think. The doors are getting a little rusty where the horizontal trim is placed. And I have to replace my brake lights a little more often than I think is necessary but thats it! This car has had 3 problems in its life. Water pump, 02 sensors, and tie rods/ball joints replacement. All pretty much expected after that many miles. Aside from that its been a dream to own and a pleasure to drive. I never worry about this car letting me down, I'm going to drive it until it dies. Which I hope is never
C230 best value in it's class
Alot of people don't stop and think that yes, you can buy a late model Mercedes for under $20,000. But on a 98 C230 with fairly low miles (40,000) at a price at $18,000, I think it is by far the best value car in it's class.
Run away from buying a MB
There is no possible reason for anyone to buy a car like this. I have owned many cars in my life and this is probably the most unreliable vehicle I have ever experienced. Known problems are MAF sensor, suspension, electronics, brakes etc, etc. Cheap vinyl seats that are passed off as leather. Any Ford, Honda, Toyota etc. would be a better purchase. If you must have a Mercedes lease a new one and dump it before the problems start.
Belief.
Very reliable car... Enough power...great suspension...great convenience system...elegant...this C280 has everything that a car could have with the best reliability. Mercedes warrenty and custonmer service cares my car more than I do. Best service!!
Very solid car
Bought this used a few months ago - paid $8500 (vs. NADA book value of $13k) for a white w202. Only repair was new tires and alignment. Car drives like a dream - stable at any speed, great low-end power from the V6 and good acceleration on the highway. This is the 5th MB my family has owned and my 2nd. We've always been impressed with their products and now I remember why.
Not a "cookie cutter" car owner of many MBZ
Hubby got this for me 4 years ago at 142k absolutely love this car, great on gas fun to drive and after adding 40k to miles just had to replace timing chain. This one has never failed me. I have the sport package and anyone who gets in it just says "wow". Can not even list all the MBZ have owned over 28 years together but told him this one is it .
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Its all that and than some!!!
I purchase my 1998 brand new and its been under my wings sense day one in Excellent Mint Condition you can eat off the engine seeing I am OCD, it has about 80k miles and still going stronger than these new vehicle on the market. I have only done maintenance and replaced a few battery on it whereas my other vehicles have cost me far more. I have gotten my every pennies worth plus some with this being the best vehicle purchase I have every spend. I have gotten hundreds of offers to buy but until the right one comes if there is one she will go to her grave if not me first.
- Safety
- Performance
- Comfort
C280
Tight and solid always. The 6 cyl C280 is a lot more refined that the 4 cyl models, which I would avoid. These cars show every sign of going the distance, as did their predecessors.
You Gotta Have One Of These!!!
The last 9 months have been great thanks to my C230. Everyone needs to own this affordable, stylish car. Because I am a teacher,everyone takes a double look at me when I cruise into the parking lot. If they only knew, that their vehicle cost more than mine! The quality of the German car is incredible. It's a Mercedes; need I say more?
Love My Car!
I love my Mercedes-Benz C 230. It is my first car and I could not be more happy with everything. It is a great ride, very dependable, fast, and comfortable. The interior is cozy and roomy enough for all my friends! The features are fabulous and I enjoy the interior layout. The car runs great and gets great gas mileage (32 hwy). The pedals are touchier than a Lexus, but it was easy to get used to that. I commute to school and I don't mind the drive now! I am very happy with this car and plan on being a loyal Mercedes-Benz customer due to their high quality and expertise in luxury.
poor electical sysyem
Two of the origional tires developed problems early on as the steel belts went out of allignment and the tire manufacturer refused to honor their warranty forcing the purchase of a complete set of new tires. No need to focus on the problems while the car was under warranty as Mercedes handled those well. Afterwards the electronics in the dash went haywire and caused some problems under the hood.Total cost to repair both was almost $1100. When I marveled that the dealership had these unusual parts in stock, I was told that this problem has become very common causing Mercedes to stock their dealerships with these parts for prompt repairs.
Best in Class
Have driven BMW 3 series and Audi A4 and this one is class apart. And I'm not even counting the heads it turns...
Best Car I have ever owned in 25 years
I love this car!!! It has been so reliable I actually can not believe it. I have owned it since new and have never been left at the side of the road. I had a few suspension parts fixed due to pot holes and new tires. Normally only a few hundred $'s every six months for service at MB. Service has been great, but my dealership in Canada is owned by MB. I still have the original exhaust system too, that is something for a salty wintery place. I have planned on replacing it a few times, but I figure why it is paid for and it runs like new. I have owned MB's since I was 16 and this has been the best by far.
Great Little Gas Saver
I bought this car off lease with 26000 miles on it 6.5 years ago. Other than oil changes, only had to replace brakes at 50k miles. The best thing about the car is the 25 city/35 highway gas milage (I am a little heavy footed on trip). I may keep this one for 15 years.
The name backs up its quality
The car has never broken down or needed repair,and gets over 25 miles per gallon.Seats are very comfortable,as is the ride.Styling is very sharp especially after its been polished.What the car NEEDS is more power(You have to plan to get on highway or control the shifts).The car also needs fog lights to improve visibility at night,and a higher quality sound system with an in- dash CD player or changer.
Mercedes Ride and noise
Purchased the car new off the showroom floor. The car has been very reliable. The biggest problem is the noisy ride with wind etc. Not a good long trip car. Very uncomfortable seats. Very good mileage with the four cyl. engine. Plenty of get up and go. Not satisfied with the dealer whose head of sales at the time was rude to us at the end of purchase.
Love this car too much
I bought my 1998 c280 in 2010 with 124,000 miles on it. 7 years later it is still going with 255000. I can't say enough about how great this car is. It's fast, handles great, is comfortable and still looks great. Repairs have been more ware and tear that surprises and contrary to popular belief parts are reasonable and I don't have a problem finding some one to work on it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Mercedes is likely the worst car company to deal with for a bad vehicle
I've owned my C230 for 14 years now, and the only reason I still own it is I couldn't sell it in good conscience with its flaws. The transmission was showing problems since new, but there were so many other problems that were more pressing when it was new (many pages in one visit) that I didn't notice that they left that one off. Then when it started to slip big time at 90K Mercedes refused to repair it. A mechanic at the dealership told me confidentially that it is a known problem. I complained to everyone, including the CEO of the entire company, and at every level in between, to no avail. This is my second that I bought new. Never again. Luckily this was not my only vehicle.
Great little car
We bought this car new after owning a '94 C280. Now, eight yrs later, everything still works like new, the interior leather looks great, and it still gets 30 mpg on the highway. We have been religious about maintenance and the only repair issue we've faced is when the AC went out at 100,000 miles. Paint has held up very well, also. I'm sure it helps that my wife drives the car and she drives like an 80 yr old granny; but still, after this many yrs and miles, to still not have even one oil leak is, I think, a testament to how well this car was built. I would drive it anywhere w/o hesitation.
Safe Car
I owned my 1998 C230 for 4 1/2 years and I loved it. Other than an oxygen sensor, it required no repairs other than routine maintence during the period of time I owned it. Unfortunately while driving, I had an accident at 60mph and rolled the car twice. The car was totaled, but I sustained minor injuries. The state patrol credited the safety of the car, seat belts, and air bags as saving my life.
Great car
Love this car (my baby), brought brand new. No problems. Door regulator failed under warranty and battery recalled under warranty. New battery is 6 yrs old and perfect. Beautiful car to look at when freshly washed. Interior classy. Proud to drive it. Most people think it is much more expensive then it was. Little slow in acceleration but if put the auto trans in 3rd or 4th gear very satisfying. Very smooth engine, very solid , safe cabin. Love it. Plan to keep it 'til it starts mechanical problems.
Best Used Car for the Money
I've had Volvo's, Mazda's, VW's, this has been by far the most dependable, cheapest car to own and maintain by far. Other than routine maintenance (oil changes), brakes at 75k and plugs at 100k miles, this has been the most dependable and cheapest car I've ever owned. I purchased it off lease with 32k miles, I currently have over 112k - its still beautiful, paint is perfect, interior is still like new - the leather interior still looks new and has held up incredibly well. The style is classic, not trendy, and gets a lot of compliments.
Great Value
Original owner and I am very pleased with this vehicle. With the exception of a couple of minor problems (both covered under warranty), this vehicle has been trouble-free. The ride, handling, safety features and level of equipment is great, as is the MPG (27- 30). In addition, the costs incurred to maintain this vehicle has been reasonable, probably because the FSR seems to extend the time/mileage between service visits.
you pay for quality, not just the name
Can't get over how well thought out this car is both in driving terms as well as maintenance. Will own nothing but MB if finances allow. And with used C classes so cheap why not?
Best Car Ever Owned
This car is the best road car made. It is comfortable and reliable. No car problems ever.
The luxury sedan that withholds.
I've had the car for 10 years now and it still starts and runs strong everyday. Transmission seems to be going and needs to be looked at. Also I believe my AC compressor needs to be changed. Main vents have suddenly stopped working. I love this car. I've put my heart into it. Also many miles. At 150,000 the car is still perfect for round town and parkway driving. Handles high speeds well and is a great car for any person. Also being a Mercedes it is a classy comfortable luxurious car.
C280
Tight and solid always. The 6 cyl C280 is a lot more refined that the 4 cyl models, which I would avoid. These cars show every sign of going the distance, as did their predecessors.
Great but why latent design defects?
My first Mercedes and it has been a fine car. Our dealer is nothing but first class. I enjoy driving this car so much that I had to buy my wife her own new E 320 (2004) as nothing really compares to driving a MB. Considering the new 2006 ML 350 as a replacement but recent nagging latent design defects and poor support from MB USA are making me look at BMW. The steering wheel leather is falling apart, the headliner has pulled away from the C pillars, and the rear window regulators/motors have gone out several times. And this car is always garged, no one rides in the back, and is treated like a baby. It should hold up much better, like a Honda or Toyota.
A luxury sedan that stands up to time
This entry level Mercedes has stood the test of time. The styling is not outdated, and reflects the classic look of the S-class of the year. The electrical system is a little buggy, but so is the story with a German car. Major repairs include the Tranny being resealed, and replacement of the AC compressor, but overall the car has shown remarkable endurance, especially considering my mother never changed the oil
The Best Of It's Kind......!
I bought this car with 92,000 miles on it and the next day i drove it from Dallas, TX back home to Memphis, TN and i was amazed that i made the trip of about 460 miles on one tank of gas. The ride was smooth on comfortable all the way. I've had this car for a year now and not a single problem. This car has a sporty look and a luxury feel, what more could i want. When i give my friend a ride they tell my the ride is solid and smooth and i reply "Hey.... it's a Mercedes" My next car is defiantly a Mercedes.
Impressive
This is an absoutely fun car to drive. It handles like a dream and is great to take out on the open ride. We have taken it on several long distance trips and it is very comfortable. This car gets 'alot' of attention and well it should with its sleek styling. I have owned 2 previous mercedes and this has been the most fun, economical to drive, beautiful interior -and the price was great. It is an automatic 'but' when you use the peddle correctly it has incredible take-off and control. I am absolutely in love with this car and would recomend it to anyone who enjoys driving a car of this stature.
Believe it!
Virtually no problems with this car. I purchased it used five years ago. Brakes and battery had to be replaced right away, but other than that, routine maintenance is all she needed. I once spilled juice down the gear shifter, costs $1700 to replace transmission control unit and gear shifter That is the ONLY problem I've had in FIVE years. At over 171K, I hate to lay her to rest, but she's lived her life and half of someone elses. Oh yeah, just recently the wiper motor and A/C blower went out. She's probably dying. Goodbye Bessie!
1998 Mercedes C230
This car has had numerous problems that would not be expected from a car of this class from the time that I purchased it. The windshield wiper motor has gone out 3 times costing $900 to replace. The display screen for the temp control has been going in and out since I've had the car. It was replaced with another one that did the same thing. The dealership's repair shop could not find the problem. The steering wheel is not properly aligned with the car. Problem could not be found once again. There is in a water leak in the trunk that cannot be resolved after numerous trips back to the dealers' service dept. Overall this car has been a big disappointment for the money!
mercedes c230
in four years had to tow this car twice to the dealer. It represents high brand name and poor quality and the service this dealer provides to clients made me regret dealing with them. I am not proud of owning a Mercedes.
1998 Mercedes Benz CP600 Coupe
As a Mercedes Benz owner for over 15 years and BMW owner of the 525 and 700 series, the Benz always coes first!... From E300's to 420SEL and S500's, My favorite... Is the 98 Widebody, not easily found, rare and still ahead of it's time....Take a 98 CP600 V12 coupe for a weekend ride and return with the meaning on life!
Like it but...
I purchased my '98 C230 Oct. 2006. It has 132,300 mi. It is a good running car. I had to have the transmission repaired at 52,000 mi. An electronic signal caused it to misfire, hence, major damage, $$$. No other significant failures. It doesn't have enough pickup initially, however, once it gets to running it is a smooth ride. AC is awesome in the summer and heater is 'right-on' in the winter. Will definitely purchase another MB when this one is retired.
has no value
The 1998 Mercedes-Benz C230 Sedan requires high test fuel yet has no power to speak of. Its gas milage stinks for such a small car. It is not very comfortable or roomy on the inside. This car would have been an OK choice for a single person. Its resale and trade-in values are terrible. If I would have done appropriate research beforehand and known all of these things I would have NEVER of purchased this car. It is surprisingly bad for one of the alledged higher end vehicles.
The best car I've ever had
I have been so iumpressed with my C280. It's fun to drive, it handles well in the rain and snow because it has the traction control. The seating maybe a little cramped but you still can ride 4 adults in comfort. The trunk space is exceptional for a small car because the backseats fold down to give more room.
1998 C-280
Excellent car. Well built, reliable and overall solid performer for it's class.
NA
Nice German Car. Simply GREAT!
one great car
I just bought this car last week on ebay and drove it from Miami to Santa Fe,NM. Everything you expect from a Benz and more. The ride is luxurious, quiet, and has plenty of power. Speaking of power, the interior is a living room, all leather and power everything. After testdriving about ten NEW cars from GM, VW, Nissan and Chrysler I can honestly say that none of the new ones was a match for this six year old car. I owned a beautiful 92 300CE Coupe, which was a total loss after I got rear ended, but this car has helped me to forget her.
one great car
I love this car! I have driven a lot of cars and SUV's and I have to say this is by far my favorite. Boy does it turn heads. I have two kids and I thought I would never go back to a small car but this one is roomy and sporty enough! Great car for a great price.
Special
Class is the word for this car. I needed a car for my small business and needed it to be 4 doors, but not too big. Put 15,000 miles on it and only changed oil and replaced tires. Runs like a new car, interior has really held up and steering and power seems like other newer cars I have had. Getting lots of compliments even with its age. It will be my daughter's car next if I ever get rid of it. May buy an electric car for around town and the MB for trips to Vegas. Very solid and worth the price if you can find a clean one.
Reliable and won't breakdown
I've had my C280 since Oct of 1997. It's the 98 model and it's still running like a champ. As much as I want a new car, this one won't break down so I can't justify buying a new one. So that's making me think I want to buy another MB as my new car when it's time. The only thing is it's so boring inside, not too many bells and whistles. Since I got this car when I was barely 20, I was able to spice it up with some clear corner blinkers with 18" AMG monoblocks, but the redesign really needs to take into consideration mg the 20-30 something crowd who loves the 3 series Bimmers. sometimes I feel like an old lady driving this sedan, but honestly this car has always been reliable and a great buy! Safe!