Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews
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Great Car
After over four years and mixed city/ highway driving, this is a terrific car. I leased it for three years and bought it after the lease was up. I live in an area with terrible streets, terrible drivers and four seasons. The car has held up very well--no rattles or squeeks. The turning radius is amazing and the car does everything well - stop, go and turn!
What a great decision
More than a year ago I was faced with the need to find a replacement car. I chose the Mercedes for its combination of style, comfort, value, and of course prestige. I have never been dissapointed with my decision to purchase this vehicle instead of a new Honda Accord. I now understand why those who buy one Mercedes can't help but keep buying them!!
- C230 SedanMSRP: $2,299305 mi away
- C280 SedanMSRP: $2,995579 mi away
- C230 SedanMSRP: $2,990583 mi away
Instead of a Toyota
I bought the car from a friend about a year ago with 48,000 miles to use it as a weekend car. I paid less than I did for my new Camry that I drive daily. But when the weekend arrives I allow myself pleasure of the way this car handles, performs. I had forgot the nature of a rear wheel drive car, and how different the car moves through a corner. The supercharged engine doesn't know the meaning to stop, and can pull the car well over the legal speed limit without even trying. The interior, and finish are just great. It's a car the plays to the senses. Looking for reliable transportation at a good value by Toyota. What a car for the soul? Drive a Mercedes
Best Buy!!!
I purchased my '99 C230 in April of 2003 with 68K miles on it. What a great car. I have had absolutely no problems with this car and now I have 101K miles on it. The W202 C Class is much more reliable than the newer W203 C Class. I know, my wife's '01 C240 has been nothing but problems from day one.
Get One!
I just bought my 99' C230 Kompressor Sport, black on black. I have a 120 mile round trip commute that I make a couple times a week. I am tired of cars falling apart with routine maintenance and not having any resale value at all. My last three American cars resale value has been abysmal. What a joy it is to drive again. I haven't had this much fun since my 1997 Maxima SE, just now I'm in a much more solid car. Five years old and still turns heads. None of the Mercedes maintenance horrors others predicted. Research the models on edmunds, consumer reports, etc. and you'll see the 99 C Class scores above average in most categories. I'm hooked now!
C280 - More Mercedes than Chrysler
Sadly, this will be my last MB for a while. When compared to the new C class, the '99 has been rock solid and reliable. Can't say that for the post 2000 C class. Handles great, good fuel economy, a smart looking, buttoned-up German sport sedan.
Watch out
I am sorry to say this is my first and last Mercedes. Just a month ago new transmission under warranty now compressor on a/c went. I have spent a lot more on maintenance than on my 2 Hondas. Sad thing is I still owe $6,000 on this. Mercedes needs to go back to the drawing board. Mine has 82,000 miles on it. My nephew's '96 Accord with 199,000 everything still works his car like it rolled off the showroom floor.
good car
Bought this car used, paid too much for it, but still feel it was a good investment. Lots of fun to drive, and great passing ability when needed.
C-230 Kompressor
This is my second Mercedes. I personally like the classic style better than the newer styles.
My German rocket
I have owned my Benz for over a year. It has been a wonderful car. At first I was skeptical about owning a German car because ,I heard they had a lot of electrical problems.My car has only needed a wiper, oil change and tire matenance.The brakes are the strongest ever.
Best of Any Year C-Class
Great car. reliable. Great build quality. All around fantastic vehicle. Fantastic V6 engine Sport package. What more could you ask.
24 Years and Original owner of 1999 C280 Sport
Finally, the odometer hit 150,000 miles on my 1999 C280. "Gracie" has moved into year 24 with me. I purchased her in September 1999 as a present to myself. My true deep desire since age 17 was a Candy Apple Red or Black SL and to live life with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair. Instead, at 41 years of age I found a Mercedes sedan that I could love anyway (and pay cash for) and could keep until I die. I turn 65 in March 2023 - I still love the car but lust for an old SL! The most positive aspect of ownership is that I feel incredibly safe in this MB - it is SOLID! Steering is wonderfully responsive - not loose. After 300 miles or so my back hurts. Wish seats were heated. I have always been proud to be seen in of my car (black / black.) HOWEVER, and this is my fault - cancer has developed on the door panels and a few other spots. A search has begun for new door skins. She has had a garaged spot since I completed my home construction. The 12 years in outside elements around Northern Kentucky has really hurt. When I purchased my '99, I made a decision to be proactive with service and never grumble about the high cost of repairs (which I cannot do for myself.) MB Dealer Service handled all work except the full paint job and tires. (They recommended a paint shop that was a true disappointment. I failed to get multiple bids. Lesson is: Trust, but Verify.) I spend an average of $5000 / year for all repairs, but the car is paid for, insurance is reasonable and my annual tax & tags are very low. Gracie has the usual pricey issues - electrical, headliner, suspension (this week,) gaskets, etc. Motor and transmission are in great shape. All mechanical issues are addressed immediately and none recur without resolution that is unless they cost more than it is worth to fix them (parking brake sticks occasionally.) The original Bose speakers have a rattle that never seems to be completely resolved and can be annoying. The cupholder was a cheap design and it broke early on. I couldn't see $90 for a replacement. Over the years, mileage has dropped a mile per gallon or so and OEM parts are getting harder to find. Do I occasionally consider buying another? Yes. I don't, though, because I love C280 style, color, quality and solid feel. I also know that, overall, I have taken excellent care of this one. My service team eye her with admiration so that should count for something. Driver's view of side and rear traffic is excellent. IMHO newer cars typically fail in this area. I don't care for the body styles available on most new cars. They all look the same and have very little character, so I'll just make the best of it. Although I still want the wind in my hair and to drive an MB ragtop, you never know, at 65 I may just achieve my goal and be buried owning an MB C280! ;-)
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Decent Entry Level Benz
Bought with 50000 miles and worked fine for 2 years. Needed $1500 schedule B at atbout 75000k but that solved the acceleration problems. Had to fix the crank sensor at 76000k and no one really knew the problem cause. $250 for that one, then the engine light at 80000k was the air sensor- not a big deal but cant get car inspected with an engine light on. Air sensors are $500 from MB but got one from ebay, plopped it in and problems went away. Now at 104k and have had no issues..oh yeah, watch front springs they break at 90k. Replaced those as well. Power seats work when they want to and now fuel gage is not working all the time- problem comes and goes so unknown cause. Get trans fluid chged!
C230
I just purchased a 1999 C230 with only 17K. This car rides very nice. The supercharged engine is very fast and responsive. Great car.
Far from Fahrvergnügen
I bought this car used 2 years ago. In the time I have had it, I have had to replace the windshield wiper motor 3 times. I have had to replace the planetary sun gear. The sensor on the braking system failed and resulted in above average repair cost. The BAS/ASR system failed. The cost of this car has outweighed any pleasure that the turbo, design and features could have offered. It has put me off German cars altogether. I'm going back to Japanese!
Wish I could give this a good rating
I purchased this car new and I will give it one thing- it is a lot of fun to drive. However, I have invested nearly $8,000 in repairs in the last 4 years.(starter,gas tank,ball joints,ac compressor,suspension breakage, etc,etc). It is always garaged and has had to have a lot of body work because of rust problems. The dashboard looks like a lit Christmas tree! I've taken good care of this car, but just can't wait for another $1500 repair to occur. I will never buy another Mercedes- period. They're too expensive to repair. I've owed 3- Series BMW's that were more reliable.
1999 C280
This is my families 1st and will likely be our last Mercedes. This car was a peach when purchased used, low miles and in great shape. However it has been nothing short of a complete disapointment. Far too many problems and a rapping when getting repairs. I've had my Toyota for 8 years and have already spent more on repair costs on the Mercedes in the 2 years I've had it. And I have had it with this car. If you have one, best of luck.
Going back to GM
When I first purchased my C230 Kompressor I was really excited but that quickly passed after experiencing the cost of repair The wiper was the first thing to malfunction Cost of repair 500 dollars. Brake job 600 dollars Mass airflow sensor 400 dollars All around 90,000 miles. Transmission shifting very poor since I purchased. Will not buy Benz again GM much more dependable and less costly to repair.
Expensive to Own
I bought this car with 41000 miles on it and it now has 86000. I have spent $4500 in repairs, and am advised by a reputable local shop that it needs $2500 more, but that does not include the odd windshield wiper motor that threatens to go out periodically or the power seat controls that only work half the time. Not the half at the shop where they commonly intone, "Unless it's not working when we look at it, we can't tell what's wrong with it." Handles well and gets decent mileage. Built-in analog cell phone only works half the time. Next car will be a Honda/Toyota.
Great Driving Machine
This is the first Benz I've owned, and I love the C280. I've owned many cars, both domestic and foreign and this one is the best, better then the BMW I traded in.
excellent
this car is in mint condition. I have owned it since I bought it. It is garaged most of the time, when it is not being driven. It has been maintained on a regular schedule.
New Mercedes fan for life
After extensive research and calculation, I realized that the C230 was the car for me. It's plenty quick; and the luxury it affords distracts you from caring about 0-60 times. I found a Sport edition fully loaded (heated seats, rain sensing wipers, CD changer, etc) w/ only 39k mi and paid less than $22k at a dealer! I suggest anyone in Southern California check out Penske Motorcars in West Covina.
1999 C230 Kompressor
Trouble-free ownership experience. Good-looking, comfortable and well- powered at any speed. Great handling and very good highway ride. At start- up, engine is quite noisy, though after 30 seconds, it quiets signficantly. For a near-luxury class car, engine noise should still be lower than it is.
old to new
having owned a 1978 280 CE for some years, decided to try daimler-chrysler product with minimal research and many test drives. This is still a Mercedes, no doubt with loader, yet responsive supercharged 4-cyl. Great fun and similar timeless design and quality to my dearly departed 1978
every bit a benz
great car , handles great , rides smooth with the right tires . and has classic lines , still a head turner after 5 years .feels like a tank but still very nimble . great on the highway
Love my Benz
I have had my Benz for over a year now and what a car! I had a few problems when I bought it but the dealership (RAB Motors, San Rafael) handled it hassle free! It has been dependable (more dependable than my friend's BMWs) and fun to drive. The car has no blind spots, great turning radius and more power than I really need (I clocked 120 mph driving to LA). I would recommend Mercedes to anyone who wants their car to take care of them. This was my first and I'll never buy another make of car except Mercedes.
baby benz
I bought the car with 56,000 miles and have put about 3,000 miles on it since. It feels like it is glued to the ground. For all of you MB owners, you know what I am referring to. The biggest surprise has been its fuel consumption or lack there of. I find myself filling up about every 14 days which is a vast improvement from how often I have to take my ML320 to the pump.
A well-built car
This is my first Mercedes, and is not as fun to drive as my last BMW but for $24,000 it was a very good value. I feel very safe driving this car, and recently got 32 mpg on a trip to Utah, (we were going 80 mph with the air conditioning on the entire time).
C230 Kompressor
Bought used 4 years old. Great performance wise, no doubt. Within 2nd year of ownership, had to replace wiper, AC, rotors. Sometimes windows don't work. Dash lights go on. In 3rd year of ownership, rust on both sides of door, under wheel well. This is a garaged car. My 13 year old Corolla had no rust at all! Very disappointed, especially for a Benz. The body integrity is poor on the car I own. I am looking forward to getting rid of it.
One of M-B's best cars
its a terrific car
Great Car!
Have been very happy with it. Solid, reliable, comfortable, safe - everything a Benz should be!
Best For Home Use
Big problems with fuel evaporation system;replaced under warranty,now needs to be replaced again since fuelling is sometimes impossible and the gas indicator does/doesn't indicate,lights flash,etc.Brake discs should also be of much better quality. Seats are THE WORST over long distance of any I've had in 40 years.My chiropractor made a fortune !
Buy the BMW or Lexus
Overall, it's a fun car to drive, but quality is poor. It's had much lower quality than any other car I've owned (Pontiac, Jeep, Buick, Datsun) and maintenance costs are significantly more.
Interior parts become brittle in time. Terrible ca
I'm very disappointed with the Mercedes model 1999 C230. I would expect better from Mercedes on longevity quality. Mercedes knobs, tweeter speaker harness and surrounding plastic parts are very delicate when handling. I'm done writing. Point blank Mercedes used generic (cheap) plastic and cheap metal parts (such as, trunk spring harness/connection) because in time the plastic become brittle. You cost me money Mercedes. Never again will I buy your cheap cars or any of your cars.
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