Used 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Good car but......
I was interested to read the many comments from owners of the 320 regarding the tires. I have needed new tires since I reached 10,000 miles! I do not drive hard miles! MB has agreed to pay for two tires as well as an alignment! In addition, the outside mirrors do not work in conjunction with the electric seats! MB has promised to fixed that as well. All in all, the car has been a disappointment since I expected much more from Mercedes.
great car
This car is the real deal, and noone was initially more skeptical than me- the only reason I own it now is purely due to my cynical curiosity of what type of car MB could offer for 25k and one drive sold me. I was waiting for the 24 valve vr6 GTI but I fast forgot about it. The C230 provides an excellent mix of ride/handling, quality, utility, value and panache that I found irresistible.
- C240 SedanMSRP: $6,995247 mi away
- C240 SedanMSRP: $4,500441 mi away
- C320 SedanMSRP: $3,495451 mi away
A nice example of good engineering . . .
I am amazed that there can be so much variability in this car. Everybody I know seems to have only occassional issues that arise. The vast majority of people I know with this car do very well with it. Makes me wonder how legit some of the complaintes are. Anyway, I have only had a couple very minor cosmetic issues and nothing I would even describe as a minor problem. Wonderful fun car to drive.
C230 - Sauerkraut Burner
I have enjoyed the C230 for 6 months and it is definitely one of the best cars I have driven. It is smooth, yet sporty. The C-class sedan is smoother and faster with the V6, however the sweet high revs of the kompressor engine is a different feel all together. The drive brings the boy racer out in everyone. The engines sounds so cool in 1st and 2nd gear up and down Yorkville. On the highway the kompressor engine really comes out to play. Passing was a breeze and torque was strong even in 4th gear. The C230 is very refined and provides all the luxury, status and fun for us Gen- Xers.
Solid Performance
Purchased a 2002 C320 Wagon off of Ebay. The car has a solid; heavy ride with great performance. Sports Car performance with sedan ride is the best way to describe. Bose Sound is awesome along with being a very tight, quiet automobile.
Great car!
I love this car. It isn't that old but it has made me take the long route just because it is such a great car!
Best Quality and Looks of any compact.
After more than two years it is still exhilirating to get behind the wheel of this vehicle. Quality, look and respect are tops in its class. Although some competitors may offer more features and higher rated horsepower - I've had no regrets. C- 240 has more than enough acceleration and speed. Now that I have a toddler its a bit cramped with the baby seat, diaper bag and stroller though. I would buy again, but go for E class or a minivan/suv if you're starting a family.
48000 mile critique
This is my second MB, and I leased it new. It was fairly bulletproof for 3yrs, but has had lots of problems in the last year. Most of the problems are associated with electronic systems, the key, one touch sunroof closure, etc. A great car in many ways, but beginning to be an aggravation, so I'm glad it's leased. Dealer service has been exceptional--always a loaner- and a great track record in dealing with problems beyond their control.
c230
The enginneering of this car is spectacular. MB has thought of everything. The ride is supreme and the handling is awesome. The "fun factor" is off the chart. Only complaint is lack of lumbar support. Strongly advise panoramic roof, Bose stereo and power seats. Still a great value.
No regrets!
I have been quite happy with this car, and have found no build quality issues of any kind. There are a few things I would have preferred they do in the design, but generally it's a fun, sporty feeling car. BMW has been making their 3-series less sporty and more luxurious, and Mercedes has been going the opposite way (now if they'd just make the AMG models available with a stick!)
Disappointed
We purchased this car for my wife to drive, hoping for fun luxury with MB quality. The car looks great and is fun to drive, but we have been very disappointed in quality. It is been in the shop several times and we have already replaced the instrument panel, alternator, and two tires. I bought a Ford Explorer one week before and I have had no problems. Overall, I have had more problems with this MB than any car I have ever owned.
c230
loving it so far, this car makes my hour long commute tolerable. on had one minor problem with the sunroof, i think i made the right choice for my first car.
Love it - but not perfect
Overall I love this car. Performance is very good, handling great, interior suprising roomy for the size. More than that, it makes you want to drive it - often and hard. Eats up highway miles, great fun to toss around. The ride is a little stiff. Steering is stiff. Controls are stiff. Not bad, but an adjustment if you're coming from a more pampering car. One serious complaint - more rattles and squeeks from the roof area that I would expect from a Mercedes.
Awesome!!
What a sweet ride!! I love this car. It is fast and good looking. It handles like a dream. It is hard not to go on a highway and see what the top speed is. As fast as I go, the car always seems to want to go faster. The only complaint is a slight rattle noise that seems to be coming from the drivers side door at low speeds. It doesn't do it all the time which makes it a diagnostic nightmare. Other than that, I love the car.
I love my wife's car.
I warm up to cars slowly but this latest C-Class by MB with the big 3.2L twin-spark V6 won me over quickly. And, it's big enough for 95 percentile males to drive and has many comfortable seating positions. The engine just loafs, even on the biggest hills, and the whole package delivers comforting feelings of security, competence and value.
Perfect Ride
We bought the car used from a MB Dealer in Boston, MA. After I drove the BMW 325i & 330i, I decided that comfort style & quiteness make-up for the less power. We love it.
MB Wagon
I have had very little trouble with this automobile. I have found the climate controls to be unnecessarily confusing. What little problems I have had have been due to electrical difficulties. It is a fun, responsive car to drive and does not tire one out on trips. I would certainly look at another one, when I decide to trade cars
small but loaded
The car is small on size but even the base model equipment is first rated. Quality is perfect. Unless you are way over 6 feet tall, I don't see a reason to but a bigger Mercedes.
Mercedes Benz C230K "Car of the Year"
I love my C230K. I have the Alabaster White w/ leather interior and moonroof. The car handles real well and I love the power for such a small car. It accelerates like a champion. The only complaint that I have is the stock tape deck. Who's idea was it to make this stock? Why didn't they throw in a CD player?
Great Car with horrible Build Quality
smooth V6, good handling, looks luxurious and the name Mercedes However, it is seriously overpriced, i bought mine for 4 grand under MSRP. No in dash CD, CD changer cost $800 becuz stupid fiber optic cable. horrendous build quality.. one of the speaker went out on first day..electronic key failure on second day.. kinda scared what's up next..
Better than BMW
Great car, fun to drive. I had two 3- series BMW's before this car and this is by far a superior vehicle. I think that it is more compatable with a 5- series BMW (and at a 3-series price). I will buy a Mercedes again and am encouraging a family member to trade a Jaguar in for an s-class.
C320 Sedan is great
Fun to drive, lots power C320 with attrative styling especially the head lamp
No longer the best or nothing
This is a fine car, however quality problems are magnified by equaly poor service. Vibration at 33-45mph, mb claims this to be harmonics of the car, otherwords we can not fix it.
Help
I am utterly disappointed with Mercedes Benz. I spend $46K CDN on this car and on average I make a warranty claim every 6000KM. I have had alignment problems that have ruined my tires and now the dealership wants me to pay for new tires due to uneven wear, when they claimed I never had an alignment problem. My key stopped working once, and I change a headlight every month due to alternator problems. My dealership will do nothing for me. I am really going to trade this car in for another brand.
Thumbs UP!
I love this car. Couldn't be happier. Only gripe is the digital instument panel menu. Took awhile to master... a bit confusing. But the car is powerful, quiet, and fun to drive.
MBZ 2002- C 320
Attention to detail is excellent as is the layout and comfort features. Finish and fit is flawless. Bose sound system is without peer and the CD player works well. Layout of controls a little different and take getting used to,but once you are used to their placement they are convenient and make a lot of sense. Car is consistant with MB reputation and quality.
myreview
At 6'3" tall, my biggest problem is with legroom, my VW golf had more, I'm a little cramped on longer trips. Ride, handling are impeccable. Watch that speedometer, you can easily be going 20 mph faster than you realize.
Great Car
I also have a 2000 CLK and this car has just as much "go" to it. I also like it much better than my '97 Z3. This is a great car. Fun to drive.
My Mercedes C230
Thanks to Mercedes for a car that performs, looks great, and feels solid. I have no regrets in my selection. It rides smoothly on the road and goes around curves with ease. Even on wet roads, it's performance is uncompromised. I did opt for the "wheel package option" which is probably a good part of the reason the ride is simply wonderful.
GREAT CAR
This is a great car, I have had BMW, VW, Acura and the feel of this car is 2nd to none. It just feels good to drive it. I have only 1 complaint: The brakes on this car are out of control squeaky. It's unreal... I blame this problem more on the local Mercedes dealer than anyone else. They have refused several times to address this issue under warranty. They just say it has 25k on it, it needs new brakes. It clearly does not need brakes, they are 80% still. So like with any other car, you vehicle is only as good as the local dealer (Kansas City).
a great value car
i love it
Mercedes C-240 ? This is Mecedes Quality
Rear window fell out, Dash went out, Alternator went out, head gaskets went out leaking anti freeze into motor, oil pump and sensor went out, front end squeaks, back sunshade broke, seats lost leather color in less than 6K miles, drivers seat broke " back fell off" need I say more? think I have a true Lemon Here. Working with MB to Buy car back however...not sure what they want to do yet however.
American built cars are far short.
Great upgrade from the american built car. Longjevity is the key word.. price is second. performance is best recognized in adverse driving conditions...
Love this car
I love everything about this car except the heater/air..it is so noisy and takes a long time to kick in. Other than that, it's been a great car, zero problems in 55,000 miles.
Great car but mine cuts out too!
Have had car 3 months. Had BMW and Porsche in past. Both had electrical problems. Car has been great to date. Fun to drive and feels safe. Figured perhaps with a Benz, may have better luck with mechanical problems. WRONG! For some unknown reason the car has cut out twice while going down the road @ 45 MPH! (looks like a few other have had the same problem?) Car now going to shop to see what the problem is. I sure hope we don't end up in the same boat as the other 2 German cars!
Electrical Trouble never goes away
Have put 18,000 miles on this car. It has been in the shop over 14 times in the first 6 months. Everything from the headrest motor to the fuel pump to the crankshaft has been replaced. Car is very slow on the start. Don't think of jumping out into traffic!
What a Car........
I have a brillent silver 2002 that I have had for about a month. I can find nothing wrong with this car, it's far better than the Acura or Jag-Xtype, and quiter than both the 3 & 5 series BMW's. I alreay have 2500 miles on it because it's so much fun to drive/be in.
continue from previous Part 2
Right before X-mas which was 3 wks right after I got the car, my sunroof stopped working and later found out that I got a deffect one, and it took the Dealer two wks to fix it. Anyways, the front tires kept going flat on me for like the past two months, so I thought maybe I've ran over a nail or some sort so I kept filling it up with air everytime it goes flat and today I took it to a prof. tire shop and they found out that the rim a hole in it! Can you beleive Mercedes sold me a freakin' Lemon??
poor build quality
I never thought I could write a review after only putting less than 2000 miles on my brand new 2002 C320. I guess I was simply one of the most unfortunate MB owners(but fortunate enough to be able sit here and write this review). In the past 3 weeks, I had two very scary experiences. The car engine suddenly died on the freeway in two separate incidents. There was no warning nor malfunction code. The car had been in two separate dealers. Numerous parts had been replaced. As of today, I am still not convinced that the problem is 100% solved.
Love it "of course"
I absolutely love my 240,the way it handles,and the comfort of course I never have to sit in the back seat but for the dollar spent and the reliability you cannot beat this car and hwy mileage best yet 28.9 mpg and that is not doing 55.
Surperb Benz!
I love my C-Class! It's fun to drive and feels/looks like a shrunken S-Class. It is first-class luxury at a great price. I really enjoy the touch-shift feature. Mercedes-Benz has a hit with this one. It tops the Lexus ES-300 that I used to own (the new ES-300 looks too much like a cheap Camry or Maxima).
a little surprised
I had to take my car(C240) in for a warrenty job 4 times. They weren't because of big jobs.. They were just minor jobs but I was very annoyed. I expected a better car than this from Mercedes. The things I had to get fixed were windows making clicking noise when closing, remote key not working properly, and the trunk not openning unless manually opened with the metal key. I expected more of a car since I paid $37000 for a tiny car like C240.
C200K Elegance
Drives as good as it looks. Never liked a car as much as this. Mercedes really got it right in most areas with this car. Very nice and a joy to drive. Will put Xenon lights and timber laminated steering wheel (aftermarket)will put the icing on the cake.
Excellent Value for a Benz mobile!
What a car for the Suggested MSRP of $25K! Car is extremely fun to drive and after testing both Manual and Auto transmissions... both are great - just matters which on you prefer. Car seems after two months of ownership to be still rattle free. Car is a blast to drive with the moonroof open. I recommend getting the upgraded tire package of $750.00 and the leather option and the sun roof!
Wife's MB
Excellent car overall, but air conditioning fair, could certainly be improved! Little annoying things like drink holder not opening and door seals having to be replaced within the first 3 months that our local MB dealer Hoelm MB quickly took care with very friendly staff at service.I prefer this car over our previous BMW 3 series.
C240 is nice, not stellar
Got my C240 to use mostly for commuting on So Cal freeways to work. Love its quietness, build quality, ride quality. Performance is tepid with the 2.7L V6. Wish I had bought the 3.2L V6 but cost was $5k more. Mileage is not a good as I thought it would be - freeway is okay - 29MPG, but city is more like 20MPG and combined is usually 24-25MPG. My friend's E320 gets same mileage and is bigger. Problems included lower front roll bar links replaced, crankshaft balancer replaced and transmission control module. STRONGLY urge you to buy extended warranty - cost of these three was over $2k in repairs (all covered by EXTENDED warranty that cost me $1k at time of purchase).
Value
Cant get a better value in a vehicle for performance and comfort.
Sinply Mercedes
Having once been a car salesperson I have driven quite a few. Dollar for dollar our C230 is probably one of the best. The auto transmission is a joy, all of the controls are right where you need them and after you aclimate yourself to the radio and other features the logic behind them is apparent. I'm getting used to the abbreviated rear end but my wife loves the look.
finally came in
I ordered my c230k just before thanksgiving and took delivery on feb 22nd. A 1st time MB owner, I am more than happy with the car and for the $$$, it is an exceptional value. Auto, roof, wheels and cd round off the options and at well under $28k, what a bargain.
Great Used Car Value
We picked up an '02 in April of '05 with less than 25K miles on it. We had looked at a newer C240 wagon, but found the power a little lacking compared to the 320. I think the C-class looks better in the wagon configuration than the sedan. MB discontinued the 320 wagon for '05, but continued with the 240 wagon.