Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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C230 Bag for not much Buck
Recently bought my C230 Kompressor w/ manual 6 speed tranny. So far so good. It's just over 100,000 miles, 1 owner and care for... it shows. Also purchased and very extensive 5yr/100k extended warranty too. I've owned 72 cars (all different makes/models) and have been a BMW fan for ever. This is my 3rd Benz and its a pleasure to drive. 30+ mpg on the freeway @ 85+mph, shifts smooth and has decent power to climb freeway hills with ease, even in 6th gear. Traded in my Jaguar S-type for this and I have no regrets. I will say the Jaguar was a better looking car, but that's it. I'll update more as I add more miles...
Geat Car For The Money
Been a very good car (close to 100K miles now). The only failures have been the hood struts, pano roof, and the multi function display. Both hood struts and MFD are easily fixed by anyone with the slightest mechanical skill. Pano roof is basically unfixable because of the significant cost (and lack of utility anyway). Handles very well had has adequate power. A bit slow off of the line though. Very practical as it is a hatchback and storage is generous. Rear seats fold down which gives even more cargo room. Simple to maintain yourself (both A & B service). Get one used with the leather interior and the Bose sound system (sound is excellent). Avoid the pano roof if possible. I give it an A-
- C240 SedanMSRP: $8,800119 mi away
- C240 SedanMSRP: $8,000174 mi away
- C230 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $6,797207 mi away
worth to keep
I purchased this car when it was new back in October 2002. I was a sport package with leather n panorama roof and Bose system. Such a fun car to drive. Over the years I'd put on 130k mileage on it so far. This was my third car I purchased new. my kind of driving style both my civic and accord never made it to 120k... This 230k had been some cam repair done within the first 50k warranty. and replaced the OC sensor and some hosts last year. other than that I have no issue with the engine, transmission and the radiator whatsoever. It'd been such a reliable car. I'm going to keep this car for another 130k hopefully. and just do my synthetic oil change every 5k miles and see how far it can go..
Best value
I bought the car 3 days ago and I'm writing the review so it's about the shopping experience. I was looking for ~$30,000 car. I test-drived BMW 325i, Infiniti G35 sedan, Acura TL, Eclipse GTS, MB C230/240 sedan, and C320 sports coupe. The C320 sports coupe gives me best handling (only 325 is close) and very good speed (G35 is faster, but handle sucks). It's the most lux car in the group. I love the panarama sun roof and the sports wheel. So far, it's like a dream come true.
I agree
Before I purchased mine, I came to this site.I got the car with the premium pk (C5,C1-elect seats,plus the cd player). It was really worth it to get these extras. This car is sooooo easy to get around in. Big on front seat comfort but easy for parking. So far really hugs the road-will see what winter brings.My last car was the XJ8 Jaguar- so I was used to luxury and speed plus troubles with service. So far I really like this car.
This car is a surprise...
I bought this car just over a month ago and have had nothing but a great driving experience ever since. The handling, horsepower and features are wonderful. The MBZ experience itself is great since you get the opportunity to get the same wonderful customer service that the more luxurious car owner's receive! it is also not something you see coming and going all the time, and the few I have seen here in the land of MBZ (Newport Beach) reveal a smirk from the other driver-- like, "wow, isn't this car great?" I recommend it highly!
amazing car, completley satisfied
my parents bought the car back in march for my for my 16th bday (driving age in fl is 16) and i'd have to say i'm completely satisfied with it. yeah i'm probably a baby compared to most people on this site, but i still think my input couldn't hurt. the car runs great, i love hearing the engine roar from 4000 to 5000 rpms every so often, and i get lots of looks in it haha. i can definitely tell the difference between the 230 and 320 models, the v6 improves performance like no other - it's a little rocket! i'd recommend it to anyone looking for a great car in this price range - i chose it over the audi a4, lexus IS300, and bmw 325i.
Little Benny Coup
One owner, 40 k miles, has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. Not too many of the V-6 coupes imported, hard to find in USA. Fast, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.
The Enthusiast C320 Coupe Fan
I traded in my 2001 BMW 325i & 2002 C230 coupe for the new 2003 C320 coupe in 1/2003. I went in HOI in 1/2003 to check out the new C320 coupe. When I saw the xenon headlight & the 17 in wheel, I fell in love! After test driving the vehicle, I bought the car the next day.
Watch out! Benz not what marketed...
I purchased this car used for 15,500 in Feb. 2007 with only 40,000 miles on it. It handled well but sucks gas like you cant believe. It doesn't help that every trip to the station requires 93 octane either. Regardless, 13,000 miles later (3000 off warantee) one morning, a complete suprise, the engine begins to shake. I take it to get the oil changed only to have the entire car give out 30 mins later. I had it towed to the dealership to find out that 2 pistons were bent 5' totaling a bill of 4800.00 dollars. This isn't the first time I've heard of this happening since I bought the car. Maybe thats why they stopped making this model?? left me with 8000 neg. equity for my next car. Thnks benz
If Mercedes Benz built a Mustang
If Mercedes Benz built a Mustang; this would be it. I have had my C320 coupe for almost 3 years and a little over 30K miles. It is one of the rare ones equipped with short throw a six speed manual. (Less than 50 C320s with manuals where imported from Germany). The car continues to make me smile everytime I drive it. The acceleration is impressive, the handling tight and the fuel economy, surprisingly good. There will never be a Mercedes quite like this one in the US again; too bad. I've heard that the C350 version in Europe (278HP) can do 0-60 in 5.4 sec.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 - Odd butt, but I love it
I've owned my 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 for almost two years and 7,000 miles without any no problems. I love it, and my wife has to tear the keys out my hands every couple weeks to borrow it for the day. It still feels new, looks new, and drives like it cost twice the money. If I could only find an AMG motor and brakes to drop into it...
Good times don't last.
This was my first car. I'm in high school and even though I'm young I love and research cars nonstop. I have had my c230 coupe since 9/06 and it was my dream car until about a month ago. My sunroof cable broke and that was the only part that the extended warranty didnt cover. Less than a week later, my engine started shaking and the check engine came on. Took it in and there is a flaw with Mercedes and something in the cylinders can get stuck open and dont bet on your insurance/warranty place to cover anything. Cost for new cylinder: $5000. Too much maintainance, in shop too much, need a more reliable car so I'm selling. Overall, I love the car to death but not worth the time in the shop and hassle.
Great Value
We looked at lots of competitors before we went with the 320 2dr coupe and feel great about the decision. This is a great value. Quiet, smooth, powerful ride and above average interior. The 320 has a lot more pep than the 230.
Mercedes C230 Coupe
This is a great car, even though that it is the cheapest Mercedes sold. It's a fun car to drive and still has all of the safety features expected from a Mercedes. The leather makes a huge difference over the cloth and gives the car that luxury feel. Panorama sunroof makes the ride enjoyable for rear seat passengers and there is enough room in the back for full sized adults. Overall, an excellent car.
Love this little car!
Recently purchased this car for commute to and from work. Averaging 25 mpg, over 30 on the freeway! The car is sporty but not overly flashy, and is a lot of fun to drive. It is our second MB, and now I wonder why we ever drove anything else. It is a much stiffer ride than most MBs, but that just adds to the sporty feel of it. Bigger back seat than you would think for the size of the car, and the seats fold down so you can fit a surprising amount of cargo when necessary. This car is destined to be passed to our oldest when she begins driving.
very unique automobile
I bought the car about 7 weeks ago and absolutely love this vehicle. Not many vehicles impress me since I work in the automobile collision industry- but this one does. Sold a Lexus Is300 for this vehicle and I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, the lexus has a bit better quality control than the Benz but there is just something about German cars that make them so much more enjoyable to drive. This car feels as if it was chiseled out of stone. Fit and finish is typically German and everywhere I go, people look at me like with wonder, bewilderment and then envy for having such a nice vehicle at the ripe old age of 29.
Great Car
Bought vehicle for around town transportation for one person. Is great for this. Have taken it cross country. Performed very well. Suprisingly solid, quiet and smooth at highway speeds.Have had no repairs. Has good acceleration and gets wonderful gas mileage i.e. 29 MPG @ 80 MPH.
Honest C230 Coupe Review
I have had this car for over 4 years now and still looks sharp. Paint has held up well and even where I have chips/scrapes very little rust. Excellent gas mileage (28+) for such a sporty car. Good performance and still feels 'solid' (no flex or gives) just like when I bought it. Very comfortable for a small car as long as you are not too tall in back seat. Trunk room is average for small car. Would get higher ratings but it's a horrible car in the snow. I got stuck once on flat driveway <1" snow. With all season tires still bad in snow. Also, car is very tough on tires, wearing them quickly. Car was in shop 4 times (fortunately under warranty) for computer and sensor prob.
Spend more up and get a bigger Mercedes
I had this as my first car. The car is very attractive. I have had numerous problems such as, alternator, batteries, serpentine belt. I would also note that I upgraded the drive train, supercharger belt, and the exhaust. This improved the gas mileage on the highway to 33-35. I would also like to note the faux leather placed on knobs and buttons have begun to fall apart. Outside of that the car is cool, also all of mercedeces cars during this time had trouble with fiberoptics, which were just being introduced. This could explain the "ghost" that seems to plague most mercedes of the early 2000's. I would recommend buying domestic because they are cheaper to repair
Great entry level Mercedes
I'm pleased with my purchase. The cost for maintenance and repairs are the worst aspect of this vehicle. When it is time to do brake work, be prepared to drop $1,000. Mercedes is the only one who can get the specialized soft brake pads with the specialized coating. It handles exceptional for a 4-cylinder vehicle. It can turn on a dime and has uncharacteristically fast acceleration for a small car. Great car for a first Mercedes or for a hand-me-down to a teenager.
Love this car.
Fun to drive. Definnitely turns heads. Comfy and lots of storage with the hatchback style.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Its OK
It was a nice car when I bought it, but now it seems like junk. Things are starting to break. My computer goes crazy sometimes and the dealerships excuse is, "The Technology is too new for them to have fixed all the glitches." If that wasent bad enough , I get between 8 and 12 mpg.
A Silver Bullet (with a 5-speed Automatic)
Bought it new for my wife, leather seats, 17" wheels with the Sports package. Originally wasn't too keen on the view from the rear - the front looks great, especially the round "eyes", (MB design has gone downhill since...). Wonderful handling and ride, especially enjoys those twisty turns, and occasionally the smug grin on my face when I pressed hard on the throttle... Now 123K miles later, the car still feels the same, except for those slight hesitations when switching to higher gears on start, and in the cold. The "look and thrill" of the panaormic roof has faded on me (my age?), in fact, the last trip to the dealership for service had revealed that the moonroof does not open any more, just the shade; and the dealer recommended leaving it alone, (too expensive, or even nobody knows how, to repair?) The relatively flat "torque curve" (as I had discovered in one of those car magazines) was probably what makes the drive so pleasurable, and the respectable fuel economy - my record was 37 mph on a 120-mile trip. (I have to also confess to my original reluctance to purchase a MB vehicle was primarily based on what I considered "unacceptable" fuel economy - I still remember those nightmarish single-digit mpgs of my old used Oldsmobile Delta 88 and Cadillac Fleetwood. My first new car was a Dodge Colt/Mitsubishi "mini" with an American badge. The car has been serviced by the dealer after the complimentary 4 years (a fantastic deal), never had a major problem, though there was a minor issue - parking brake release mechanism didn't actually completely released, leading to excessive brakepad wear, the diagnostic cue; and the dealer said it was probably not worth the money to try to fix it. Now, we only drive it in summer. Yes, it was terrible in snow, and impossible on ice.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BUY A JAPANEESE CAR, NOT MERCEDES
I must admit this is by far the worst car I have ever bought. I must add that the Mercedes-Benz customer service depertment in New Jersey is not much better, actually they need to call it "Cusatomer Avoidance". Very poor attention to customer needs. My engine's top end (Head) blew at about 13,000 miles. After extensive research on MY part, I found MB knew anout the issue and sent no service bulletine to the field nor was a recall deployed to get these bad engines back. My car has been in the shop for 68 days now and I still have no date at to getting it back. My suggestion to a possible buyer of a C230, is to go buy a Japaneese car!!!!! I wish I had....
good car
Car is amall yet powerful, it blows out other car from the line up traffic light easilly.
No regrets at all
This is marketed as the "cheapest" MB available on the market, but despite its price, it is really fun to drive (6-speed manual) with excellent performance with fuel economy. The optional leather seats and sunroof sure adds up the cost, but it's still great price for a car that has the style and performance not far from the CLK320, and looks much more interesting than the ubiqutous BMW 3series. I must add that when I test drove the BMW330Coupe, it has excellent performance too, but my wife and kids hated the ride as front and back passengers, which made them nauseated, so I settled with the Mercedes in which they tolerated well as passengers.
Great Hatchback
This is a great hatchback. It is quiet, handles well, great build quality, and gets good gas mileage. For a little more than a Honda you get a Mercedes with all maintenance paid for 4 years. The C230 is peppy and fun to drive.
Another satisfied customer
30 mpg highway; 0-60 = 7 sec +/-; plenty of room for 4; carries 8' surfboard or complete drum kit handily (+ driver/passenger); solid and safe; exceptionally quiet @ speed; Bose system = no complaints; incredibly tight turning radius; oem Continentals need replacement @ 20k but ok for Z- rated; our family is hard-pressed to find fault w/ this 6 speed coupe -- see BAS note below.
Happy Times
Looked for a car for a long time before settling in on this one. Very good value for the money. Great mix of performance, engineering features, safety, and style.
The car is tops.
I am in love with this car. It is my first Mercedes and won't be the last.
Oh What Fun
I just got my car in June of this year and find every excuse to go out and drive it. It is responsive, fun and good looking. My only complaint is that it uses premium fuel, but I just love it.
I love this car.
I took over a lease on this car from the original leasee who drove the car for a year. I love this car. It is fun to drive, handles like an expensive Mercedes and has a user friendly price tag. The extras are staggering and I am still discovering features in this outstanding German made automobile.
Geat car!
great car ! totally dependable and reliable ! sweet body and an awsome engine ...
Fun at a great price
I love my little Mercedes. It is so distinctive to look at and very fun to drive. It never lets me down. When I press the pedal down - off we go. I was a little leary about buying a starter level Mercedes - the thought of paying for just the name. mBut that wasn't so. What is so is the dealerships treats me like royalty, whether is spent $27K or $270K. THey and Mercedes have made a believer out of me. I don't think I'd ever go back to a non-Mercedes vehicle. Buy it with confidence and Enjoy!
Fun car, great buy!
Picked up my Citron Green C230 up 2 ½ weeks ago. Love it! Car is great, smooth, fun to drive, & looks sporty. Bi-xenon lights add a whole new look to the car. Panorama roof really makes the cabin open. The leather has a great feel, seats are firm yet comfy & the power seats add a touch of luxury. Aluminum trim contrasts well with the charcoal interior. C7 package is the best deal going w/ 17" wheels, larger exhaust tip, & short throw shifter. Base price is a gr8 buy, but options really add up fast. Before I knew it I paid $35k out the door. Tho it was a special order (an additional $1150) it was definitely worth the $$$ and wait!
Wonderful car
this is the best car i have ever had in my life.
c230
great car with lots of options.
Most excellent car
I love this car. The only thing I did to make it better was to install stiffer springs and swaybars. AMG swaybars actually. Directly from MBZ for only ~$200. Car drives like a sports car for real now.
Alot of bang for your buck!
I couldn't be happier..I was concerned about "get up and go"..what a joke that concern was. With little effort it engages and it reminds me of the star wars.. warp speed! the only thing I would do to imporve it.. is make the seats a little more luxuriest. Mineis loaded so I have the leather..but would like to see a little "cushier" seats. IF you are able to purchase from Calabasa Motors DO. the service is beyond good.. it doesn't matter how small the issue is.. you are sent way with a loaner, no questions asked.
Lemon
Worst engine ever driven period enough said.
First 230K in Mass.
I have 15K on it now and have enjoyed it. However, since my first service at 10K I have now: 1. Used a quart of oil 2. The rear sunshade had to be replaced 3. A switch on the steering wheel went bad 4. developed some creaks. I like drivng the car and the looks, I just hope it holds up.
Problem in snow
The Car doesnt move in drive mode during Snow. I chekced the dealer they want to me Place 50 lbs of weight on my back side of the car If your place if full snow avoid buying the car. The emergency road side assitance wont cover this issue
Fabulous, FUN car!
I love this car. It has zip and my bike fits in the back...without a rack. It's a great car!
HOPE THIS WAS A FLUKE
SHE WAS A 323 BMW OWNER THAT SHE JUST LOVED AND DROVE FOR 80K MILES WHICH FOR HER IS A LIFETIME.SO, WE WAITED FOR HER OBSIDIAN BLACK TO COME IN WITH ALL THE XTRAS. SHE PUT 4K MILES ON IT BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LITE CAME ON, SO SHE TOOK IT TO MERCEDES AND 7 WEEKS LATER AND A NEW ENGINE LATER WE FINALLY GOT THE CALL IT WAS DONE. I TOLD MERCEDES TO BUY IT BACK BECAUSE I WAS NOT GOING TO ACCEPT A NEW MERCEDES WITH A REBUILT ENGINE AND SHE WOULD GO BUY SOMETHING ELSE. AFTER SHOPPING AROUND AGAIN SHE DECIDED SHE STILL WANTS A C230 SPORT SEDAN SO WE WILL TRY IT ONE MORE TIME. CROSS OUR FINGERS....
Wow - MB C230
What a blast, without blasting your bank account.
they went from good to bad
i have allot of problems with mine it stalls at all different times.. they are still unable to fix it after 4 months of the problem and 5 trys
Wow
Love the gas mileage and performance on the highway. We tested about a dozen cars in the same price range before chosing the C230. The car drives like a 35K vehicle!
2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Coupe
I don't have many miles on the car yet, but so far I'm impressed by the quiteness, solid feel of the ride and controls, and the maneuverability provided by rack and pinion steering with rear wheel drive. I've driven the larger S Class Mercedes' and this C230 gives you the same substantial feel of quality. I suggest you get the leather interior because the cloth interior design cheapens it's appearance (looks like the cloth in a Tercel or Neon. UGHHH!). To us, it didn't matter if the badge said Mercedes or Daewoo, we realized it was well-built, good- looking, functional car that was also enjoyable to drive. A lot of car for the price.
What a value
ar is extremely fun to drive, and I haven't had one problem with it so far with a little over 3,000 miles so far. You'll definately want to look into the Panorama roof, and leather seats. And the top of the car looks cool, because it looks all glass, which is a nice touch. The leather seats are comfy but not too firm. They're perforated, which adds an extra sporty touch. The steering wheel feels great in your hands, and the buttons on there operate the little info screen in the dash, which has a lot of info to offer at any time. Good head room in the front, but not that great in the back, because it slopes down so much near the rear of the car.