Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Consumer Reviews
Good "bang for the buck"
Bought a 1999 C43 in October with 129K on the odometer. So far I love it. I have a 1996 C220 and really liked the chassis, but disliked the lack of performance. Silver on the two-tone black and white interior. I am aware the official 0-60 time is something like 6 seconds, but it sure feels faster than that. I have previously owned a 1991 MR2 Turbo, with a 6.1 0-60, and a 1999 M3 with a 5.6 0-60, and this car feels like it pulls way harder than either of them. It can hit any speed limit on American roads with ease. Quickly. I feel the interior on this car is beautiful, better than any I have seen, personally. Gas mileage averages around 18.5 being driven mostly city and getting on the acceleration sometimes. Solid build quality. Harsh ride for sure, so things do rattle somewhat. Steering is nervous. Most reviews you read online are accurate. I've always driven manual transmissions, but for an auto, this one at least shifts where you would want it to. I spoke to my mechanic before I purchased it and he told me maintenance costs are more or less in line with other W202 Mercedes cars, save for the brakes, which will cost you $1500 or so to have done (double check that if you are concerned). But overall I love it. Right size, gobs of power, comfortable, and the first true AMG car. Cheap right now, but I have have to imagine the value will increase from here (see the E30 M3).
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Smile on my fac
Every time I drive, this car puts a smile on my face. Fantastic power combined with top-rate luxury.
This car is SUPER FUN!!!!!
I've owned my car for 4 years and it still makes me giggle when I step on the accelerator and I'm not tired of it yet. It's rougher than other high performance vehicles out there, but I am willing to accept that for the confidence this car gives you on the road. It is as solid as a rock in ANY situation (except ice) and I've never worried about it's performance in any maneuver. Having owned Porsche's, Audi's, & BMW's, this is the best all- around vehicle. You can take it to the store or the track. It is a sleeper - other C-class owners don't look at it, but I do get a lot of attention from the male S class owners :)
Find one if you can.
Just sitting in this car brings a smile from ear to ear. Put simply, you never stop smiling. Cornering feels better in my 92 SVX and it could use speed sensitive steering and a CD/MP3 player. Best value for the buck. I paid 17k out the door and later found out that I only had 8000 miles on a new that was installed by the dealer(because the old engine was using too much oil). Good daily driver lots of percs for the buck. Much older Benz drivers stop and stare. Young women have to be denied rides from the married man. But they still get the smile.
Worthy
Plusses: Supersonic tank-ette. Excellent safety/handling features. Solid at higher speeds. Leaves the pack at the starting gate. Great sound system. Classic interior. Huge trunk. Minuses: Some cheap trim pieces. Fair FM antenna. Snow tires required. Tight rear seat. Fuel economy 18 mpg avg. Electronics can be iffy.