Used 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews

C300 Sport - Best Car So Far

I've had a lot of cars. Loved BMW's but tired of the constant oil leaking, regulator repair, etc. Decided to try the C300, and glad I did. It's interesting to contrast it to the 3 series. It is definitely less involving, but also seems much more solid and stable. I am amazed at the traction and control. After rear-drive BMW's for so long the AWD of this car is stellar; I really can't break it loose much even on snow, though I do have Pirelli M&S tires on it so there's that. I was fortunate to get the 18" AMG wheel/tire package, which is great and highly recommended though a bit harsh riding. Electronics seem very solid and intuitive. Looks like working in the engine bay will be nearly impossible because of the cramped quarters. Last, I have to mention that I really like the size of this car. With everything else getting bigger it seems, the tidy dimensions of the C300 are just right for that ride/maneuverability compromise that's important to me. Update: I've owned the (certified) car for about 18 months now, and have had not a single issue arise. Expanding a bit on comparing it to a 3-series, this car does not like to be thrown around corners much - it grips almost too much, then lets go with quite a lot of understeer. So my take is that the limits are very high for normal driving and the balance is not optimized for tail-out fun, which makes perfect sense for most drivers. My only reservation about the car is that the transmission is reluctant to shift down at times, including when in Sport mode, but from what I've read that is a common issue these days. One last note: if like me you hate the auto engine shut-off system (eco), it is easily disabled by pulling the fuse in the trunk near the extra battery. My dealer would not tell me that (said it would be illegal to disable it) and Mercedes forum participants tend to be prissy about it. Another update: almost 2 years since I purchased this 2014 certified car and the end of the extended warranty is in sight... but I really don't worry about it like I thought I would. This car has been rock-solid and all I've needed to do was routine oil changes and filter replacements. Spark plug replacement is coming up next year, and that's a $500 insult, but the plugs are buried and I just don't feel like hassling with it. The engine seems stronger than when I bought it, and I've gotten 28 mpg on long trips with the cruise set to 77. The only concern I've had is that the steering wheel has failed to motor back down into its set position a couple of times lately when the car starts. One last comment: I've found that driving this car with gusto results in much improved shifting dynamics. I assume the computer learns how you drive and adjusts, and it seems that if you drive aggressively it will shift much more aggressively than if you drive sedately. This happens over time, of course - it's not an overnight thing. No regrets at all with this purchase. Another update: 3.5 years now and still absolutely no problems. No squeaks, very minor rattles, but still drives as good if not better than the day I bought it. Paint and exterior are like new. Electronics all work perfectly. Miles have gone down this year since I retired, and stand at under 70,000. I see these cars used for under $10,000; in my experience that may be one of the best bargains out there. 4 year update: Still going strong with no problems whatsoever. Regular oil changes when told by the computer, about once per year. Does not burn any oil. Original battery, brakes, shocks, etc. Everything works like new. Getting near 30mpg on the road. 4.5 year update: I replaced the HVAC blower motor that started chirping, but nothing else other than maintenance. Still solid as a rock and a joy to drive. Edmunds is prompting me again to update this review, so I'll just add this: I would recommend this car to my best friend or a family member without reservation.

What a Buy

Shop around for a pristine low mileage Mercedes, they are out there. You will not be disappointed once you find it. Use Carfax to insure that there have been no accidents (possible structural damage) and preferably only one owner. Also, used Mercedes all seem to have only one key and no manuals. Not sure if they are good to eat or if the previous owners want to keep a trophy. Manuals can sometimes be found on E-Bay and purchasing a second key is expensive. Still very happy with the Mercedes. No problems or issues and the car runs beautifully after two years.

The little engine that can!!

Great car! Provides an excellent ride, great build quality and that Mercedes Benz cachet! Owned a Lexus IS250 before the C250 and I can attest to the differences in build quality, features, ride, looks. Lexus can not complete with the 130 year history Mercedes has created. I feel like I am riding in a tank that handles well. Looked at BMW 3 series as well, but when touring the dealership hearing a customer cut up about the lack of reliability and the 3000 she would have to pay to repair her car took BMW off the list. Not just looking for a car that only drives great. I wanted something that will last me a long time and do it in style. " The best or nothing..." Nothing like a Benz!

Over the top pleased

Incredibly smooth handling, like floating. No noise, extreme power quality

C Class is OUTSTANDING

Have had C classes since 2009 and this is by far the best. Really like the excellent gas mileage of the C-250 four cylinder engine, often getting well over 36mpg on the oven road and always at least 25mpg in town. Beats out the C-300, though a great car, but a bite more thirsty. Sporty yet distinguished in appearance. Great ride and handling.

Simply the best!

I bought this car in 2016 and have not had to repair anything other than normal wear and tear. A beautiful car in every way.

Great deal!

Couldn't determine what kind of car I wanted. Came across it on this site. Negotiated it to a steal and I can't stop driving it! Amazing on the road. Smooth and I get 500+miles per tank. I still drive my Infiniti SUV but I tell you, I've been thinking of selling it and moving to the Benz family full time.

Best used car so far

Was looking for a replacement for my wife’s Lexus. She drove an ES for 10 years and loved that car,one small problem though, the ES doesn’t come with AWD. Moving from the South to the East AWD was a must. Enter the C class Mercedes. I bought it used for a good price and my wife loves it (and whenever I can I’ll drive it too). The car is solid,quiet,and fast. The best hill hold of any car I have driven including the Lexus. The car is not as luxurious as the ES was but the performance outweighs the lack of wood (I have the sport model). I have a 2014 and haven’t had any mechanical issues and only one recall (airbag). I would definitely recommend this car to family and friends.

excellent

Use to have a Lincoln Navigator, and we loved it! Lost it to a drunk driver. Then bought an LT Tahoe, which we still have, and love, but missed luxury. When we found this, we also found an Audi A6 premium sport coupe. I drove that first, and it was a great car, but I drove the Mercedes next and it just felt more together and solid. So I decided to go with it. The wife loves it, and so do I. Very fun to drive, and the technology and looks are second to none. From the navigation, to the heated seats, alloy wheels, suspension, etc, this car is awesome. And, great on gas mileage! First Mercedes we have owned, but probably will not be the last.

Good German Engineering

I was a BMW owner before I purchased this car and swore I would never drive anything else, but this really changed my mind. I test drove both the C250 as well as the 328i and although the BMW was a good car the Mercedes had that extra quality and details to it that pushed me towards it. Everything is very nicely done and the quality is great. I bought mine certified preowned with warranty and service included. The service with Mercedes Benz is excellent and I always feel valued as a customer. The c250 offers good road stability and especially impressive is the breaking and no rolling around corners. When breaking har the cars remains stabile and you never have that sense of being pushed forward. I have had mine for at year now, and I have had to take it in twice for a couple of minor repairs under warranty. One was the upper engine bearing and later a Harmon Kardon speaking stopped working out of the blue. If you ever replace the tires on your car dont go cheap. Get original continental or the Michelin AS. When I bought mine it had aftermarket tires on it and the road noise was so bad I had them replaced after less than a year in spite they were not worn. Check the alignment frequently and be sure to replace your oil as recommended. Compared to the never CLA250 this is the better car for sure.

Best car I have ever owned.

Great car. I am 62 years old have have owned over 20 cars, trucks and SUV's. I spoiled my self and bought this car, as I have been too practical. I tried a MB CLK 350 and loved the interior, but because it was a SUV it did not have price point I was looking for. How often do you really need an SUV in Calif.? Bought the car and love it. Very fast and quiet.

Smart Buy Benz

After driving from new ( my 25th. birthday ) a 1998 C230 for over 240,000 miles and 20 years. I had decided to look for another C-class Mercedes. Doing research for a reliable model I found the last model year W204 C (2014) too be the best one to look for. I wanted the Luxury model with out the sport suspension for the smoother ride and non staggered wheel setup. I also wanted the 1.8 turbo engine for the lower service costs and better fuel economy. I found a one owner with perfect service records and 37,000 miles in Iridium Silver for $18,000 out the door five months ago. The car came with all its books and 2 keys and the original window sticker showing $41500 list price. The car options were Metallic paint and Premium package no navigation or leather seats. My car now has 45,000 miles on it and I find performance is as good as one would ever want or need ! I'm very happy with my find.... Oh, I'm still keeping the '98 C230 also !

Smooth and quick

This is the luxury model, not the sport model. We drove both, and the luxury model is definitely a smoother ride, if that's what you're looking for. Beautiful interior, handles very well, and the transmission Sport setting (Economy is the default) is very quick off the line. We were not big fans of the Continental tires that came OE, so when the time came to replace them, we opted for Goodyear Assurance tires, which are an optimum comfort touring tire. Much quieter and smoother than the OE Continentals. Our vehicle is not driven a lot, but there are no wear issues in the interior. No mechanical problems of any kind. Takata airbag was replaced at no charge.

My 2014 c300

Handeling is great, it really hugs the corners and drives like a sports car. The ride is quiet and comfortable on long trips. Mpg is in the mid 20's combined hwy/cty but I get a solid 30mpg on the hwy. I have no complaints at all on this car.

Classy and Comfortable

This car is elegant inside and out. It is reliable and low maintenance. Has a 5/5 NHTSA safety rating. Drives like a dream. I love it!

Well-built and reliable, but slow and sleepy trans

Well-built small sedan, quality interior, great handling, but slow, sleepy transmission and firm gas pedal.

Love my 2014 C300 Benz

I would purchase again

Still my favorite "sports" car to drive.

This car has been great. It's our second C300 and I have never driven a car that handles better. The negatives: you cannot charge your phone in this car. The USB plug in located in the center console does not charge...if anything, it drains any charge remaining. Worse yet is that the old fashioned cigarette lighter by the gear shift doesn't charge either! Ridiculous!

Good buy!

Benz

Good car.

Smooth car

Its a little compact if you have a family im single so its roomy to me but worth the payment and reliability

My first Mercedes, I love it.

I truly love this car. I haven’t loved a car like this since I sold my MGB many years ago. These two cars couldn’t be more different, but both are a joy to ride. My main criticism is the lack of modern safety features like a backup camera which my 2012 Prius had.

Best car I’ve ever owned!

Excellent value. I have never owned a car this long. I kept up the service.

C300 Sport - excellence!

I purchased my 2014 C300 Sport AWD certified used at the end of 3-year lease with 30K miles and still drive it today; I am the second owner; owned many cars before and drive mostly in NJ/NY area. Car was initially maintained at the dealer as the first year was included by Mercedes and additional two years purchased maintenance plan. Then switched for maintenance and repairs to a local highly recommended mechanic and still servicing there. Only minor repair issues: 1. At dealer: A/C not cooling well, evacuated system (noted lower than expected refrigerant amount), recharged with dye, no leak for one week, used loaner car, returned to dealer for checks after few weeks, still no leaks, system charged at spec, cooling great since then; cost ~$250 (not covered by maintenance plan). 2. At mechanic: defective / worn-out driver's seatbelt buckle, replaced with OEM part; cost ~$150. Other than that, regular comprehensive maintenance, meaning: oil/filter every 5K miles at $125, differential fluid (~$100), ATF (~$400), break rotors/pads (~$1000, after driving 75K on OEM installed by dealer at time of purchase), wipers (every two years, ~$50). Overall ratings in Consumer Reports are low / very low which I completely disagree with after owning/driving this car for eight years. My assessment of this car: reliable, sporty with excellent handling in all conditions, surprisingly comfortable driving up to ~500 miles, very solid build, and many other positives. Two relatively minor negative observations: 1. I am 6 feet tall and only with the lowest driver seat setting my head is not touching the ceiling trim by side window and 2. car is truly compact (at least for my taste) - I wish Mercedes sized it between C300 and E350, somewhere in the middle. My overall rating and experience: excellently balanced car, fun to drive, reliable, and really solid. FYI, I rarely write any reviews. this one was triggered by few conversations with wife who has the same opinion (for once!).

Fun car

This has been a fun car to drive, but less than ideal for someone taller than 5'9. The front seat is very uncomfortable and is difficult to get in and out of when you are tall. Only reason I am selling it.

When did you get a Mercedes?

My lunar blue Mercedes 300 is SWEET! It's a head turner for sure

Great car unless misfortune.

Good car except if hail comes cheap thin metal body. If involved in a accident CHEAP plastic body and metal will total car plus matance labor and parts have ludicrous prices.

Classy Car!

Proper maintenance can be expensive. It will keep you from costly repairs later on!