The C-Class is an entry-level Mercedes-Benz product that's available as a used hatchback, wagon or sedan- depending on the year in which you happen to be shopping. The model range has been around and successful for some time, bringing the brands promise of elegant luxury, advanced safety and appreciable performance to a relatively affordable level.
The most current generation of the C-Class was launched to excited media and customers last year with a slew of engine, driveline and transmission options. With the new model well on its way, the time is right to shop for a C-Class of the previous generation.
Used pricing is reasonable as is the model's reliability- though it's not perfect. End of the day, if you've ever wanted to park a Benz in the driveway, it could be less expensive than you think.
When shopping, you'll be presented with several engine options as well as available all wheel drive that's designated by a '4Matic' badge. Powerplant choices included small, supercharged four cylinder engines, small V6 engines, bigger V6 engines, a supercharged V6 engine and even a supercharged V8. Talk about something for everyone.
Engines and corresponding model designations were switched up during the C-Class's lifecycle- so if you find the nomenclature at work confusing, you aren't alone. Models with the smaller and more fuel-efficient engines were called the C240 or C230, while the V6 powered non-AMG models came with C320, C280 or C350 designations. Note that when the supercharged four cylinder engine was dropped for a small V6, the C230 name was left behind. A C32 AMG got a blown V6 engine, while the C55 AMG got a blown V8.
In addition to the available all wheel drive, you'll find the engines backed by various automatic or manual transmission options. Not every combination of driveline components is possible of course- so be sure to talk to your sales rep for more information. Note that the C-Class is a rear drive product when not fitted with the 4Matic system. In either case, be sure to fit a set of snow tires for maximum winter traction.
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| 2002 Mercedes C320 |
The most current generation of the C-Class was launched to excited media and customers last year with a slew of engine, driveline and transmission options. With the new model well on its way, the time is right to shop for a C-Class of the previous generation.
Used pricing is reasonable as is the model's reliability- though it's not perfect. End of the day, if you've ever wanted to park a Benz in the driveway, it could be less expensive than you think.
When shopping, you'll be presented with several engine options as well as available all wheel drive that's designated by a '4Matic' badge. Powerplant choices included small, supercharged four cylinder engines, small V6 engines, bigger V6 engines, a supercharged V6 engine and even a supercharged V8. Talk about something for everyone.
Engines and corresponding model designations were switched up during the C-Class's lifecycle- so if you find the nomenclature at work confusing, you aren't alone. Models with the smaller and more fuel-efficient engines were called the C240 or C230, while the V6 powered non-AMG models came with C320, C280 or C350 designations. Note that when the supercharged four cylinder engine was dropped for a small V6, the C230 name was left behind. A C32 AMG got a blown V6 engine, while the C55 AMG got a blown V8.
In addition to the available all wheel drive, you'll find the engines backed by various automatic or manual transmission options. Not every combination of driveline components is possible of course- so be sure to talk to your sales rep for more information. Note that the C-Class is a rear drive product when not fitted with the 4Matic system. In either case, be sure to fit a set of snow tires for maximum winter traction.
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| 2003 Mercedes C32 |