Got a C-Class as a courtesy car

[Lantec]

While my mom's ML is in for tune-up.

I drove it around, didn't expect much but I am amazed, especially as a C230 entry level sedan, it had leather inserts and manual seats.

The ride is very comfortable, all the bumps are well dampened but the road feel is still there, you don't feel disconnected at all. Corners are very well managed, it barely rolls leans at all. The steering is much better than the ML, again, surprized that it'd feel like this. It's not floaty, or "boatish" as most people think of Mercedes.

The power, well it is a 1.8L engine but it does get around quite well, I hit about 140km/h on the highway and it was going to go farther all the while, it made no fuss at all going at that speed. The power delivery was smooth, and consistent. Although the engine was audible around 2,750RPM-3,000RPM+, which made me wish it had more gears, cruising around 140km/h @ 3,500RPM seemed a bit high for me, I didn't like hearing the engine which cruising.

The cabin was very quiet though, even at the high speed, if you blur out the engine noise, the wind and road noise is barely audible. Unlike the ML, which would have been quite noisy, especially with the roof rails installed, they seemed to whistle around 110km/h or so.

The transmission was not as smooth as the ML, I must admit, still, a lot smoother than most of the other automatics I've been in.

In terms of style, I like the interior layout, it works well ergonomically, at least for me anyways, though some materials should be looked at, namely the knobs, they feel a bit flimsy, though being the entry level car, I'm not expecting too much out of them. The centre console where you put petrol receipts and parking tickets was broken, it looks like someone tried to slam it shut with some too big to be closed with.

The exterior styling is rather bland to be honest. It just doesn't give the same qualities or air as a Mercedes should as it cruises down the street. Then again, it may because it is just a standard C. There was a SLR McLaren in the shop too, it had it's own stall, completely separated from the rest of the cars.

Anyways, back on topic, and to end the review, as most people have said, the Mercedes dealerships are all poor in customer service, however, I find it differently, at least at this dealership. As I approach the showroom, I am greeted with smiles and good mornings from various personnel, be it, technicians or other salesmen.

The salesmen that leased us the car a year ago, came over, greeted us, ask us if we wanted tea, or coffee, etc. He walked us over to the service department and had a technician come grab the keys for us. He talked to us for abit, regarding some of the newer cars, like the R, new ML (well, new since our last visit) and then told us to have the brake pads changed before 40,000km since they'll cover the pads, if not, after that, we have to pay for the brake pads. My mom talked about wanting to switch to a smaller car, something not a SUV, and he recommended probably the E class, for our family of 4.

They took in the car, at first they gave an estimate for about 2 hours, they asked if we wanted to take a car so we wouldn't be bored, sitting in the showroom. My mom agreed and they handed us the keys to an 05 C230.

I suppose why I liked this car most of all, is because it drives somewhat like my old time favorite car, the Volvo 960.

[WaterIsTasty]

ML

[NookieMonster]

140km/h is like 70mph isn't it?

[Lantec]

Originally Posted by NookieMonster

140km/h is like 70mph isn't it?

... I guess?? I dunno, only had km/h on the speedo

[Lantec]

Originally Posted by WaterIsTasty

ML

my mom is a typical soccer mom.. so yeah.. I tried getting to drive Subarus but she was like.. NOO not high enough off the ground....

[NookieMonster]

Originally Posted by SpongeBob Squarehead

... I guess?? I dunno, only had km/h on the speedo

87 actually...

[Regime|Life]

I really dig the 05 C-class interior! You should have taken pics of the SLR FOOL.

[Lantec]

Originally Posted by Regime|Life

I really dig the 05 C-class interior! You should have taken pics of the SLR FOOL.

Didn't bring the camera.. was just walking down towards the used cars lot and you pass the garage and there was a separate garage for the SLR.. I was like... ZOMG ZOMG ZOMG!! A tech that was near had a big grin on his face too.

[Regime|Life]

Originally Posted by SpongeBob Squarehead

Didn't bring the camera.. was just walking down towards the used cars lot and you pass the garage and there was a separate garage for the SLR.. I was like... ZOMG ZOMG ZOMG!! A tech that was near had a big grin on his face too.

God damnit... Don't you have a camera on your phone? lol.

[Junkie Mod]

Originally Posted by SpongeBob Squarehead

Didn't bring the camera.. was just walking down towards the used cars lot and you pass the garage and there was a separate garage for the SLR.. I was like... ZOMG ZOMG ZOMG!! A tech that was near had a big grin on his face too.

you should have driven home and gotten a camera in the 2 hours you had

[Regime|Life]

Originally Posted by IMNobody II

you should have driven home and gotten a camera in the 2 hours you had

qft.

[SliP]

Originally Posted by WaterIsTasty

ML

the new ones are infinitely more tasteful than the old ones.

[Lantec]

Originally Posted by Regime|Life

God damnit... Don't you have a camera on your phone? lol.

Not my current one

[Lantec]

Originally Posted by IMNobody II

you should have driven home and gotten a camera in the 2 hours you had

I was playing WoW