This was my next purchase after a BMW 535i 1993. A 4 cylinder 2.3 engine can compare to BMW's 3.5 6 cylinder in-line, but besides hp, it stands toe-to-toe with the 535i. This was a few years before Chrysler bought Benz and before C230s started having electrical problems that could never seem to be fixed so I haven't had any costly problems yet with it. Changed the brakes for almost half of the market prices for Mercedes parts. After all, brakes are brakes. I don't think you need to pay extra for the same quality just because it comes with a Benz logo. Overall, great gas mileage, inexpensive to maintain because it never broke, shares the tie for my most enjoyable car buy with the BMW.

Build Quality is some of the best that I have ever seen. Car now has 300k without ANY major repairs only maintainance. Drives like it is brand new. Accelleration is very good for a big 4cyl, cost of ownership is actually very low and. Its a very relaxing car to drive. I think if I were to throw the Kompressor kit on it I would get into a little more trouble with it hahaha.

I like that it has tons of room! I don't like that seats are not same, I.e., power, leather. Only driver side is! Kinda weird but I guess the driver should be the most comfortable, eh? This car has help up remarkably well over the years. I bought it used (had 1 prior owner) and have not regretted this purchase.

You don't realise how good those germans are at putting together a decent car until you have spent some quality time behid the wheel of a Merc... at 12 years old it should rattle and squeak but it's still tight as a drum !!!!

Parts are expensive but the quality seems to justify the price. The car has been rock solid and delivers pretty ggood gas milage for the pull that it has.Over all I would recomend this car if your prepared to spend the money on the parts cost.