138 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cars for sale

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class for sale: everything you need to know

Mercedes introduced the original C-Class in the 1990s and it’s been one of the go-to models in the compact executive saloon sector ever since - in fact, like its BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rivals, it quickly overtook plenty of mainstream models in the sales charts. That means C-Classes are everywhere, though it doesn’t seem to have harmed Mercedes’ reputation or exclusivity much.

That popularity means the C-Class is abundant on the used market, and while the brand’s residuals mean depreciation isn’t severe, it’s still possible to save some money by finding a car that’s a year two old. After some turbulent years in the early 2000s, build quality is back on track now too - so a used C-Class should still feel nearly as fresh as a brand new one.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

The Mercedes badge still has a prestige that few other manufacturers can match, and that’s as true down at the level of the C-Class as it is with the much larger and more expensive S-Class luxury saloon. The C-Class is also a pretty good way of getting some of that luxury technology and appeal at a lower price point, and in a smaller and more agile model.

Other than the styling, which has a distinct family theme you’ll find in Mercedes big or small, you do get hints of S-Class style technology in the C-Class, from the striking interior design with its laid-back touchscreen infotainment system and distinctive mood lighting, to technology such as augmented reality navigation. The quality of the cabin materials, and the fit and finish, both hint at larger and more expensive cars too, while passenger space and luggage space are both more than competitive for the class.

As is the way the C-Class drives. Mercedes leans more towards comfort and refinement rather than trying to be the last word in agility and sporty handling, but the C-Class actually bridges that gap well - it rides well but is still responsive, grippy, and doesn’t lean too much in corners. On the motorway it really settles down too, while the engines are also impressive - the frugal diesels and the 70-mile EV range of the plug-in hybrid C300 e especially.

The C’s two key rivals in the class are the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series. You could say the C-Class bridges the gap between the two, mixing some of the A4’s quality and refinement with the BMW’s rear-wheel drive handling appeal, though at this level the differences are small, and brand preference plays more of a part. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is worth a look if you’re seeking sporty handling, while the Jaguar XE has neat styling and has a ride and handling balance up there with the 3 Series for best in class.

What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz C-Class model to buy?

The best C-Class depends on how you’ll be using it, but as ever with compact executive saloons like this, there’s a good argument to be made for one of the diesel models, which manage to combine strong performance with real fuel-sipping economy. With no six-cylinder models in the current range, there’s not much extra refinement to be gained by looking further up the range either - not that the four-cylinder C-Class engines are unrefined. Sport trim is well-stocked, but we suspect most buyers would want the more aggressive looks of the AMG Line, and the Premium and Premium Plus variants really do start to turn the C-Class into a small luxury car.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200: The basic C-Class engine is just a 1.5-litre petrol, but turbocharging helps it to 204PS, for 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and up to 44.1mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300: The C300 uses a larger 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, boosting power to 258PS, and cutting the 0-62mph sprint down to six seconds flat. Economy is 42.2mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 e: The little ‘e’ marks this out as a plug-in hybrid, with a 2-litre turbo engine and electric assistance generating a combined 313PS. The battery is big enough for nearly 70 miles of EV range, with 0-62mph in around six seconds and in pure hybrid mode, over 42mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C220 d: You still get diesel options in the C-Class, the first being a 2-litre four-cylinder with 200PS, matching the C200 petrol’s performance figures but offering up to 61.4mpg.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 d: The C300 d uses a 2-litre turbodiesel, but with more power at 265PS, and a 0-62mph time in under six seconds is the result. Economy is still quoted at 55.4mpg.
• Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic: In the previous generation the C43 had a six-cylinder engine but now it’s a 408PS turbocharged four-cylinder, with standard all-wheel drive. 0-62mph is quickest of the lot at under five seconds, and 31.7mpg is the claimed economy figure.

What used Mercedes-Benz C-Class trim levels are available?

• The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport gets 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, satellite navigation, cruise control and leather upholstery.
• The Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line upgrades to an AMG styling kit, plus 18-inch alloy wheels, larger brakes, and privacy glass.
• The Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line Premium adds equipment to the regular AMG Line trim, with 19-inch alloy wheels, Digital Light LED headlights, keyless start, and augmented reality navigation for the MBUX infotainment system.
• The Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG Line Premium Plus takes things another few steps further with a panoramic sunroof, four-zone climate control, black wood interior trim and bespoke 19-inch wheels.
• The Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Premium is the starting point for the C43 performance model, and includes 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, rear-wheel steering, Digital Light LED headlights and red seat belts as standard.
• The Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic Premium Plus gives you even more kit, with 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, carbon fibre interior trim and a Burmester sound system.

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon’s exterior dimensions are:

• Length: 4,793mm
• Width: 1,820mm
• Height: 1,446mm
• Ground clearance: 164mm

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s boot space is:

• 455 litres (C 300 e: 315 litres)

Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class road tax

The majority of modern C-Class models start off at more than £40,000, and that means most attract a surcharge lifting tax to £600, up from £190 per year, for the next five years after the first CO2-based year of VED. The exception is the plug-in hybrid, which gets a modest £10 discount - spend it wisely.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

At the bottom of the range a C200 in Sport trim starts in group 33 out of 50, while the AMG C43 tops the insurance group list in the C-Class range, at group 44. For comparison, the BMW 3 Series spans groups 24-42, so you may find the Mercedes slightly more expensive to insure, depending on which model you opt for.