Is the 204 c-class a better car than the 203?

[kusanku]

After procrastinating for ages, I have decided to change car after Christmas. My 211 e-class has never really won me over, as the ride quality, economy and reliability were never as good as my previous 210. On one of the far-too-frequent trips to the garage it has enjoyed this year, I was loaned a c-class estate which impressed me to the extent that I have decided that is what I will get next. The question is which one?

Now I can afford a used 204, but would I be better off with a 203? Unlike many forum members, I am not convinced that you always get what you pay for, and I am not particularly bothered about having the latest model. Apart from the post-2004 shift to galvanised bodies, I am not of the opinion that the 211 e-class was a significant improvement on the 210 series. So is the 204 c-class a significantly better car than the 203? Has anyone owned both models? As I said, I do not mind paying the extra for a 204, but only if it really is a better car.

 

[grober]

The W204 is a bigger car than its predecessor and its built in Germany! If you can live with the adaptive suspension its the better car imho.

 

[Dryce]

The W204 is a bigger car than its predecessor and its built in Germany! If you can live with the adaptive suspension its the better car imho.

I was under the impression that W204 saloon is built in SA as well.

 

[Markedes]

I thought that all of the W203 Estate were built in Germany... Mine was ... C 270cdi Aventgarde SE Estate 2004 Facelift ... Comand.

Regards

 

[grober]

Not for the RHD UK market as far as I know??? They do make the W204 in LHD for the US market and other markets.

 

[grober]

I thought that all of the W203 Estate were built in Germany... Mine was ... C 270cdi Aventgarde SE Estate 2004 Facelift ... Comand.

Regards

Yes the devil is in the detail---- most RHD 4 cylinder W203's were made in SA but many of the 6 cylinder models and all the estates were built in Germany as you say.
I notice the poster has an estate so if he is talking estate cars the SA/Germany argument doesn't apply.

 

[Markedes]

Just as i thought I was understanding the Brand...another curve ball

Regards

 

[Markedes]

But the new C Class looks stunning and i was shocked that it looked so much bigger than mine, although not sure on the inside space.

regarsd

 

[DJM]

I picked up my new c estate on the 8th and it's bloody brilliant!...I want to be driving it all the time but work gets in the way .
I think my dad might change his e class saloon to one of these in the new year due to being so impressed. I think these are the best looking estates on the market and drive just like the saloon. IMHO anyway.

 

[kusanku]

That is interesting, and not what I was expecting. What is different about the adaptive suspension?

 

[Littledigger]

I like the exterior of the 204 saloon, but i don't like the interior, although its much better than the new e class. I don't like the shape of the new 204 estate. I do like the C63 though. I am going to wait and see what the facelift brings and I may skip a model and wait for the 205. I'm happy with the 203 so i don't feel the need to change.

 

[DJM]

I like the exterior of the 204 saloon, but i don't like the interior, although its much better than the new e class. I don't like the shape of the new 204 estate. I do like the C63 though. I am going to wait and see what the facelift brings and I may skip a model and wait for the 205. I'm happy with the 203 so i don't feel the need to change.

You don't like the exterior of the 204??? it's superb!
'Should've gone to specavers' springs to mind

 

[GP801]

Used to have a german built W203 saloon. It was rubbish. The electrics were a disaster but Im told they were better after the facelift. In 3 years and 25,000 miles it ran up £6000 in warranty repairs. Sold it once the warranty expired. The 204 is vastly better

 

[crockers]

I like my W203 - I have driven the 204 in both sport and elegance - I prefer the look of the sport - but the ride of the elegance is far more comfy...IMHO

 

[st4]

I have never driven a 203 but a 204 was a lovely car to drive. The 320cdi went like there was no tomorrow.

I'd probably get one next time around.

 

[Littledigger]

You don't like the exterior of the 204??? it's superb!
'Should've gone to specavers' springs to mind

did you mean me.

 

[DJM]

Yep...hee hee

 

[DJM]

I like my W203 - I have driven the 204 in both sport and elegance - I prefer the look of the sport - but the ride of the elegance is far more comfy...IMHO

The elegance is definitely more comfortable, but for a young lad like me , the sport is the way to go. I thought a side by side test drive was very difficult to tell the difference, IMO.
DJM

 

[kamalpatel12448]

I believe the 203 had software gremlins when they came out so last in the range or a 204 would be my choice, aside of trim details etc. I'm happy with my 202 and 204!

 

[Jubz_C180]

w204 way better all round.