Just found myself looking at 204's

[kusanku]

Once you have got used to an automatic, you simply cannot go back to a manual: unless for some strange reason you hated the automatic. IMHO the only people who claim to prefer manual gearboxes are people who have never driven an automatic for any length of time.

 

[NISFAN]

^^^Sorry but just don't agree, I have owned an Auto, and will never drive a lottery box again................well maybe when I get too old to be involved in the driving process, I might change my views, but to me a manual is by far the best box out there. I considered a C350, but rejected the idea purely because it is auto only.

Steve, keep the 211.

 

[Merco]

Thankfully - someone approving of manuals! I thought I was the only one! It's not that I am not used to autos either - Mum has had an auto Merc for years and I've spent many hours driving it but I genuinely prefer manuals - greater sense of control and interaction with the driving experience. I know many Merc owners out there are accustomed to the 'luxury' element of the marque but to me - luxury does not mean disconnected from driving. It is nice to have auto lights, auto wipers, auto locking, auto tyre-pressure check etc etc, but I actually enjoy driving and enjoy the interaction with the car and the road, so for me an auto gearbox is where I have to draw the line. Also, I know there is a sentiment out there that Mercedes only begins with an E-class and the Cs simply don't count but I again have to disagree. I will spring to the defence of the humble C-class - it is a comfort, it does feel luxurious and it can reach the perfect parts other cars don't reach! You wouldn't say BMW 3 series are irrelevant in the same way some might imply that of the C-class.

If the car fits, Steve and the C-class meets your need then I for one say go for it. I am so far very happy with my C-class and that's a full week into ownership!! I do find it comofrtable, smooth, gently caressing through the creases of the road and even though it's a humble version of the mighty Merc, I'm proud and happy to be driving it and I am beginning to get that little sense of luxury whenever I get into it. Whoever told me the car would grow on me was right! It's starting already....

 

[LTD]

I think automatics come into their own with big, torquey engines and relaxed driving.

If you want to make every decision about the drivetrain then you need a manual box.

PS: Steve, you never considered a C Class at any point when you went to the new E. Why was that ?

 

[st4]

I think automatics come into their own with big, torquey engines and relaxed driving.

If you want to make every decision about the drivetrain then you need a manual box.

PS: Steve, you never considered a C Class at any point when you went to the new E. Why was that ?

I did consider a C320cdi 204 but too dear. Truth be told a C is a more suitable size of car for just me, but like the value for money on offer with the larger car.

I frequently use the manual over ride in my car as it is, my thoughts are the box has 1 too many gears, 6 would have been just right.

However, I didn't even bother driving the 204. The economics do not stack up at all, and I will continue to drive the 211 for a fair time yet.

BTW, they haven't a ****ing clue whats wrong with the gearbox either.

 

[LTD]

The economics do not stack up at all, and I will continue to drive the 211 for a fair time yet.

 

[trapperjohn]

BTW, they haven't a ****ing clue whats wrong with the gearbox either.

Oh boy, we design em. we make em, we sell em. They dont run right and we dont know how to fix em.

They must be colecting data on this as you are not the only one to suffer this fault. Hopefully a fix for you soon Steve.

 

[st4]

BTW, they haven't a ****ing clue whats wrong with the gearbox either.

Oh boy, we design em. we make em, we sell em. They dont run right and we dont know how to fix em.

They must be colecting data on this as you are not the only one to suffer this fault. Hopefully a fix for you soon Steve.

A car will develop faults from time to time, its a piece of machinery, I can accept that, its 5yr old, 55k car, not new, it will need some work done on it.

What I find incredible though was I gave them a list of potential faults or areas to look at, and they didnt bother, just a "STAR" test.

Hopeless. Its not the car makers fault, its the dealers fault.

As the car is under warranty I am forced to use them, but how it would be nice to take the car in, speak to someone who worked on it, and have a solution to my cars woes.

Once this is fixed, I can go back and enjoy driving the car again. Its such a nice car to drive and be in, its just a shame this fault and the engine fault have meant 2 unplanned trips to the dealer in the space of as many months. I got it serviced as it was due in 3k miles (out of a 15k interval)

Still, there is a well fit saleswoman.

 

[trapperjohn]

Still, there is a well fit saleswoman.

Ah, the blessing of youth. Way to go fella.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Still, there is a well fit saleswoman.

Sounds like you need to score for higher customer satisfaction....