Used 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The C-Class offers young drivers a way to join the exclusive Mercedes-Benz family without spending an arm and a leg. Although priced slightly higher than similarly equipped models from Audi, Infiniti, Saab, Cadillac and Lexus, the C-Class can certainly match these vehicles in the areas of luxury, performance and value. The availability of a slick-shifting six-speed manual with the C230 and C350 Sport trims is a must for the driving enthusiast and is offered as a no-charge alternative to the seven-speed automatic. Those not concerned by such matters will find much to like in the C-Class, including a number of desirable features such as the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a new Flex-Fuel V6 capable of running on E85 or gasoline.

The top-of-the-line C350 definitely feels tighter and more in touch with the road than most of its luxury counterparts. Yes, the ride is a bit firm and can even be rough over broken pavement and untended expansion joints, but it’s a small price to pay for the benefits a taut suspension yields.

The C350’s six-speed manual is a vast improvement over previous Mercedes-Benz manuals, with much tighter gates facilitating shorter shifts. The 3.5-liter V6 engine is an absolute dream. It responds willingly to the slightest throttle input, calling upon its ample low-end torque to shoot you across busy intersections or to overtake slower-moving traffic.

Inside you’ll find a comfortable set of sport bucket seats complete with fore and aft adjustable headrest and controls for the seat-bottom angle and seat height adjustment. From the driver’s seat, you’ll find a logically appointed instrument panel, devoid of overly complicated touch-screen menus and confusing switchgear. The instrument cluster features a digital trip computer neatly tucked between the speedometer and tachometer. Steering wheel-mounted controls regulate the audio and information screens.

The C-Class is a Mercedes-Benz product through and through. With overtones of E- and S-Class clearly visible in the design, the C-Class fits right into the Mercedes family and should more than satisfy any entry-level buyer. The Sport models offer a more distinct look than their Luxury counterparts, with sporty six-spoke alloy wheels and numerous details borrowed from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division.

Panoramic Glass Sunroof
The C-Class’s panoramic glass sunroof covers the entire interior and includes an electric sunshade for both the front and rear panels.

Quality Interior
The C230, C280 and C350 models offer a Mercedes-quality interior at a surprisingly affordable price.

The C230 Sport features a six-speed manual transmission, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), front and rear fog lights, dual heated power mirrors with turn signals, AM/FM/CD stereo, front and rear side-impact and head-curtain airbags, stability control, cruise control, sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels and heated windshield wipers. The C280 and C350 Luxury models add more powerful V6 engines, 16-inch wheels and more standard equipment plus the choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Popular C-Class options, which are typically grouped into packages, include a panoramic glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, in-dash six-disc CD changer, audio upgrades, COMAND navigation system, heated front seats and a power rear sunshade.

The C230’s new 2.5-liter powerplant is a definite improvement over the old supercharged four-cylinder and its Flex-Fuel versatility makes it ideal for areas that supply E85. The more powerful V6s found in the C280 and C350 suit this car’s image, but buyers will pay a price, first at the dealership and then at the gas pump.

2.5-liter V6
201 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
181 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (E85), 19/25 (Gasoline)

3.0-liter V6
228 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
221 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 (RWD), 19/26 (AWD),

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 (RWD manual), 20/29 (RWD automatic), 19/24 (AWD automatic)