Mercedes Benz c Class Used Cars

Shopping for a family sedan but find most new cars a bit too common? Consider a used 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. For about the same price as a loaded Honda Accord or Ford Fusion, you can get behind the wheel of a premium European sedan recognized around the world for its detailed luxury, superior engineering and outstanding safety. The 2013 C-Class sees some major improvements over the 2012 car, including a more powerful V6 in the C300, the addition of Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control as a stand-alone option, standard mbrace2 Internet and app connectivity on all models and a fuel-saving start/stop feature on the C300 and C350.

While the thought of buying a used luxury car is tempting, keep in mind that routine maintenance intervals can leave owners with sticker shock. Future repairs can also be rather expensive. If you're still keen on the idea of a used luxury car, you may want to consider some of the C-Class' competitors. The Infiniti G37, BMW 3 Series and Cadillac CTS, for example, offer equal levels of luxury features but with better performance credentials. Understandably, the C-Class' 3-point star is, in the eyes of many, the ultimate status symbol.

What We Like

Excellent safety ratings; comfortable ride; handsome interior; enthusiast-oriented AMG model; good reliability and resale figures

What We Don't

Can cost a bit more than some equally equipped rivals; standard maintenance can be expensive; all-wheel drive only available on the C300 sedan; small back seat

Fuel Economy & Engine Specs

The C250 is powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine good for 201 horsepower and 209 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed automatic is standard on all models. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated fuel economy for this engine at 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The C350 uses a larger 3.5-liter V6, with output rising to 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 20 mpg city/29 mpg hwy, and the C63 AMG is equipped with a 451-hp 6.2-liter V8 with 433 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy ratings for the C63 AMG are rather dismal at 13 mpg city/19 mpg hwy, but that's the price you pay for power.

Standard Features & Options

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes in four models: C250, C300, C350 and C63 AMG. All but the C300 are available in either sedan or coupe form.

Standard on the C250 and C300 sedan is a power sunroof, an 8-speaker 100-watt sound system with a CD player and auxiliary input jack, 8-way power front seats with manual lumbar support, mbrace2, MB-Tex vinyl seating, Bluetooth, 17-inch alloy wheels, the Agility Control selective-dampening suspension, the Attention Assist drowsiness monitor, a 5.8-in color monitor with a center controller, a 7-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, auto on/off headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel.

The C250 coupe adds a power tilt-telescopic steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and paddle shifters. The C300 sedan comes standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the ECO start/stop feature.

The C350 Sport adds heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, Harman Kardon upgraded audio, a power tilt-telescopic steering column, rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding, ECO start/stop and auto-dimming side mirrors.

The C350 Sport coupe adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a panoramic sunroof.

The C63 AMG adds a 6.2-liter V8, 18-in wheels and performance tires, 6-piston performance brakes and AMG interior trim, which includes bolstered sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminum paddle shifters. Styling changes include a bulging hood, ground effects, a rear trunk-lid spoiler and slated vents in the front air dam.

The C63 AMG Black Series coupe gains a 510-hp 6.3-liter engine, an adjustable coil-over suspension, upgraded brakes, 19-in wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, a 2-person sport-seat cockpit (the rear seat can be replaced as a factory option) and unique exterior and interior trim.

Options vary by trim and include navigation, a 450-watt Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround-sound audio with iPod connectivity and six gigabytes of music storage, leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, satellite radio, a blind spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, keyless entry with push-button starting, a rear sunshade and 18-in wheels. New for 2013 is the AMG Sport package that adds 18-in wheels, sport seats, steering-wheel paddle shifters and enhanced exhaust.

Optional in the C63 AMG sedan is the Development package that bumps hp to 481 and adds an available limited-slip rear differential.

Pricing

The C-Class holds its value fairly well in the first 3 years, then sees average depreciation values after that. A 2013 model with low miles that's in good condition shouldn't be hard to find. If you can find a certified pre-owned model (see the Safety Ratings & Warranties section for details), it may be your best bet. You can also search the Autotrader Classifieds to see what models are currently for sale in your area.