*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance loss in 09/2018 ***

HIGHLIGHTS

Lovely W202 saloon with complete service history
Excellent condition inside and out
Drives superbly with no known issues
Long MOT and low mileage

THE APPEAL

When it debuted 30 years ago, the Mercedes-Benz ‘W202’ had a hard act to follow. The first-generation C-Class was introduced to replace the decade-old 190E – a car that had sold by the million and wo fans all over the world.

Luckily for Mercedes-Benz fans, the W202 was more of the same, Mercedes resisting the urge to go thrusting and modern, preferring instead to maintain a traditional approach. The C-Class was a lovely, classy machine, but it was also endearingly traditional and understated. It was far less bash than its rivals, and often far better cossetted as a result.

That’s certainly true of this example, which belonged to a vicar in a Surrey suburb for much of its life. It’s a car that shows evidence of care and has a fully-stamped service book up to last year, just over 1,000 miles ago.

It’s a well-appointed C200 Elegance model, with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and good standard equipment, including faultless air conditioning.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

UK V5C
MOT valid until April 2024, passed with no advisories
Full Mercedes book pack and ring-bound wallet
Previous owner was a vicar from a leafy Surrey suburb
Service book stamped from 2001 to 2022, most recently by independent specialist at 78,526 miles in 2022
Three previous owners
Mercedes-Benz handbook
Original factory build sheet
Was recorded as a non-structural total loss by an insurer in September 2018, which wrote the car off without inspecting it – a photograph of the bumper damage that caused this is shown in the images. The car sustained no damage to paint or panel work
Insurance claim not recorded on V5C
Two keys

THE INTERIOR

Very smart black cloth interior with minimal wear
Excellent overall condition with no tears or damage and very good seat bolsters
Discreet dark walnut effect dash inlays
Excellent condition dash, door cards, headlining and carpets
Aftermarket Sony CD stereo in full working order
Air conditioning blows ice cool
Electric windows
Electrically adjustable mirrors
Cruise control
Good, clean luggage area with original tools, first aid kit and full-size spare wheel

THE EXTERIOR

Original Brilliant Silver paintwork in fantastic overall condition
No dents or damage
One very small rust bubble on lower front right arch and very light bubbles on inner edge of one rear arch – and that’s it!
All wing tops, arches and door bottoms appear rot-free
Superb underneath and has never received an MOT corrosion advisory
Deep glossy shine, ceramic treated by vendor
Original 15-inch alloy wheels in very good order with a few very small kerb marks and no delamination
Good tyres all round
Original supplying dealer number plates
All badges and exterior trim in excellent condition
Bumper sustained damage leading to insurance claim, but was given a paintless repair by the vendor and is impossible to notice. A photo of the original damage is shown in the photos so potential buyers can make their own mind up

THE MECHANICS

1,998cc 4cyl
Five-speed automatic transmission
Starts on the button and runs sweetly
Last serviced just over 1,000 miles ago
Drives superbly with no evident faults or issues with the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension or steering
Mileage may increase by a small amount as vendor is using the car occasionally

SUMMARY

In many respects, the W202 C-Class is one of the last of the proper traditional Mercedes-Benzes – unlike the brand’s cars of the 2000s, it has a sense of grandeur and occasion about it, coupled to a gloriously old-fashioned yet still dynamically agile feel.

This one is a lovely example – a car that has clearly been loved and well-looked-after all through its life and which is presented in very smart overall condition, with lots of history and a very low mileage. It’s a lovely, practical and extremely handsome choice of usable modern classic.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

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