Mercedes-Benz C180 Kompressor SE (W204)

THE W204 WAS A BIG IMPROVEMENT ON ITS predecessor and proved very popular with fleet and private buyers alike. But values inevitably fall with age, so you can now bag a pre-facelift C180 Kompressor SE Saloon for the pricely sum of just £5,000. Mercedes-Benz C180 Kompressor SE (W204)

This petrol-powered ex-fleet favourite offers great value and a touch of class - and with plenty of examples around discounts are readily obtained. It's surprisingly economical for an older petrol-powered Mercedes-Benz too, with a 42.2mpg combined economy figure. The 1,597cc four-cylinder forced induction engine delivers spritely performance when pushed, with 170lb ft of torque available from 3,000rpm and you could theoretically reach 143mph before the C180 Kompressor saloon finally runs out of puff. Most of these models started life as fleet cars so are likely to have been serviced on time in their early years, and whilst some have covered pretty high mileages, quite a few haven't. We found a few examples for sale around the £5,000 to £6,000 bracket, with this £4,995 2008 example at Aireborough Motor Company (www.aireboroughmotorcompany.co.uk) in Leeds appearing the pick of the bunch in our opinion.

An automatic with a full service history finished in Machine Silver, this C180 Kompressor SE had covered a sensible 69,000 miles and came with climate control, cruise control with speedtronic speed limiter, alarm, 16-inch alloys, electric windows (front and rear), a Radio/CD player, tinted glass and Bluetooth.

Buying tips

Only consider cars with a full service history and two sets of keys, as replacements are expensive. This model did have some recalls for minor issues so make sure these have all been addressed as your local Mercedes dealer can check this for you for a small fee.

A few owners have had issues with the automatic transmission, with a replacement valve control body sometimes needed. And although the engine is chain driven, check that there is no slippage, as some high milers have needed their cam chains replaced. Other things to watch out for include early signs of rust, flat batteries, rusty brake pipes, cracked Artico seat covers, failing steering locks, misbehaving door mirrors, and condensation build up in the headlamps.

Just the facts A150 (W169) 

ENGINE 1,498cc 4-cyl 

Power 95bhp@5,200rpm 

TORQUE 103lb ft@3,500-4,000rpm 

TRANSMISSION 5-speed manual /Variomatic 0-62 MPH 13.2 seconds 

TOP SPEED 108mph FUEL 

CONSUMPTION 48.7mpg £5,000 

BUYS YOU A 2011 Mercedes-Benz A150 Classic SE with 39.000 miles

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