220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance Auto estate

Competent but not as nice as previous generation (w203)

Bought earlier this year as MB-approved at 60,000 miles. Didn't test drive, as too much Covid faff and I just assumed it would be better than the 2003 220cdi I chopped in for it. Bit of a mistake because it's way less refined. Much more engine noise and vibration, not helped by the TCU keeping the revs so low it often feels like it's labouring. Also you can see and feel how MB has taken cost out of the car with cheaper plastics and flimsier-feeling controls (again compared to previous generation - maybe the post-facelift cars are better). And there's much less storage space inside, with the various cubby holes being small and/or awkwardly shaped (the glovebox won't even take the handbook) and the back seats don't fold down flat. On the plus side, it goes and stops better than my previous 220, rides and steers OK, averages 47mpg, and everything still works well after 12 years of use. Only done 2,000 miles in my hands so too early to comment on reliability. But if you like middle-aged Mercs and you're wondering whether to change a W203 for a 204, don't assume newer is better.

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