21Jul
Is it an awful car? Probably not, but it's an awful buy. Admittedly, the C-Class, not just the 2016 model, is a luxury car you invest in with your eyes wide open, knowing that the nameplate has never been the poster child of reliability and the cost of ownership is comparatively expensive.
It ranked 71st out of 75 models in the US News & World Report’s 2021 reliability survey. It also scored a below-average JD Power reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5 in a model year that saw most of its competitors place above average. You buy the 2016 C-Class for the deluxe interior, potent engines, and relatively good fuel economy. However, owners wailed to Consumer Reports over the HVAC failures, fuel/oil leaks, and ill-timed brake wear.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury sedan introduced in 2015. It got designed to compete with other luxury sedans in the compact executive sedan segment, such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. While the C-Class remains popular with consumers and has received positive reviews from automotive critics, we have even more reasons to avoid the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Related: 13 Reasons Why You Should Steer Clear Of The 2017 Mazda CX-3
1. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Have Serious Reliability Issues
One of the primary reasons would never buy a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is its reliability issues. According to Consumer Reports, the 2016 C-Class has a below-average reliability rating.
This means the car is more likely to experience problems and require repairs than other vehicles in its class. Some of the most common issues reported by C-Class owners include problems with the infotainment system, engine problems, and transmission issues.
2. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Has An Expensive Repairs Cost
Another reason why we would never buy a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is because of its expensive repairs.
Although the cost of repairs for a Mercedes-Benz is typically higher than other vehicles in its class, it's a no-brainer that the 2016 C-Class's poor reliability paints a grimmer picture of the long-term true cost of ownership.
Mercs are expensive to fix due to the high cost of parts and the specialized skills often required to do the job. If you are looking for a luxury sedan that is more affordable to maintain and repair, we certainly do not recommend the C-Class.
3. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Has A Low Fuel Economy
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a relatively low fuel economy compared to some similarly classed vehicles. According to the EPA, the C-Class gets an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
While this is not terrible, it is lower than other luxury sedans in its class, such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. If fuel economy is a priority for you, D-segment luxury models like the A4 and 3-Series might be a better fit.
4. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ Limited Cargo Space Is A Let-Down
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has limited cargo space when compared to other vehicles in its class. While this may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, it is something to consider if you frequently travel with a lot of luggage or cargo.
The C-Class has a trunk capacity of 12.6 cubic feet, which is smaller than the trunks of other luxury sedans in its class.
5. The 2016 C-Class’s Poor Rear Visibility Is A Turnoff
Another issue with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is its poor rear visibility. The rear window is relatively small, which can make it difficult to see out the back of the vehicle.
This can be a safety concern, particularly when backing up or changing lanes on the highway. While some luxury sedans have backup cameras to help with visibility, the C-Class does not come standard with this feature.
6. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Has Limited Rear Legroom
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has limited rear legroom compared to other vehicles in its class. This can be an issue for taller passengers or those who frequently travel with multiple passengers in the back seat.
In your search for a compact luxury sedan with more rear legroom, consider options like the Cadillac CT4 and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
Related: These Are 13 Used Cars To Avoid At All Costs (But They’re Not Entirely Bad)
7. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Offers Limited Standard Features
While the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with several standard features, such as a panoramic sunroof and a 7-inch infotainment display, it has several important features, such as a rearview camera, that should be standard but aren’t.
For example, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are all optional features that may be important to some buyers.
If you want a luxury sedan with more standard features, consider other options, such as the 2023 Cadillac CT5 and CT4.
8. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Has A Comparatively Expensive Price
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a relatively expensive vehicle compared to others in its class. The base model C300 had a starting price of around $38,000, which was higher than the starting price of some of its competitors.
If you want a luxury sedan with a lower price tag, you could check out attractive options like the 2024 Acura Integra ($32,695).
Furthermore, the C-Class’ upfront cost isn’t the bone of contention now. It’s the crazy ownership cost, thanks to its The Flash-worthy depreciation rate and poor reliability, ultimately making the true cost of ownership a deal-breaker for us.
9. The Headroom Is Too Poor In The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Another issue with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is its lack of headroom. The sloping roofline looks nice but makes it difficult for taller passengers to sit comfortably in the back seat.
If you frequently transport taller passengers, you may want to consider a luxury sedan with better headroom, such as the 2022 Genesis G90.
10. The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ Interior Offers Limited Adjustability
The front seats of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are relatively limited in terms of adjustability.
While they do offer power-adjustable seats with memory settings, they do not offer as many adjustments as some other luxury sedans. This can make it difficult to find a comfortable driving position for some drivers.
11. The Road Noise Is Annoying In The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has gotten criticized for its road noise. Sadly, the 2016 C-Class failed to provide the level of quietness that discerning buyers have come to expect from a luxury sedan, especially ones that wear the three-pointed star’s badge.
This can be a concern for those who frequently travel on highways or live in areas with high levels of road noise.
12. The Lack Of Customization Is A Huge Disappointment In The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class does not offer as many customization options as some other luxury sedans. For example, the C-Class has only a limited number of exterior color options available.
If you are looking for a luxury sedan with more customization options, there are other options available.
13. We’re Bored With The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ Aging Design
Finally, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s impressive design is showing its age. While it is a well-designed vehicle, it had been on the market for several years and doesn’t seem to match the modern, even stunning, looks of some of its competitors.
If you are looking for a luxury sedan with a more modern design, you could consider other options, such as the Acura TLX.
Our Verdict On The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a popular luxury sedan, but we won’t touch the 2016 model.
They suffer reliability issues, expensive repairs, low fuel economy, limited cargo space, poor rear visibility, limited rear legroom, limited standard features, price, lack of headroom, limited adjustability, road noise, lack of customization, and aging design.
If you are in the market for a used car, weigh your options and choose a vehicle that best meets your needs and preferences.
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