Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: £19,672 to £51,570
The concept, bold looks, enjoyable handling, practicality, spray-reducing wheel-arch liners
Automatic transmission, awkward rear end styling, parking brake, rubbery steering, unexciting C200 K engine, lack of rear wiper, illogical electric window switches (they move in and out, not up and down)
The Sports Coupe hasn't taken off to quite the degree expected, as it's neither an out-and-out sports coupe nor a luxury cruiser - but it's an interesting concept, and a nicely adult proposition for those who have outgrown their hot hatches but who aren't ready for a stodgy saloon.
None of the engines are particularly economical, and neither insurance nor servicing and maintenance come cheap. The C200 CDI earns a useful tax break due to its reduced carbon-dioxide emissions, but the others all attract relatively high BIK tax for company car users. Also bear in mind depreciation (loss in value); whilst Mercedes saloons tend to hold their value very well, word is that demand for this model on the second-hand market hasn't really kicked off, M-B dealers are reluctant to offer good money on part-exchanges and the independents are somewhat suspicious of making an unwise investment. Given the relatively poor resale values, the SC is going to get pretty affordable second-hand. It hasn't got the following of the BMW Compact, nor is it as practical and user-friendly as an A3. Anecdotal evidence suggests that dealers are keen to shift cars that have been lying around for a while, and whatever the sticker price says, they'll be open to (sensible) offers. Look out too for cars that have been offloaded on the independents, or for cars advertised by private sellers trying to improve on the part-ex offer made by their dealer. If you avoid cars that have been problematic (steer clear of anything with dodgy electronica) then an SC could make a smart second-hand buy. As mentioned above... equipment levels on most models are stingy. The entry level C180 doesn't have air conditioning, a CD player, metallic paint or even a sunroof. By the time you've added in those - all crucial if you want to be able to resell the car - it starts to get pricey as none of these 'options' come cheap. Bear in mind too that residual (resale) values are dubious even on high-spec cars. But since when was Mercedes ownership about good value? With this car, you're paying for the badge, and plenty of people are prepared to do that.
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wrote on 14 11 2006