Mercedes-Benz C-Class Problems

It really comes down to finances and your needs. Personally, I would get out before 160,000km and the new C-Class is definitely a great choice. But don’t go overboard as even the basic C200 is a ripper and would be my pick.

There is nothing sinister or underhand here. Car companies rotate their plates on to their newest models to make life a little easier for their fleet administrators.

Mercedes-Benz Australia admits there is a problem but has no timeline yet on a solution. I'm not a fan of the Keyless Go in any case and my solution is to plug the electronic key into the slot beneath the silver start button. Remove the plastic cap first.

Electrical problems can quickly become costly but you will notice a big step down in comfort and class if you downgrade to a Hyundai. It's a sensible move on the budget front but make sure you understand the implications — take a long test drive in the Accent before you commit.

For me, your best choice would be a Mercedes-Benz GLA (above left). It is the SUV of the baby Benz range, with good space and comfort, the space, safety and seats you need with a hatch to get access to the boot. It definitely gets The Tick from me.

We often criticise cars for excessive tyre roar on country roads. You're another victim of big wheels and low-profile tyres on a C250, which is the sportier model below the C63 AMG, multiplied by the harshness of runflats. You need to get back to 18-inch rims with higher-profile regular tyres to reduce the road roar, perhaps test driving a basic C200 for a noise test.

Probably not a record but encouraging news for our readers who have recently complained about batteries lasting for just a few years.

I suggest that you take it to an independent Mercedes mechanic and get a quote from them. It is almost certain to be lower. You could also investigate importing the parts from an overseas source, such as a Mercedes dealer in the USA, and have them fitted here.

Normally I would have expected the car to run roughly when the chain stretched. They stretch progressively, not overnight, so there should have been some warning that all was not well. But it is low kilometres for a chain to stretch, which might mean you have a case for a goodwill claim against Mercedes, although I wouldn’t fancy your chances of success.