The C class W202 is a great little car. The back seat makes good use of the available space but is definitely not huge. It will fit two 6-4 people, but there won't be anything left over. Fitting even a small third person in the middle would be a real squeeze. Fitting normal infant and child seats into the 202's back seat is a real pain.

The transmission is the Achilles heal of this car. What would you do if it completely crapped out? Unless I were able to buy one that came with a Starmark warranty, I would seriously hesitate before spending significantly on a vehicle that may end up needing a new transmission.

Yes, the M111 gets phenomenal gas mileage. You'll see it most on the highway, if conservatively driven on the highway for long periods, you'll see in the high thirties. Normal day to day is more like high twenties. Compared to an inline six, the M111 is downright rough, though.

Have you thought about a later model with the M112 engine? Pretty good mileage. Very smooth performance. Changes the character of the car.

The W202 was sold through 2000. What's your strategy here? Are you looking only at older models? Do you have a set amount to spend? The 722.6 is really sweet, but have you thought about older than 1997, say a 1996 C220 with the older four speed 722.5 transmission (if you did have to replace the tranny, it would cost MUCH less).

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230