Thermostat failed no engine access to easily repair. Water pump and belt failed, front spring broken also. Have to drop engine to repair, should be a access panel behind seats to easily make repairs. Poor design. The engine access panel provided is worthless. Will affect my future buying of another.

This is my 2nd one, 1st was used for a 150 mile + a day 5 day week commute to the DC area. It's in it's element for local driving, parking, mpg, fun to drive(especially with convertible). If you install a Scan Gauge and use the manual paddle shifters, mid 50 mpg is easy. Interstate driving keeps the mpg to around 42 +. 1st one had some issues, but incompetent mechanics were most of the problems. Replacement a/c hoses run $1200 each (2)does require Premium fuel, I alternated between mid & prem. each tank on the 1st. one. Get an extended warranty, any major repairs may have to be done by MB dealer.

This car is a great city commuter car...I get 35+ mpg, and parking is extremely easy to find. For small jaunts around town, it's terrific...it does hold well on highway, strong winds you need to hold on a little, but it does 95+ mph and still rides good. There is no cruise control on my car, but I have driven it 100 miles, and it's not bad. Hwy mpg is around 45 (ish)... I did not like that I had to replace the fuel pump at 35,000 miles (expensive...$600 if I recall at the dealer). The electronic clutch actuator went out at 49,000 miles, and this can be very expensive at the dealer (est is anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000). I purchased an actuator from Sachs (OEM) for $349 and installed myself. You then need to have it commissioned (w/out install) by a shop with an MB Star (or equivalent) machine. I found a local shop (services foreign sports cars, Mercedes, etc., and they had a Star system) that programmed the actuator to trans for $139...my total repair under $500. Car works great now. Other than the fuel pump, and the clutch actuator, I have not had any issues with the car (normal maintenance; tires, oil change, etc.). Fun car to drive...like a go-cart. Put the top down, turn up the radio, and go.