Should you buy a used Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé?

Before making the decision to buy a pre-loved GLC Coupé, it's essential to consider its reliability, maintenance costs and potential issues, so you don't end up with an expensive lemon.

Ané Albertse

4 May 2024 · 07:06Buying a Car2 min read

So a good-looking, pre-owned Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé has caught your eye? These cars are lovely to drive, but will they last? We spoke to workshop owners, checked out reliability surveys, Mercedes-Benz online forums, and consumer reports to bring you an answer.

Let's see how the GLC and GLC Coupe fare in terms of the following:

1. Reliability

The first-generation of GLC Coupé had the most problems but is still seen as reliable; many people have experienced worry-free ownership. Read our 2015 launch report.

According to our research and this article, the GLC is one of the most reliable cars in the Mercedes-Benz arsenal, and its fastback-roof sibling is no exception.

No used car is perfect and without flaws, however.

2. Potential Issues

The 2019 facelift saw plenty of new tech onboard the GLC lineup. It landed in SA a year later - read our 2020 launch review of this model here.

While the GLC Coupe is tempting, some owners have reported issues with the car's infotainment system, calling it "glitchy" (facelifted models). Additionally, the GLC Coupe's air suspension system can also be expensive to maintain, but this is the case with all air suspension systems, not just Mercedes-Benz'.

Other problems reported by GLC/GLC Coupé owners in overseas markets include air conditioning issues, faulty sensors, general electronics and transmission problems.

3. Maintenance Costs

You'll be pleased to know that the GLC Coupe is not on our list of most expensive luxury SUVs to repair!

The maintenance and repair costs for the GLC & GLC Coupé compare well with most other premium vehicles. We recommend using MechanicBuddy to get a realistic cost estimate from a mechanic in your area, or you can just browse through cost estimates for GLCs in general. We recommend that you read: Are Mercedes-Benz cars expensive to repair?

The 2024 GLC Coupé features a 48V mild-hybrid system for better diesel consumption and extra power. It also reduces load on the engine which will help it age gracefully.

Verdict

If the GLC Coupé floats your boat and you are prepared to budget for keeping it in tip-top shape, we see no reason why you should forego it in favour of another brand. Getting it Dekra tested beforehand is a great way to foresee potential issues.

We recommend buying diesel to keep running costs manageable.

Written by Ané Albertse

Ané was bitten by the motoring bug at a very young age. Her mom recalls her sitting in her stroller as a 3-year old, naming every car that came past. She was creating content for various publications within Media24 when AutoTrader nabbed her for good, and is one of the longest-standing members of the AutoTrader team. She prefers dirt roads to tar and SUVs/bakkies to sports cars, but her greatest passion is helping people find the perfect car for their budget, lifestyle, and personality.Read more

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