Mercedes B class opinions

[hb904460]

I am looking to buy a family car and was interested in a merc b class; manual, petrol, age = 2009. Has anyone here heard any negatives about this model? I have checked online reviews and the comments on Honest John but have read very few actual long term owner reviews.
Only slight negative i have read is that it is "under powered" which considering my girls get travel sick i think could be a bonus

[kalniel]

No personal experience, but reviews say it's poor to drive and expensive to maintain.

Focus S Max would seem to be far superior.

[Infinite]

3 of my friends got B classes as their first car. Its a very comfortable car and very safe.

My friends say that her B160 manual is underpowered but my other friend say that his B180 auto is fine.

Never heard any problems engine wise. All three of them have been in minor crashes but got repaired no problem.

Looking to get a new car soon and the 2nd gen B Class is on my list.