Opinions on 2006 Mercedes C230 or C280

[Engineer]

I haven't drove either, but really like the looks (interior and exterior) of these vehicles. Anyone own one? Any opinions on these cars? Not looking for opinions on other cars (at the moment), just really like to know experiences and/or opinions on these.

 

[Zim Hosein]

My family looked at the C series as a possible new car in '04 and while they look nice inside and out, they weren't roomy enough. I'm not talking about the rear seats, just the front seats and the trunk. I don't know if this helps at all Engineer

 

[kd2777]

Go down to James motors, I'm sure they have both .

My wife loves the car as well. We just got her a Pacifica and one of the cars she looked at was the small C class. I don't remember if it was the 230 or the 280, but it was way to small for me (6-3) but fit her fine (5-4), so we opted for the roomer pacifica. Hope that helps.

kd

 

[ElFenix]

they're frickin' small

with the sport package they look really good

but without the larger motor they'll probably feel underpowered in comparison to a 3 series

 

[JEDI]

Why are you buying a Chrysler man? you get better bang for the buck elsewhere

 

[bigrash]

they might be small but they look nice!

 

[HaxorNubcake]

I say nay...

Maybe i'm just blatantly wrong but I don't see the purpose of buying entry level cars/mercedes. The car lacks the 'status' and 'performance' of mercedes, and in my opinion I think you'd be better off driving somethin else. When I see c class drivers I see them as people trying to buy mercedes but not actually in the financial position to do so. (Please note that I am in no ways trying to offend you)

just my $0.02

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
I say nay...

Maybe i'm just blatantly wrong but I don't see the purpose of buying entry level cars/mercedes. The car lacks the 'status' and 'performance' of mercedes, and in my opinion I think you'd be better off driving somethin else. When I see c class drivers I see them as people trying to buy mercedes but not actually in the financial position to do so. (Please note that I am in no ways trying to offend you)

just my $0.02

To an extent, I agree...

 

[Engineer]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I'm a big buy and size does matter (I'm 6'3" at 240 pounds). The car does look really nice. Seems like the C230 and C280 are the same car with different interior and motor. I may look at one but don't want to be cramped driving one. Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: JEDI
Why are you buying a Chrysler man? you get better bang for the buck elsewhere

Regular (Dodge, Jeep, etc) models or Mercedes models? I have two Dodge vehicles and they both have served me (and the wife) well and were great values (working for a supplier had nice perks in 2003! ).

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: HaxorNubcake
I say nay...

Maybe i'm just blatantly wrong but I don't see the purpose of buying entry level cars/mercedes. The car lacks the 'status' and 'performance' of mercedes, and in my opinion I think you'd be better off driving somethin else. When I see c class drivers I see them as people trying to buy mercedes but not actually in the financial position to do so. (Please note that I am in no ways trying to offend you)

just my $0.02

I just like the car. I'm paid my mortgage off and have cash to spare, even after upping retirement and savings. Also, will lose a car payment next month (paying off) so I can afford higher up but don't know if I'm willing to spend more. If the car is too small, it doesn't matter anyway as I need something with enough room to actually drive in comfort.

 

[VirginiaDonkey]

I own a 2002 C320 (same car as you are looking at)
If you have never driven a Benz, you owe it to yourself to do so. Performance will not be great with the 230 or 280...it will be OK, but not great. if you want performance, drive the 350. I am 6'3" and weight 250 and I have room in the front. if i am in the back, the person in the front has to move up. The older models (2002,2003) has quality issues..mine included, but those have mostly been taken care of with the newr models.

The new interior (2005+) really gives the car a touch of class and I wish mine had it. For those saying a C-Class isn't a real Benz has obviously never sat in one. 8 air bags, traction control, stability control, 5 speed automatic just to name a few features.
likes:
Built like a tank
German engineering (ride, handling safety, turning radius, etc)
resale value
treatment at dealership

dislikes:
rear seat room (yes its cramped)
cost of maintenance (A service =200 B service =500)

check out www.benzworld.org. the class car you are looking at is the W203

 

[iamwiz82]

Even though it's a low-end Benz price-wise doesn't mean it's bad. Obviously they are doing something right if 60,000/year are being sold.

I'd say something if you were looking at a c230 Kompressor, only because they got it to under $26,000 by completely stripping the thing.

 

[mattocs]

Get youself a nice Subaru Legacy GT.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Even though it's a low-end Benz price-wise doesn't mean it's bad. Obviously they are doing something right if 60,000/year are being sold.

I'd say something if you were looking at a c230 Kompressor, only because they got it to under $26,000 by completely stripping the thing.

Is the Kompressor the 1.8L 4cyl Turbo model? The 2006 C230 now has a 2.5L V6 with 201 HP (I like the V6 over a turbo model).

Originally posted by: OBW96
Get youself a nice Subaru Legacy GT.

When I was 16, I had a framed photo (about 16" x 20") on the wall with a Mercedes on it. I told myself that I wanted one and still do. However, I don't want to comprimise if the car isn't worth the money yet I'm not willing to spend too much (even though I can afford far more). This isn't about needing a new car (which I really don't), this is one of those dreams of owing a particular car...in this case, a Mercedes Benz!

 

[iamwiz82]

I'm referring to this one: http://www.autocarmagazine.com/Car/Merc...ompressorSE3drHatchback/2754442317.jpg

It's comparable to the BMW 318Ti

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
I'm referring to this one: http://www.autocarmagazine.com/Car/Merc...ompressorSE3drHatchback/2754442317.jpg

It's comparable to the BMW 318Ti

YUCK! <insert barf icon here>

:shocked:

 

[Strk]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Even though it's a low-end Benz price-wise doesn't mean it's bad. Obviously they are doing something right if 60,000/year are being sold.

I'd say something if you were looking at a c230 Kompressor, only because they got it to under $26,000 by completely stripping the thing.

It's called they're selling a badge to people who think the Mercedes of today is like the Mercedes of fifteen years ago. In other words, they're buying a badge.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Strk

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Even though it's a low-end Benz price-wise doesn't mean it's bad. Obviously they are doing something right if 60,000/year are being sold.

I'd say something if you were looking at a c230 Kompressor, only because they got it to under $26,000 by completely stripping the thing.

It's called they're selling a badge to people who think the Mercedes of today is like the Mercedes of fifteen years ago. In other words, they're buying a badge.

Can you point anything about it that is bad? I'd much rather have a c280 than a Legacy GT, or an Accord.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Engineer
Thanks for the replies. Yes, I'm a big buy and size does matter (I'm 6'3" at 240 pounds). The car does look really nice. Seems like the C230 and C280 are the same car with different interior and motor. I may look at one but don't want to be cramped driving one. Thanks again for the replies.

Have you thought about the Lexus IS350? I test drove one a few weeks ago, very very nice car and plenty powerful. It's not really any bigger than the 3 series or C class Mercedes. Much more powerful though.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: Engineer

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Even though it's a low-end Benz price-wise doesn't mean it's bad. Obviously they are doing something right if 60,000/year are being sold.

I'd say something if you were looking at a c230 Kompressor, only because they got it to under $26,000 by completely stripping the thing.

Is the Kompressor the 1.8L 4cyl Turbo model? The 2006 C230 now has a 2.5L V6 with 201 HP (I like the V6 over a turbo model).

Originally posted by: OBW96
Get youself a nice Subaru Legacy GT.

When I was 16, I had a framed photo (about 16" x 20") on the wall with a Mercedes on it. I told myself that I wanted one and still do. However, I don't want to comprimise if the car isn't worth the money yet I'm not willing to spend too much (even though I can afford far more). This isn't about needing a new car (which I really don't), this is one of those dreams of owing a particular car...in this case, a Mercedes Benz!

So why don't you buy the car that was in the picture? It will surely cost a lot less by now...

Anyway, the C230 is a decent car for the money, but there are better choices. German cars, despite being made to a much higher standard than most cars, aren't the most reliable available today. Infiniti and Lexus make much better cars for the money.

5 year total cost of ownership:

Lexus IS250
Inifiniti G35
Mercedes C230 (note the initial cost is $2k - $3k cheaper than the others, but 5 year cost is nearly identical.)
BMW 325i (cheapest overall)

Edit >> added BMW

 

[kd2777]

Good lord people, he wants a Mercedes. We all don't make as good of decision as you guys do on cars. I am guilty of wanting a CLK model, and I have children, completely useless but I want one.

Let the guy have his Mercedes.

Best of luck Engineer.

kd

 

[Pocatello]

Originally posted by: kd2777
Good lord people, he wants a Mercedes. We all don't make as good of decision as you guys do on cars. I am guilty of wanting a CLK model, and I have children, completely useless but I want one.

Let the guy have his Mercedes.

Best of luck Engineer.

kd

I agree, if you like the Mercedes, buy one, it does look nice, albeit conservatively. Everybody has his/her own taste. Personally I like the Lexus IS.

 

[ponyo]

Have you considered used Mercedes?

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Have you considered used Mercedes?

Haven't thought about either much. Just got the urge last week. Might consider it!