Opinions on 2006 Mercedes C230 or C280

[Engineer]

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

Thanks kd2777!

But, I want a good Mercedes. If the C230 or C280 (C280 appeals as it is basically an upgraded C230 with woodgrain interior, larger engine and 7 speed automatic (Engineer doesn't want any more standards and Mrs. Engineer couldn't drive one anyway! ))

I may go look at one later (few months from now when snow is gone and spring arrives. Also wouldn't mind buying it outright instead of financing and a little more time might allow that if I choose to get one).

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: Engineer

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

Thanks kd2777!

But, I want a good Mercedes. If the C230 or C280 (C280 appeals as it is basically an upgraded C230 with woodgrain interior, larger engine and 7 speed automatic (Engineer doesn't want any more standards and Mrs. Engineer couldn't drive one anyway! ))

I may go look at one later (few months from now when snow is gone and spring arrives. Also wouldn't mind buying it outright instead of financing and a little more time might allow that if I choose to get one).

Engineer, what's your price range?

 

[iversonyin]

Originally posted by: 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.

I'll take the BMW 3 series over Benz C Class ANYDAY. There is nothing BAD with C Class, it just you can get better car for the money. And he's right, Mercedes today just isn't Mercedes 15 years ago.


http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef56d2d!make=Mercedes-Benz&model=280-Class&ed_makeindex=.ef56d2d

Check out the forum if you are really getting one.

 

[NFS4]

Why bother when the IS and 3er are light years ahead of the current gen C-Class? The current C-Class is do for a makeover within the next year and a half anyway.

 

[Engineer]

Originally posted by: NFS4
Why bother when the IS and 3er are light years ahead of the current gen C-Class? The current C-Class is do for a makeover within the next year and a half anyway.

Don't care much for the IS series. The 3 series BMW's are nice. I did see your thread on the 2008 C class (more Japanese like styling). I might wait and save enough to buy it outright (whatever it is! ) anyway!

 

[FelixDeCat]

I like the Kompressor engine because its good on gas. I could have bought new, but I was paring down debt. After using nothing but the best replacement parts for wear and tear items including bosch +4 s/p, belts, mobile 1, differential oil, etc, Ive managed to raise the city number to 22-23 from factory 21. Highway was 30mpg. It reached a top speed of 133mph.

The Kompressor has a nice high pitched whirl too it in soon after starting that you can hear with the windows down in a quiet area. I like it alot, but most replacement parts come from your friendly neighborhood Mercedes Dealer - $$$.


Edit: Kompressor is German for supercharger, not turbo.

 

[Mill]

The C230 sucks. Had one as a service loaner, and it is woefully underpowered. Interior is nice, and the exterior is too, but it is so underpowered that it isn't worth it. Better cars out there for the money.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Originally posted by: Mill
The C230 sucks. Had one as a service loaner, and it is woefully underpowered. Interior is nice, and the exterior is too, but it is so underpowered that it isn't worth it. Better cars out there for the money.

I think you have to find a balance between MPG and power. Sure a 15mpg 300hp V8 would be nice but not at $2.50 / $3 a gallon.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat

Originally posted by: Mill
The C230 sucks. Had one as a service loaner, and it is woefully underpowered. Interior is nice, and the exterior is too, but it is so underpowered that it isn't worth it. Better cars out there for the money.

I think you have to find a balance between MPG and power. Sure a 15mpg 300hp V8 would be nice but not at $2.50 / $3 a gallon.

The Merc v6 would be better. The supercharged Merc v6 would be a whole lot better.

 

[scionguy]

Most of my rich buddies buy used luxury cars. Much more bang for the buck.

Back when I had spare change I bought a used Lincoln, the depreciation is crazy.

Originally posted by: 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!

 

[bozack]

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

pretty big generalization to be making no? honestly for most people whom I see driving them I might agree, but then again possibly not as if anything the houses I see them parked in front of would indicate they could easily do the E class and yet they opt for the C...

Personally I like the look of the car, but recent reports of Mercedes and poor quality/reliability are a bit of a turnoff..that and the cost of one fully optioned out seems high...

If you read Edmunds owner reviews they are somewhat mixed but most enjoy the car, I would probabily lean more towards a BMW or Audi if I was in that market and had to go German, Infinity or Lexus if I kept all options open.....

I like the C class merc as well from a visual standpoint, and I abhore large cars thus nothing else they make truly appeals to me barring the AMG variant...

I know this isn't much help but good luck, just wanted to say that when one makes an assumption about others based on what they own imagine what it might be like if people did the same to you...and I own a Ford Contour SVT so I am not a Merc fanboy, just feel making baseless assumptions is a foolish thing to do.

 

[vi edit]

Not sure if it's your cup of tea, but you can pick up Jag S-Type's for a freaking song used. I had one (4.2L) for a week and it was an incredibly comfortable and smooth car to drive. Probably the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in.

Worth a look if for nothing else better to do on a quiet Saturday.

 

[imported_Mike]

Originally posted by: 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!

I would highly suggest it. After looking into it, all regular maintenance costs you money. I would look at a low millage used 2004 C32 AMG. Still under the warranty that MB stopped providing in 2005. It would be covered until 2008/50k miles.

After the warranty expires, you can put a few extra bones into it to pump it up to the new M3 status or even compete with an RS4. (as far as pure HP and Torque)

The C series back seat is kind of small, but the car isn't tiny.

lengths are in inches:

C32 AMG
3500lbs
106.9 wheelbase
178.2 exterior length
41.7 front leg
33 rear leg

C55 AMG
3500lbs
106.9 wheelbase
181.8 exterior length
41.7 front leg
33 rear leg

2006 C230 & C280 are almost identical (only a weight difference)

E39 M5 (2000-2003)
4000lbs
111.4 wheelbase
188.4 exterior length
41.7 front leg
34.2 rear leg

2003 540i is almost identical (weight difference)

B6 Audi S4 (2004-2005?)
3800lbs
104.3 wheelbase
179 exterior length
41.3 front leg
34.3 rear leg

2005 Audi A4 is almost identical (weight difference)


You really can't knock the C Class for it's size without comparing it to other leading luxury sedans...it matches up.

 

[bozack]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
Not sure if it's your cup of tea, but you can pick up Jag S-Type's for a freaking song used. I had one (4.2L) for a week and it was an incredibly comfortable and smooth car to drive. Probably the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in.

Worth a look if for nothing else better to do on a quiet Saturday.

Too bad they were on the forbes 14 worst luxury car list in terms of reliability and owner satisfaction.