benz9

Hi,
I am planning to buy my 1st mercedes, long time dream. budget around 13k, i know its not too much but thats all i have. I do like the updated looks of the 2012 but c250 is what concerns me.
considering 2010/11 c300 vs 2012 c250(will not get a c300 in my budget) both sport model
Currently driving a 2001 lexus gs300 I6 engine. I love cars that feel heavy.
Currently going to grad school. Maintenance is a concern and but im determined to buy one. So in terms of reliability, performance and looks which is a better buy?
Was very close to buying a 14 e350 last year but due to unavoidable situation could not do it.

I am looking to get one in 3-5 months

Thanks a lot.

edgalang

#1- Welcome to the board.

#2- If it was my money my choice would be NONE.

I am not an SME on the buying process of used/CPO vehicles, but IMO, if you are going to go this route, you better be prepared for the worst...and being "tight on budget" is not exactly a good sign of being prepared. Plus, you are still in grad school...so in reality, this "long time dream" couldn't of possibly been that long.

Learn from the many posts here. Do not set yourself up to be over extended then later regret it when "sh*t" happens.

Star4life

in my personal opinion your money would be better spent being saved for when you graduate, assuming your current car can get you there.

MB when they reach 65k-80k require a lot of normal wear and tear maintenance. A lot of filters, fluids, seals at times, belts, brakes, etc Being out of warranty this will be straight out of your pocket. Whenever I look at Mercedes cpo i look at the lower milage ones from 15-30k miles. anything over that you likely over pay since the mileage is not worth that much in comparison to the age of the vehicle. the next significant drop is over 50k miles or 5 years and you start to come up on that maintence period and no factory warranty. considering you wont have a factory warranty regardless id opt for the c250 with regards to maintenance as its RWD only. Meaning no front axles and gearbox associated so less routine maintenance items. As well as a smaller engine with fewer parts to replace. In addition from what ive read, the c250 feels as peppy if not better than pre facelift w204s 300s, while getting a much nicer interior and better gas milage.

im sure everyone will have thier own opinion though. also i am not sure if you can get a c250 2012 for 13k unless it has a accident. I recently shopped them and lowest i saw was around 15k from a reputable seller.

benz9

Thanks for input,
My current car(2001 lexus gs300) needs some work (1500 dollars) and figured i would rather sell than keep. Also Im halfway through grad school and have 2 more semesters left.
Also,
if i do not buy one now(3-5months) i might never be able to afford one as i might have to go back to my home country in a few years.

Jeff7

I cant exactly give you advice whether to do it or not but I can share some personal experience.

I have a 2011 Facelift w204 with 180.000km now, apart from the standard service maintenance and a 'broken' thermostat I havnt replaced anything else.
Car still runs good as new and just did a dyno run couple months ago and power wise it hasn't lost any.

My best friend bought a w204 with 150 000 km and is over 230 000 km now and apart from the standard service maintenance he havnt replaced a single thing.

I guess what Im trying to say is buying a car with high mileage is not necessary a bad thing IF the car is maintained well in the past, warmed up well before flooring , driven with care and have the service done properly.

Whatever you decide to do goodluck with it

Adi-Benz

the c250 is first gen and will have lots of problems compared to the 2011 c300.

I have a 2010 and my transmission is going, 6k repair. Newer it is the better the odds you wont have the problem / will push it off.

When you test drive go on highway, get to 70mph, shut everything off and listen if there is a whine [IF it is a 4matic]
If it whines avoid it.

Good luck.

ghlkal

My 2011 C300 has been very reliable. The price point for a good condition 2011 C300 seems to be very good now (if you're buying, but not if you're a seller )

IMHO, I like the looks of the 2011 C300 best. Obviously YMMV

Good luck on your search.

LILBENZ230

Buy a 2011 C300 that is RWD. Don't buy 4Matic, don't buy the C250. The 3.0L M272 and 7G transmission in the 11 C300 are well sorted, and it was 3 model years into the W204 chassis. It should be fine reliability wise.

Adi-Benz

+1 same idea

BlackRaizo

If you have to leave the country why buy a Mercedes? Mercedes is really just another car, especially the models you are looking to purchase.

Keep your money and continue to save, maybe if your circumstance allows you to stay and can afford the maintenance then purchase one; newer.

LandSeaAir

Not sure about OP's buying position specifically, but anyone on here saying that you need to have savings to support 204 ownership is just wrong and needs to shut up.

These are very simple, basic cars to maintain.
Oil once a year, $70 if you can do it yourself.

benz9

I might not have been clear. besides going to school I am also an intern banker and have only 2 additional semesters left of grad school. had to keep the budget down as I am also paying for school.

LandSeaAir

This is getting good, what kind of banker?

benz9

Technology

Jeff7

People are saying to make sure you buy a good w204 because if things break down which is more likely to happen with a 2nd hand car than a new one it will cost you to get it fixed. You are right about the basic maintenance and as long thats the case you dont have to break your bank.

LILBENZ230

Not necessarily. These aren't S-classes but they have things that "very simple, basic" cars don't have as well as things that cost more money in terms of maintenance.

Wear items like brakes/tires are needed more often and are more expensive on the C-class compared to something like a Honda Accord.

The EIS is something very simple, basic cars do not have. It can fail and it is expensive.

The C-class is mostly reliable and should not break your bank, but a Honda/Toyota it is not. I have owned 4 Mercedes, several Hondas, a couple of Nissans, a Mazda and a Toyota. The Mercedes cars have always been more expensive to operate.