greetings. Newbie here. I'll be in the market for my first benz once I sell my 2 minis. I'm not sure which model to buy though. If I have a budget of $25-$28k, which used c-class would be the best? older C230 kompressor sedan? a C280? I've seen some MB dealers in my area advertised 2003 C230 coupe for around $23k in last friday's paper. these are demos with less than 5k miles. thanks.

 

Since I'm a W202 fan, personally, I would go for a C280, C280 Sport, C36 AMG, or C43 AMG model year less than 2000, one with a Starmark Warranty and less than 30k on the ODO. You should be able to find a 95-99 model that fits your taste. That is, unless you absolutely HAVE to have a brand new car. I say this for five reasons:
1.) Let someone else take the "new car" depretiation.
2.) The W202's haven't lost their design appeal.
3.) They're not cheap and not too expensive, they will fit you're proposed budget (all three models I listed above).
4.) They're easy to find (all models I listed above)
5.) They're of better build quality. I'm not trying to rag on new Benz's, but they're build quality has gone down since the merger.

 

1st DO NOT GET a 97 or below C36 or C280. u are better off with newer models 98+ model updates. the I6's in 280 and 36 have problems with headgasket leaks. so C43 or 98+c280

 

With the amount of money you'd save buying a 97 or older C280 you will have enough money left over to buy the updated head gasket and then some. I do like the look of the 98 and newer though. With the money you're talking about you should skip this thread and talk to the W202 AMG folks.

 

If I were to buy a 202, it would be a '99 or 2000 C230 Kompressor with the Sport package, or if you could afford it, a C43 AMG.

 

C43 AMG would be a good choice...lot of em 2nd hands are for sale on ebay for under $30k...good luck

 

thanks for the info. What's the difference between a C280 & a C280 sport? same engine? different suspension? I've been looking on ebay & there are some good deals on C36 AMG but most are out of state (I'm in CA where its so rare to find a C36 for sale). Does anyone have any experience buying a car out of state? any DMV issues? any state to avoid? thanks.:p

 

As far as I know the C280 Sport is basically a C43 AMG without the engine. There's no AMG badging on the Sport though. It has different rims and a carbon fiber interior rather than wood grain. It also has a different more sporty steering wheel and white gauges. If were up to me, which it's wasn't, I would have bought a C280 Sport.