mjchin

Hello,

I'm thinking of purchasing a commuter car. I'll be driving approximately 60 to 80 mi/day (for those in the SF Bay Area, it's from San Mateo to Sunnyvale to SF and back to San Mateo).

The cars I'm considering are:

• '00 c230K, '00 c280 and a '99 C43
• The '00 cars have approximately 50k miles, the '99 has 83k miles
• The '00 cars include the sport package, so in some respects, look similar
• The cars are priced very close to each other, $19.5k (+/- 1k) for the c230k and c280 to $23k for the c43
• The '00 cars are sold by MBZ dealerships, the '99 by an independent dealer
• All come with warranty's and can be extended (the '00 are starmarked CPO)

All my neighbors swear by them (they have SL, S, CLK, E) and its what prompting me to consider one. I'll be the first to admit -- I'm a Mercedes newbie. Just starting to familiarize myself with the numbering designations (eg, W202, 203).

I'm a long time driver and owner of BMW (6 cars), Porsche (2) and SUV's (5). I'm also evaluating these three against two classics I'm considering; an '88 M6 and an '88 Carrera. These 16 year old cars cost nearly the same as the three aforementioned, but along with them come a lot of maintenance. Properly maintained, they serve well as daily drivers. Insurance is not too terrible; approx. $800 year full coverage, half that for liability. However, they are 16 year old cars.

So, my question, based on this, what's the logical choice? I know it will come down to individual taste and preference, but I plan on keeping this car for a few years and want something that's reliable and dependable, yet a bit sporty. I want the wifey to feel safe in it when she's with the kids (she's driving a 540iA). What would you get and why?

The c43 might fit the bill, but with a ~$4k premium over the other two, is it worth it?, because I think I can get the other two more reasonably priced at 20.5 to 21 OTD.

Your comments and feedback are truly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Marty

meanie

Marty

Sorry for being a little biased, since I have a 2000 C 23o K.
Here is my take:
C 230 K = great fuel economy ( if you can drive with restraint :p , plenty of ***** when you want to romp, cheap parts.
C 280 = a few more features standard equipment, fuel economy a little less than the C 230 K.
C 43 = Nice car, lots of *****, with the downside being potentially very high maintenance/repair costs.

From a safety point, since they are identical cars, I would consider them all equally safe for your family.
The safety of an M-B is still second to none !

Goldeni245

I maybe a bit biased becuase I have a 1999 C230K Sport and lemme tell ya, this is a greeeeat car. Especially with a sport package. I would totally take a c230K over a c280, but NOT over a c43.

C230K has a 200lbs/ft of torque at an early 2800rpm so this car has got some good uphm upon acceleration. It lacks high end as do most 4 cylinders but it jets around town like no other.

the 230K engine can easily be modified, I just added a performance chip to my car which added some 30lbs of torque and 5-10 horsepower.

C280 is more quiet, but the v6 engine is blah and really be modifieid in the future.

c43 is an AMG so that pretty much says it all heh.

moebisgold

If you like performance driving get the C43. If that doesn't have enough umph, put on a $5K blower on it. Not much out there will be faster then. Even with a stocker I reccomend maint. at 2 to 4 X MB's reccomendations. Change the Tranny oil every 10 to 30K. Don't listen to MB on the tranny.

JimPurdy

I miss my '99 C280 !

Of the cars you are considering, if you wanted all out performance and didn't care about maintenance and insurance costs, the C43 would be my pick.

The choice between the C230k and the C280 is a little harder. I think the C280 is quieter and smoother. I may be biased by my previous car but I would pay $1000 - $1500 premium for the C280.

ricerokets4life

welcome to MBWorld!

all three have known problems but it usually boils down to the specific car you drive and the type of luck you have :p you have had high maintenance cars before so it shouldnt be much of a problem for you

i have a thing for 6+ cylinders so id say the C280. plus, i find that its a good medium between luxury/comfort and sport/fun-to-drive factor.

mjchin

sorry for the delayed reply, I'm traveling this week and currently in Austin (where's its supposed to be warm...).

I'd rather have a vehicle that's less maintenance on the long run, which is why I've been moving away from the m6 and the carerra (there is one exceptional targa I have my eye on tho...) but the idea is to have it out of the shop most of the time, save for required maintenance and service.

In any case, the cars I ask about have been sold unfortunate because the price was very good and perhaps I hesitated due to my travels.

However, a good friend just ordered an e500 for his wife and will be selling their '97 e420 with 100k miles. Single owner, all records, maintained following factory schedule, a very clean car (his wife is a petite lady and therefore the seats are in great condition).

Any info or background and historics on the e420 vs the e430 or in general, the engine themselves, that y'all can share is greatly appreciated ...and forum mod, if you need to move to appropriate forum, please do.

Thanks again,

Marty

BrabusCClass

Well, as a C43 owner I can tell you that the car is very fun and nice. Just parts are a bit more pricey, ie. brakes job including rotors is $1000 give or take where you get it done. But the car is not one to stay in the shop too long. Parts are more readily available for this car, my prior C36 took forever to get parts. Its a great car and it has great passing power. It makes the drive a lot more fun especially if you are in the car a lot.