Jay J

Hi I'm a newbie and am considering purchasing my first MB as the local dealership has a great special going on until the end of August.

I can get a new 2005 C230 Kompressor sedan with the sunroof package, 6-disk and manual transmission for $29,100 or go for an automatic for an extra $1400.

The question I have is, since the new 2006 C230K is out already, should I consider it instead? I understand it has 12 more HP, as the '06 has a 2.5L V6 @201HP, vs the 2005's 1.8L I4 supercharged at only @189HP.

Now obviously the 2006 isn't going to be only $29K, and will probably be
more like $35 or $36K, so my question for all you veterans out there what
would you do?

The other car I'm considering is the new VW Jetta GLI that just came out, a
fully loaded one with automatic is around $28,500 MSRP, and they probably
won't budge on that price being that they are new and in high demand.

Both cars are similarly equipped, the Mercedes and VW both have 10 airbags, the VW has paddle shifters the MB doesn't, but they both have 17" wheels and similar features, like leather, 3 stage antilock breaks, Enhanced stability control, similar size trunks, similar size back seats, the VW is turocharged, the C230K is supercharged, both have sport suspension's and looks, yadda yadda...

Thanks in advance for the advice!
Jay J

FashionCore21

ok I too love vw but you know this is a no brainer man MB of course bro

Capt Nemo o2

VW Jetta's are the ANTI-CHRIST!

LorinserCClass

I would take the '05 c230k no question.

mick1

don't know about a Jetta but second year of ownership of a C230 will cost you:

service A ~ $250
replacement tires ~ $1000

inFiniTE LooP

i just checked the other day and the '06 GLI isn't even on the VW site yet. is this what they have at their lot or is it an '05?

btw, if it's the '06, i would definitely not even consider it, the '06 GLI is sooooo ugly to me. if it was up to me personally, i'd rather drive the stick shift C230 and have everything else that comes with it, i think the C230 is a much more solid car personally as well.

fast_amg

Its a silly question go with the MB. Far as 06 or 05 I take the 05 bc its a 4 cyl good on gas and plus it has the supercharger which is also good.

Jay J

Loop..... To answer your queston, the Jetta GLI is a 2006 model, and yes VW is slow to update their website, and yes the styling is different, but the GLI doesn't have that big ugly chrome section in the grill like the standard Jetta (and the Audi A4) does, and it has side skirts and front and rear aero pieces so it's much racier looking.

Frankly however, I'm leaning more and more towards the Mercedes, I test drove both cars back to back and the Jetta was a bit more stiff/tight and was a lot of fun even with the automatic due to the paddle shifters, but the Merc is so much more car, and more prestegious and going with the '05 for the better millage, even if it's down a few horses on the 2006 model.

Mick1, you suggest that i'll be buying new tires within a year or two of purchacing a C230 Kompressor, just how soft are the factory offerings? Are they only rated at 20,000 or less miles?!?

And.. If that's the case, any thoughts on putting a harder compound tire, rather than a super soft, grippy one that comes with, or would that screw up the handling/feel of the car.

inFiniTE LooP

after my rear tires went bald, i replaced them with Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S tires. the ride is actually much softer because of them but i dont feel as though i've lost an ounce of performance

edit: ok, not MUCH softer, but enough that i could definitely tell the difference.

mick1

C230 comes with z-rated tires and z-rated tires typically would wear out after one year

check out this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=97903

Frank Rizzo

We turned in our '01 Jetta GLX/VR6 for the 05 C230WZ.

The Vee Dub was the piggest pile of crap I have ever owned. The ONLY redeeming quality was the torque off the line w/ the VR6.
The WORST service I've ever encountered, dealers and both incompetent AND incapable. The car stinked like crayons for 3 years, interior trim pieces fell apart, massive torque steer, and VW service really sucked.

Did I mention that the VW service is awful?

.

skahung

Or you can buy my 2005 C230K with 6500 miles for $29500. Auto, Sunroof, Xenon-lights, heat seats.
~Click here for info~