i would go with a c32

 

Each time a new benz comes, the photoshops get retouched to add cues from whatever latest model came out. At this point, I could care less. If it looks anything like the ones weve seen in the past that look pathetically like an Acura...er Honda TL, I hate it.

 

again it all depends what you want. if you want speed then a c32. if you want better gas mileage then c230. if you want something in between with a larger engine then get a c320. the body is all the same and the largest difference are the engines.

 

if you are looking for performance don't get the c320

i got a new c320 and then spent the next 6 months wishing i had gone for a used c32 so i finally had gave in and did the swap, but when i traded i took a massive hit in depreciation so i wouldn't recommend buying a new mb unless you are planning on not selling for a good few years

my c320 was loaded up with almost all the extras i have on my c32 ....eg command, phone integration, lux climate,sports suspension full leather etc etc, and the performance was ok but it was just not enough and knowing that i could of had all that extra performance and an amg badge for about the same price if i had gone for a used car

the c32 certainly hasn't been cheap to run, it uses a lot more petrol than the 320 even though they are the same size engine the tyres dont last long, and it hasn't been without its share of faults. but i don't for one minute regret the move,...the way it delivers the goods when you squeeze the loud pedal makes it more than worth it

as far as depreciation on the c32 i would say its still going to be pretty bad but certainly not as bad as buying new.... just sharing my experience and obviously you may feel differently but i'd just like to say

get the c32 or you will regret it

 

I'm partial to the C32, but that's also because that's what I wanted (but couldn't afford a new or pre-owned one, when I got my car). A C32 with 40-50K miles w/ whatever colors were available vs. a brand new C230 w/ the color I wanted was a no brainer (because I assumed there were going to be power upgrades available for this engine - 2 years later, I'm still waiting for power mods that are more significant than what is currently offered). I was $100/month away from trading my current '04.5 230 in for a '04 C32 (obviously the dealership couldn't get it down any lower). Only things I had to sacrifice was the color (black on black, which I wouldn't mind at all) and 2 more years of financing.

Now, if you said it was an '04 C32 for the same price as an '06 C230 / '05 320, I'd say go with the C32 no question. The one that I found only had 9,000 miles on it (which was lower than my car) and was in perfect condition. They were selling it for $40,000+ (which was a steal).

Being that the C32 is a MY 2002, I would write that out of the equation (if you don't really have "extra" money for maintenance), since this will no longer be covered under warranty. Obviously, I'm assuming that money has to be a consideration because of the "price range" you are looking for. At that point you have a choice between the '05 C 320 and '06 C 230. Thing is, MB stopped giving "free" service in 2005 models to present, so depending on what your intentions are, I'd go with the '05 C 320 (if you want to add power mods) or the '06 C 230 (if you don't plan on doing anything to the car for performance).

It may be that in the long run, there'll be more power mods available for the new 230 (2.5L, V6), but right now there are a lot more options for the 320 engine.

Hope that helps and it wasn't too confusing. Good luck with the choice.

drex

 

Thank you all for the input, and after long drawn out thinking sessions, I have decided to get the ........ My decision is based on the fact that this will be a daily driver, and I travel about 18-20k miles a year. That alone would mean a huge difference in gas cost, not to mention the maintenace costs. Oh yea, and there's the insurance difference. If you have not figured it out by now, I'm looking for an '05 C230 SS. Threw you a curve there didn't I. Why an '05 instead of an '06....well they can be bought for prices in the $20's with low miles. '05s have the AMG frt bumper, which is huge to me in appearance. '05s still have a good amount of time under warranty. '05s have taken the big first year depreciation hit. And the big factor is that the extra $$$ that I will save can be used for wheels/tires, springs, frt & rear lips.....especially looking forward the the carbon frt. from Eurotech, CL type grill, flat hood orn., etc......plus, it gives me more $$$ for the Porsche that I want to get this year too.

Now to find a fully loaded '05 C230 ss with under 10,xxx miles in Silver/Blk for around $26k! Thanks again for helping me through this process. There are a number of really nice C32's out there for sale right now and if anyone would like some info on them, please ask. I think I know of just about everyone in the US that is for sale. An '02 with 15,xxx miles, a couple of '03s with about the same mileage, etc.

 

I think you made the right choice for your needs. And for the money, I agree the 05 is the better choice for a C230 sedan. Faster, cheaper, looks better, and gets better mileage. Best of luck with your new ride!

 

I may have been a bit hasty in my decision as I just spent the last 2 hours looking for a loaded '05 C230 Sport and I don't think there is such a thing! Every car out there has a sun roof but I could not find any in Silver with power seats, heated seats, folding rear seats, NAV or 6 CD changer. Is it that odd to see a loaded C230????? This may take a while!

 

The sticking points will be the heated seats and the folding rear seats. Here in the South the heated seats are useless. My opinion is equally useless on this... I offer it only to point out that your search will be limited to more northern climes, halving the number of cars available.

And while I do have the folding rear seats and have found them useful (on the one occassion in 5 years when I needed them), they usually are not on a dealer allocation car... I had to order mine from the factory.

 

You might be better serrved with an 06. I debated buying a used car but I too put a lot of miles on cars. Case in point: My car has 11k miles on it and I bought it back in October and have only been on 3 road trips (twice to NYC, once to Boston). I figured might as well get a new car with a full warranty than chance getting someone's lemon. Plus I prefer a normally aspirted engine.


Oh and 06's have teh AMG kit body kit as well.

 

You must not need to haul much lumber! The ability to get 8' lumber in the car is a big plus for me. Oh, that's just another hobby that sucks my wallet dry! If I could only focus one one hobby, I could be buying a new C55!

 

I don't think the 05 over the 06 is a bad decision, considering the money you will save. However, make sure you look over that 2005 (with a qualified mechanic) before you sign away. Considering the previous owner of the car only kept it one year, there could be a reason why he/she got rid of it, and took such a huge loss on it. Otherwise, it could have been a loaner car.

If you can find a new 2005 that is unsold, all the better. But I again would wonder why a car has been sitting at a dealer for over 6 months without selling.

 

This is a good point, although I wouldn't say the heated seats are useless. We've had 2 cars (SUVs) that have had heated seats and have gotten good use out of them here in the South. Not a lot of use, but maybe 5-10 times a year. When you think about it, this is probably more than I would use a Navigation System, Tele Aid, and the Fold Down Seat options. :p

By the way, the heated seat backs are awesome when you have a stiff back.

 

I bought the 2006 C230 and I absolutely love the car. Had the dealer chrome the wheels to show off the black exterior & black leather, then did a 20% tint all around, except windshield. Then I installed the chrome headlight rings and I get nothing but compliments on the car. I really want the BIX headlights now, I shouldcoulda ordered them! Buy the new 2006 V6 you won't be sorry.

my 2 cents.

"All is fair in love and war".

 

Where are you located? When I was looking a month ago there was a dealer in the Chicago area that had about 10 2005's still sitting around. I bet you could get one for far less than $26, even nicely equiped. Chances are, being in Chicago, at least one will have heates seats. I bought my car there and had one of the best car purchasing experiences ever. Let me know.

 

Which dealer???? I'm talking to MB of Napperville right now about a used '05 that they have. One owner, bought new from them, then traded back in on a CLK. Also, do you remember your salesman's name? Always helps to have an intro! Thanks!

 

Recently bought my C350 at MB of Orland Park. It was the ONLY MB dealership I went to (visited 3) that didn't try to sell me down to a C230 while I was dealing with them. I honestly could not have had a better experience. They actually were trying to put me into a C55. I don't want to write any names but I'll PM you his name and number! Pretty sure MB of Naperville is the largest dealership in the Chicagoland area but when I went there, they didn't seem interested in selling me a car.

Oh, BTW - I found THIS - I don't know how accurate it is, but from what I've seen, it's been pretty close. At the very least it will give you an idea of selection before you drive all the way out to a dealership. Sorry folks, only for the Chicago area.

 

If it's not too late then get the C32, mine has two child seats in the back and still goes like a rocket. It's sad to admit but when I've had loaner C's I really miss my car, once you go AMG there's no turning back