MBC320X

Good thing everyone here knows everything about the Jag....

The early X-types 2001, 2002 had a serious tranny problem and for the 2003 model year they switched to a different manufacturer. The differentials make sound people don't like, but that doesn't mean they break. Jaguar has replaced many out of good faith just because people didn't like the noise they make. Since 2003, the cars have been impeccable. The X-type is the only reasonably priced European car to make the JD Power top 10 list along with the the best Japanese cars. To say that MB, BMW or Audi have better reliability records that the X-type a person has to be high on something. There simply is no comparison as the X-type ranks right up there with the best Japanese cars. MB, well, right down there with Kia. Sad fact about MB, but I guess someone has to get the facts straight.

http://www.forbes.com/2006/02/17/cx_...thisSpeed=6000

Reynaldo

CTS- Exterior's not bad(the front)...I NEVER liked the "American's" interior design--bulky & cheap-looking (knobs/dials/interface, etc)=no class
CLK/A4(quattro is nice)/BMW-3 - Classy & "luxury"...it comes down to--personal preference; driving, handling, comfort, etc.
IS300- "Sporty" (in & out)
X-Type- Nice..(few knobs seem cheap)

My Choice: 3-point star

Outland

I'd skip the C240, its slow and dull looking. At least with the C320, you get some zip, and usually a lot better options. If you gotta have the three pointed star, get a Starmark certified offering. The expense of replacing nearly anything on the Benz is staggering.

CTS is still the best option, IMHO.

abalto

Not a 203 body, but how about an immaculate C43 and some money left over? PM me if you have any interest.

Evil Duffman

since its your wife whos driving it, I will tell you that my gf went to look at a new 2006 CTS, she hated it. I also tested it myself a while back and disliked it very much. Idk but most women LOVE white 3-series coupes, actually white BMWs in general.

hmontaq

Hey Eric... found a 2004 at $23,000 are the issues still a problem with a car this new???

mbny

however for his price range he is looking at the problematic year or two the X-type had. therefore we're letting him know it's not the best choice. but like i said previously, i have read that the newer X-types are much better.

Buellwinkle

Maybe you just haven't heard enough MB hard luck stories so let me tell you mine. I bought my first MB, a W201 in 1983 (1984 model), loved it, was taken back in the first year of the CA lemon law, 12 times, same problem, throttle linkage would warp in the heat and fall off. As part of the settlement they let me pick out any new W201 on the lot, the replacement needed a horn, radio and transmission in it's first week. My parents said I always had problems because I bought the cheap Benz so they got the E class (260E), haha, it caught on fire while driving on a nice sunny day on a San Diego freeway. My buddy bought one later and said the newer E320's are solid, solid POS, it was in the shop at least once a month with ABS problems and such. Then 2002 came, a cool looking W203 coupe, price was right, free car washes, how can you go wrong? 18 times in the shop the first year, some of that was maintenance, most was to fix all sorts of problems. I now have a 2004.5 that has been flawless, a fluke by MB standards. But my story is not unique, JD Powers and Consumer Reports consistantly rate German cars poorly yet give the Jag better ratings. And so you don't think I had anything to do with it, I've never filled out a JD Powers or CR automotive survey on any MB I've owned.

Congrats on your wife reaching her first 39'th b-day, may she have many more.

tifosiv122

Our 89 260e airbag didn't open during a head on collision. The 260 was a POS compared to our 90 300e....not sure why, it should have been the same body with a different engine, but the 260 had a ton of electrical problems. Our 300 was flawless.

Erik

hmontaq

Well honestly I am amazed how open you Merc guys and gals have been about the different cars. She is concerned about the X Type but a 2004 for $23,000 is attractive. We have a 2003 CTS to see for the same price. Also a 2002 320 Wagon and a 2004 240 Kompressor. She is set on one of these but is big on the Merc. Also big on not being stranded.... She doesnt want anything under a 2001. Even I think the X Type (this one is the dark grey) is attractive but the stories... I just dont want any problems down the road as married people know that would start problems in the home...

SteveL1

You got that right! I learned the hard way a few years ago, well 20 years ago actually, that you never talk her in to a car she does not want! Regreted that for years!!!

hmontaq

Just got back from looking at a 2004 C230 Kompressor Sport for $22,500. Black. Looks sweet and hauls with the charger. Big brakes and all that.
WHAT DO I LOOK OUT FOR??? Its got 35,000 miles. Wife likes it and I like the sports aspect and remainding warranty. Whos got one??? Going back to buy it right now...

hybrid_girl

I think she'll love that car. I have one and I love mine. Plus it's a 2004, which means it's still got the free service, right?

drexappeal

Sounds like it's a 2004.5. If it's got the big cross-drilled front rotors with 4 piston calipers and also has the 17 inch staggered rims, it's definitely a 2004.5. That's what I have.

Price isn't the greatest I've seen for that many miles, but you can always negotiate down. I'd definitely say it's worth it, but I'm also biased.

Oh yeah, free service doesn't hurt! Then again, original warranty is only 4 years 50,000 (whichever comes first), so that means you get a free service B and free service A left.

Buellwinkle

2004.5 was the best year, free maintenance for 4 yrs/50k miles, comfortable, reliable, likely has the nano ceramic clearcoat. I haven't heard too many people complain about the 2004 as much as the 2003 or 2005. The miles are kinda high for that new a car but that's why the price is low.

hmontaq

Just got back and the wife is concerned about the cats getting on it! It must be a 2004.5 as you say with the brakes and the 17"s ,didnt check to see if they were staggered, but it sounds like the same car. Here thats what they run price wise. I saw a gray one online for $100 more. I have 30,000 miles on my truck and its a 2005. Miami and back twice. So the miles arent that big of a deal overall. Its the maint. Gotta figure out the service and maint. on the car. Someone said FREE??? If so I need to take it now! Just to make sure all is o.k. need a car fax too and find out some history, owners, and where its been serviced at??? Thanks to everyone for posting. Seems like good people who enjoy their cars as I did with the VW/ Audi crew. I will enjoy being a member of the C230 Sport crew. Hope the wife will be happy.

tifosiv122

On those cars all service is free up to 50k...it's 10k per service, typically. The car tells you when it needs it. Depending on the car, you will get either 1 or 2 free services (40k and 50K). If you car needs the 50k service at 53k, its not free, you need to pay. At least you can be sure you will get one free service.

Erik

alpinweiss

Ours is a 2005 C230K sport sedan, which is visually the same as the 2004.5. My wife absolutely loves the styling of the car, and loves to be seen in it.

I also get lots of positive comments from the 20 to 30 year-old single male group. It seems the car has broad appeal for both men and women of all age groups, but especially the younger people.

The C230K is very solid, and is good value for the money. It will cost more to run than a Honda Civic, but you are getting a Mercedes and not a low-line economy car.

All Mercedes are very safe, if that is a consideration for you.

Cautions.
1. The MB sport sedans sit low. Be really careful when parking to not bump the curb.
2. Check the vehicle history (carfax, etc.). If the vehicle has ever been registered in New Orleans (or has NO history), I would reject it. You don't want a car with all kinds of electronic problems.
3. Make sure the oil was changed at least according to the maintenance schedule. More often is better. The 1.8 Kompressor engine is great, but it works hard.
4. Tires for this car are expensive, and tread life is short (probably 20,000 miles is all you get). The original tires will have been replaced by now, so make sure you are happy with what is there.
5. Watch out for jealous people. Enough said.

XPRO.US

I recommend getting a C-class that is within three years old with mileage lower than 50k Manufacturer'warranty and 50k maintenance commitment. This way you can bring the car in for the recommended major tune up before the warranty is over. Give yourself some room by factoring in a couple of thousands to purchase an extended warranty from Warranty Direcot dot com. I think you'll be in pretty good shape.

I got my C55 souped up for 40K preowned with only 15,000 miles which is a steal and used the 4k I saved from the deal on extended warranty and upgraded the wheels. Always check out the private party sales first before you check out the dealership.

My 2 cents.

Good day.