MB C230 or Lexus IS250 (now I'm not so sure)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
As of May 15th: 2006 C230 Black on Black
MB C230 or Lexus IS250 (now I'm not so sure)
My local Benz dealer has a Black on Black C230 coming in a few weeks and I have a small deposit on it. I like the ones I have test driven and love the look. I chose the MB over the BMW because the comfort was better for me and I don't like the new design.
However now I am wondering if I should of taken a closer look at the Lexus IS250. I feel the reliability of the IS will be slightly better, but would the C230 be considered unreliable? They sound like they have worked out the kinks in the C230 over the years and I like its exterior and interior apperance more.
I have noticed from this board that the problems with most people C-classes have been fixed under warranty and I could get an extended warranty, so an unreliable car would just mean annoying time at a dealer and not having my car, in most cases.
I want to get a car I can keep for a long time and want to make a good investment. I would apprecaite opinions. Would I be buying problems if I stick with the C230 instead of the IS250?
However now I am wondering if I should of taken a closer look at the Lexus IS250. I feel the reliability of the IS will be slightly better, but would the C230 be considered unreliable? They sound like they have worked out the kinks in the C230 over the years and I like its exterior and interior apperance more.
I have noticed from this board that the problems with most people C-classes have been fixed under warranty and I could get an extended warranty, so an unreliable car would just mean annoying time at a dealer and not having my car, in most cases.
I want to get a car I can keep for a long time and want to make a good investment. I would apprecaite opinions. Would I be buying problems if I stick with the C230 instead of the IS250?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
in general, reliability of a Lexus is better than that of an MB, but in your comparison, the C230 is almost to the end of it's product life-cycle. Reliability of the C class has improved dramatically and most of the outstanding issues are small electrical problems.
It is yet unknown how reliable or unreliable the IS250/350 will be. Although it IS a Lexus, it is a completley new car, with a new engine.
I wouldn't be suprised if the 2006 C230 is more reliable than a 2006 IS250
It is yet unknown how reliable or unreliable the IS250/350 will be. Although it IS a Lexus, it is a completley new car, with a new engine.
I wouldn't be suprised if the 2006 C230 is more reliable than a 2006 IS250
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 597
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2014 Audi S5 Cabriolet 3.0T
The C may have a few issues over the year, but they will be covered under the warranty. I have a 06 C 230 and love it. No issues thus far. Personally I dont think the IS is a good looking car, but that is a matter of personal preference. As for future value, they are very similar, but as rlee said, it is a Toyota. Good luck!
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 9
With currently available information, it's hard to get a sense of how much reliability truly differs from car to car. I think that many people overestimate how large the difference actually is. Hopefully it will be clearer by the end of the year, once I start getting data on a large enough number of cars.
Off the top of my head, I'd think the C would fare well compared to other Mercedes for the simple reason that it's not as packed with electronics.
Off the top of my head, I'd think the C would fare well compared to other Mercedes for the simple reason that it's not as packed with electronics.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 46
From: Twin Cities
Too many to list
Originally Posted by rlee02135
def. get the c230.
the IS250 is just a fancy toyota.
the IS250 is just a fancy toyota.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Dominican Republic
2006 C230 Sport
Well, for me the C Class has a very perennial design.. ever wonder why they did not change the E-Class too much... the design is very nice.
The IS looks good but for example, not as classy as the prev-gen IS300, why? I dunno I think it is just my taste.
This new design seems too flashy and we might all get tired soon.
The IS looks good but for example, not as classy as the prev-gen IS300, why? I dunno I think it is just my taste.
This new design seems too flashy and we might all get tired soon.
Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
Im gonna have to agree that the new line of vehicles the lexus IS line will probably sone unforseen problems because it is new as opposed to the 06 C-class. I personally think both cars look good. If MB can cover you on all of your issues w/ an extended warranty, I would imagine that lexus would offer something similiar.
I just figure w/ any MB, you will spend just as much money to maintain as any other vehicle, but that the MB will have problems less often, but cost more to fix as opposed to other vehicles that will have problems more often but will cost less to fix. I guess TIME is what you save w/ a MB in my opinion.
I dont think you can go wrong with either car though.. minus the fact that you might miss out on the mb community of modders and forum ******
I just figure w/ any MB, you will spend just as much money to maintain as any other vehicle, but that the MB will have problems less often, but cost more to fix as opposed to other vehicles that will have problems more often but will cost less to fix. I guess TIME is what you save w/ a MB in my opinion.
I dont think you can go wrong with either car though.. minus the fact that you might miss out on the mb community of modders and forum ******
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
C 230K Coupé
I just figure w/ any MB, you will spend just as much money to maintain as any other vehicle, but that the MB will have problems less often, but cost more to fix as opposed to other vehicles that will have problems more often but will cost less to fix. I guess TIME is what you save w/ a MB in my opinion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: asdfasdf
One with 4 wheels
Originally Posted by TruTaing
Im gonna have to agree that the new line of vehicles the lexus IS line will probably sone unforseen problems because it is new as opposed to the 06 C-class. I personally think both cars look good. If MB can cover you on all of your issues w/ an extended warranty, I would imagine that lexus would offer something similiar.
I just figure w/ any MB, you will spend just as much money to maintain as any other vehicle, but that the MB will have problems less often, but cost more to fix as opposed to other vehicles that will have problems more often but will cost less to fix. I guess TIME is what you save w/ a MB in my opinion.
I dont think you can go wrong with either car though.. minus the fact that you might miss out on the mb community of modders and forum ******
I just figure w/ any MB, you will spend just as much money to maintain as any other vehicle, but that the MB will have problems less often, but cost more to fix as opposed to other vehicles that will have problems more often but will cost less to fix. I guess TIME is what you save w/ a MB in my opinion.
I dont think you can go wrong with either car though.. minus the fact that you might miss out on the mb community of modders and forum ******
Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 22
From: Seattle
w203 m112
Originally Posted by TA-9FF
I'm a total forum *****!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 321
Likes: 36
From: Nappanee Indiana
2026 E450
Originally Posted by dozier08
My local Benz dealer has a Black on Black C230 coming in a few weeks and I have a small deposit on it. I like the ones I have test driven and love the look. I chose the MB over the BMW because the comfort was better for me and I don't like the new design.
However now I am wondering if I should of taken a closer look at the Lexus IS250. I feel the reliability of the IS will be slightly better, but would the C230 be considered unreliable? They sound like they have worked out the kinks in the C230 over the years and I like its exterior and interior apperance more.
I have noticed from this board that the problems with most people C-classes have been fixed under warranty and I could get an extended warranty, so an unreliable car would just mean annoying time at a dealer and not having my car, in most cases.
I want to get a car I can keep for a long time and want to make a good investment. I would apprecaite opinions. Would I be buying problems if I stick with the C230 instead of the IS250?
However now I am wondering if I should of taken a closer look at the Lexus IS250. I feel the reliability of the IS will be slightly better, but would the C230 be considered unreliable? They sound like they have worked out the kinks in the C230 over the years and I like its exterior and interior apperance more.
I have noticed from this board that the problems with most people C-classes have been fixed under warranty and I could get an extended warranty, so an unreliable car would just mean annoying time at a dealer and not having my car, in most cases.
I want to get a car I can keep for a long time and want to make a good investment. I would apprecaite opinions. Would I be buying problems if I stick with the C230 instead of the IS250?
match feature for feature and power vs power. also factor in reliability. put price into the equation too. if you can still find a way to be on the fence after driving the IS 250 then let it come down to looks. which ever way it falls will be in your head anyway. I priced a loaded c350 and compared it to the IS 350. the price difference was ridiculous considering all the options. having once owned a benz and having mercedes employees tell me to avoid the C class were big factors. once I drove the IS and experienced it, it was all over. I love my 350 but I dont know that I would love a 250. power means a lot to me in a car. yeah the IS is new but I am not worried at all about reliability. lexus is number one in the segment for reliability and their customer service is far superior to mbusa. but then so is probably hyundai since mbusa sucks. drive the cars. then you decide. its only fair.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
From: OC, CA
2005 Obsidian Black C230 Komp Sports Sedan, 2006 Iridium Silver ML350 SUV
unless its an IS350, then its not worth getting...
C230 hands down. although might be a bit slower, but if you dont care about that.. its really a good car w/ a top end treatment!
C230 hands down. although might be a bit slower, but if you dont care about that.. its really a good car w/ a top end treatment!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, TX
2002 C230
Test drive is the only answer. The new IS is nice but you have to factor in resale value which is known that both have pretty good residual value. Also look at customer service because with my experince with MB it made me question what my next car will be but if I've tried Lexus before and they did have much better customer service than MB. Good luck and don't rush it.
moe
moe
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 798
Likes: 89
From: Bromley, UK
2017 C43 AMG Saloon
You should take a look at the IS250 & IS350 if you can stretch to it. Note that they are in short supply, so if you decide on one, make sure you can drive of the lot with it the day you go in for it. Else, you might have up to a four month wait. Also remember that with any new model there are problems and Lexus as had their fair share of them. Since you want to keep the car for a long time, the extended warranty makes sense. MB owners are also sticklers for perfection. If one thread on the carpet is outta place, we want to return and get a new one. Owners of other brands are more forgiving.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
2005 C320wz
my view is if you are truly undecided, go for the Lexus.
Lexus has a better reliability history and is less expensive to service and repair.
I went for the Mercedes because it's what I wanted.
Lexus has a better reliability history and is less expensive to service and repair.
I went for the Mercedes because it's what I wanted.
Last edited by mick1; May 1, 2006 at 12:40 PM.
