Which car to get
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Which car to get
OK, I have a questions for you guys. I have read some posts and see that this is the best place to ask these questions. I am looking into a C240 but have other choices. I know that you guys will be pulling for the MB but I want honest opinions on others especially problems to expect.
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
well if you can afford it, get the 330I instead of the 325. Bigger enigine. Unless your not wanting a fast car.
Lexus IS300. Never been a fan of that car. I see too many of them riced up around here.They are nice cars thoough
Infiniti G35. I dont know much about that car
Volvo S60, Never been a Volvo fan either, so I don't have much info or opinion on it.
You look like your in the market for a sports sedan, every thought of the Audi A4, or the Sentra-R.
But I love the Benz. I think you will be happy with it. The reliablilty problems are there, but so far I havent had many. A unhappy customer makes more noise than 10 happy ones.
Lexus IS300. Never been a fan of that car. I see too many of them riced up around here.They are nice cars thoough
Infiniti G35. I dont know much about that car
Volvo S60, Never been a Volvo fan either, so I don't have much info or opinion on it.
You look like your in the market for a sports sedan, every thought of the Audi A4, or the Sentra-R.
But I love the Benz. I think you will be happy with it. The reliablilty problems are there, but so far I havent had many. A unhappy customer makes more noise than 10 happy ones.
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Re: Which car to get
Originally posted by mickey2516
OK, I have a questions for you guys. I have read some posts and see that this is the best place to ask these questions. I am looking into a C240 but have other choices. I know that you guys will be pulling for the MB but I want honest opinions on others especially problems to expect.
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
OK, I have a questions for you guys. I have read some posts and see that this is the best place to ask these questions. I am looking into a C240 but have other choices. I know that you guys will be pulling for the MB but I want honest opinions on others especially problems to expect.
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
The choice between the C240 and the 325i is your choice between more luxury (C240) or more perceived sportiness (325i).
I've not driven the new G35, but I think it would be between this car and the C320 among the higher priced spreads. You either like the Lexus styling or you don't (I don't, especially those lousy taillights). Drive all three and decide for yourself. I love my C320, and have had NO problems.
I don't do Volvos...
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Well, I just took a look at the IS300 and am comparing it cost wise against the C230 coupe. Unfortunately they didn't have any demos available to test drive.
A fully loaded Coupe would run about $32K and a similarly equipped IS300 would be the same.
I definitely have to try the Lexus out. The interior dimensions felt really good. Also a inline 6 vs. a supercharged 4.
A fully loaded Coupe would run about $32K and a similarly equipped IS300 would be the same.
I definitely have to try the Lexus out. The interior dimensions felt really good. Also a inline 6 vs. a supercharged 4.
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Posts: 2,498
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
If you don't mind having a FWD car, I'd also consider a Volvo S60, but only in its turbo versions: 2.4T (Light pressure turbo, 197bhp, 210lb-ft) and T5 (high pressure turbo, ~247bhp, 243lb-ft). The base (N/A) one with its 168bhp is too slow. However, the 2.4T only comes with automatic, whereas the T5 can be had with either 5-sp manual or auto. The 2.4T is plenty fast around town, will kill the C230K in its stock form. The T5 is a blast to drive, wipes out the 330i easily in a straight line. 2.4T can be had in AWD, too.
My reasons not to get the S60: 1. I already have a Volvo; 2. I wanted a RWD car with a manual tranny. 3. I don't like the S60's intereior (center console is plain ugly, IMO).
I would wish having Volvo's turbo engine in the C Coupe, though. Would be a totally different animal.
Oh, forgot to mention: Both turbo versions os S60, being turbos, are easily tunable by simple chipping - re-flashing of the ECU. That gives them additional 30-40hp. A very popular mod in the Volvo world, plenty of reputable tuners.
My reasons not to get the S60: 1. I already have a Volvo; 2. I wanted a RWD car with a manual tranny. 3. I don't like the S60's intereior (center console is plain ugly, IMO).
I would wish having Volvo's turbo engine in the C Coupe, though. Would be a totally different animal.
Oh, forgot to mention: Both turbo versions os S60, being turbos, are easily tunable by simple chipping - re-flashing of the ECU. That gives them additional 30-40hp. A very popular mod in the Volvo world, plenty of reputable tuners.
Last edited by vadim; Aug 14, 2002 at 01:10 PM.
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From: Vancouver, WA
2001 C240 / 6-speed
I have some strong opinions, however, most of them are generated by driving these different cars. I suggest that you form most of yours by driving. It is OK to ask others, but we are all different.
That said, however, none of these cars would fall into my category of "unreliable".
That said, however, none of these cars would fall into my category of "unreliable".
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Re: Which car to get
Originally posted by mickey2516
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Choices are:
MB C240
BMW 325i
Lexus IS300
Infiniti G35
Volvo S60
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
If you love the "look" of MB, then the Volvo is definitely out, the Infiniti might not suit your style and depending on your tastes, the Lexus might be too "ricey".
Reliability, whole different story, take the Volvo hands down, or take the Lexus, after all its a Toyota which has great reliability. The Infiniti is really a Nissan which has been slipping in reliability over the years.
I see you're 27, so maybe performance is what you're after, if so upgrade and take the MB C320. Otherwise its the Lexus, in several comparison tests the Lexus out performed cars in its class.
I just went through this with the C230K, and the C240 isn't much more expensive. All competitors of this car are typically priced higher, so the real question is:
How much do you have to spend?
If the C240 is pushing your pocketbook, then all but the BMW are outta your reach. If you can afford more, why look at the C240? go for the C320.
I had a thread where I found the base prices of all cars sorta within the $35-45K CND price range... you'll notice quite the difference between the $38K base C240 and the $42K base of the Lexus, and even higher base of other models. Search for it if you're interested.
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I have actually test drove all except the G35.
MB C240 (nice felt good and responsive, but a little cramp)
BMW 325i (just as good as the C240 but a bit sportier, only complaint is so many on the road)
Lexus IS300 (very sporty but I can't stand the lights, too ricey)
Infiniti G35 (???)
Volvo S60 (good ride never felt a bump, OK speed but don't need so much anyway, felt spacious and safe, only prob is that it loses value so fast. Blue book has the value of a 2001 similar equip for 21K while all others are at 25K or so)
MB C240 (nice felt good and responsive, but a little cramp)
BMW 325i (just as good as the C240 but a bit sportier, only complaint is so many on the road)
Lexus IS300 (very sporty but I can't stand the lights, too ricey)
Infiniti G35 (???)
Volvo S60 (good ride never felt a bump, OK speed but don't need so much anyway, felt spacious and safe, only prob is that it loses value so fast. Blue book has the value of a 2001 similar equip for 21K while all others are at 25K or so)
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From: Croton, NY
1991 mr2 turbo, 2002 coupe
Re: Which car to get
Originally posted by mickey2516
OK, I have a questions for you guys. I have read some posts and see that this is the best place to ask these questions. I am looking into a C240 but have other choices. I know that you guys will be pulling for the MB but I want honest opinions on others especially problems to expect.
Choices are:
MB C240 - Not enough juice for the $
BMW 325i - Nice, can't go too wrong except that they're almost as common as Camry's (in my area more so)
Lexus IS300 - Maybe OK, never driven, but why not just the 325 or 330 and get the real thing.
Infiniti G35 - 260 n.a. hp love it or hate it styling but the clear bang for the $ winner in this group and maybe anywhere right now.
Volvo S60 - This is NOT a sporting machine despite they're intentions, drove T5 auto (manual wasn't available yet) and it was a total let down (to me.)
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
OK, I have a questions for you guys. I have read some posts and see that this is the best place to ask these questions. I am looking into a C240 but have other choices. I know that you guys will be pulling for the MB but I want honest opinions on others especially problems to expect.
Choices are:
MB C240 - Not enough juice for the $
BMW 325i - Nice, can't go too wrong except that they're almost as common as Camry's (in my area more so)
Lexus IS300 - Maybe OK, never driven, but why not just the 325 or 330 and get the real thing.
Infiniti G35 - 260 n.a. hp love it or hate it styling but the clear bang for the $ winner in this group and maybe anywhere right now.
Volvo S60 - This is NOT a sporting machine despite they're intentions, drove T5 auto (manual wasn't available yet) and it was a total let down (to me.)
I love the look and ride of the MB but have heard from some to be a reliability issue, same for BMW?
Any help will be appreciated.
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 577
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Infiniti G35...
The Infiniti G35 car was supposed to be the next evolution of the Skyline. The last Skyline revision # was R34, so incrementing we have R35. Since they passed this number onto their US Infiniti division, it now has the designation G35. A great engine (listed @ ~260 hp), performance should be relatively high, but I don't like the body. I really dislike how they had to keep the spirit of a sports car inside a luxury car body (that in my opinion wasn't that well designed), it just seems too mismatched for me. Mods can most likely take the HP through the roof, but seems like such a waste of a Skyline to me... just my $.02
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Posts: 154
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From: D/FW Texas
C230K
Originally posted by vadim
My reasons not to get the S60: 1. I already have a Volvo; 2. I wanted a RWD car with a manual tranny. 3. I don't like the S60's intereior (center console is plain ugly, IMO).
I would wish having Volvo's turbo engine in the C Coupe, though. Would be a totally different animal.
My reasons not to get the S60: 1. I already have a Volvo; 2. I wanted a RWD car with a manual tranny. 3. I don't like the S60's intereior (center console is plain ugly, IMO).
I would wish having Volvo's turbo engine in the C Coupe, though. Would be a totally different animal.
As an ex C230K owner and a current S60T owner, I have to say.
1. I really would have liked a RWD, but it's the wife's car (sigh). We both wanted auto. Maybe an S60 AWD next?
2. I agree on the console. I think the C230K console has a great look. I do however like the CD and Cassette - we have a kid on the way and kids' tapes seem to be more plentiful than kids' CDs.
3. Agree on the engine.
2c for Mickey: If speed isn't a concern, the C240 is probably your best bet. If resale value bothers you, don't touch an Infiniti. You may also want to look at the Audi A4 or Passat.
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From: so. cal
2000 E-class
if you are talking about the technology, take the C 240
if your want the reliability ,take the Lexus IS300. I read somewhere about the reliability of car and guess what?? all lexus car (LS, GS, IS, ES, RX and LX) are in that chart.
if you want comfort, both C240 and lexus IS300 have the same quality.
I have driven mercedes and lexus, they are both great car. it depend on you decision.
For the rest of the choices, just forget it.
btw it just my opinion. I am sorry if i offend other people
if your want the reliability ,take the Lexus IS300. I read somewhere about the reliability of car and guess what?? all lexus car (LS, GS, IS, ES, RX and LX) are in that chart.
if you want comfort, both C240 and lexus IS300 have the same quality.
I have driven mercedes and lexus, they are both great car. it depend on you decision.
For the rest of the choices, just forget it.
btw it just my opinion. I am sorry if i offend other people
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
for great dependibility, great performance and great value, the best thing every come is the G35/Skyline sedan. unless you have the 330i on your list, i would pick the G35/Skyline as the top choice.
if i would choose from the list you provide. here are my orders:
1. G35/Skyline
2. 325i
3. C240
4. S60
5. IS300
i'm wondering why that the Audi A4 1.8T or 3.0 and Jaguar X-type 2.5 or 3.0 wasn't on your shopping list?
both of A4 and X-type are well below the msrp of the BMW or MB, why not put it into consideration. for the A4 1.8T Q i'm sure you can get it around $32-33k OTD. as for the X-type, it might be a little more.
the two jap and one swed will be around 35k and the two germ might be around 37 OTD
BTW in less than a year there will be a Volvo S60R that ultilize the AWD and 300 turbo hp
if i would choose from the list you provide. here are my orders:
1. G35/Skyline
2. 325i
3. C240
4. S60
5. IS300
i'm wondering why that the Audi A4 1.8T or 3.0 and Jaguar X-type 2.5 or 3.0 wasn't on your shopping list?
both of A4 and X-type are well below the msrp of the BMW or MB, why not put it into consideration. for the A4 1.8T Q i'm sure you can get it around $32-33k OTD. as for the X-type, it might be a little more.
the two jap and one swed will be around 35k and the two germ might be around 37 OTD
BTW in less than a year there will be a Volvo S60R that ultilize the AWD and 300 turbo hp
Last edited by FrankW; Aug 15, 2002 at 06:11 AM.
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Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Re: Infiniti G35...
Originally posted by preyx
The Infiniti G35 car was supposed to be the next evolution of the Skyline. The last Skyline revision # was R34, so incrementing we have R35. Since they passed this number onto their US Infiniti division, it now has the designation G35. A great engine (listed @ ~260 hp), performance should be relatively high, but I don't like the body. I really dislike how they had to keep the spirit of a sports car inside a luxury car body (that in my opinion wasn't that well designed), it just seems too mismatched for me. Mods can most likely take the HP through the roof, but seems like such a waste of a Skyline to me... just my $.02
The Infiniti G35 car was supposed to be the next evolution of the Skyline. The last Skyline revision # was R34, so incrementing we have R35. Since they passed this number onto their US Infiniti division, it now has the designation G35. A great engine (listed @ ~260 hp), performance should be relatively high, but I don't like the body. I really dislike how they had to keep the spirit of a sports car inside a luxury car body (that in my opinion wasn't that well designed), it just seems too mismatched for me. Mods can most likely take the HP through the roof, but seems like such a waste of a Skyline to me... just my $.02
btw R32, R33, and R34 was meant to designated the GT-R version of the Skyline. there is no R35 as of now. in a few month the Skyline coupe will be out in the US market as the G35.
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From: Orange Co., CA, USA
'02 C230K Coupe
Re: Re: Infiniti G35...
Originally posted by FrankW
btw R32, R33, and R34 was meant to designated the GT-R version of the Skyline. there is no R35 as of now. in a few month the Skyline coupe will be out in the US market as the G35.
btw R32, R33, and R34 was meant to designated the GT-R version of the Skyline. there is no R35 as of now. in a few month the Skyline coupe will be out in the US market as the G35.
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UPDATE:
I just drove the G35. One word. WOW!!!!!!! That thing is awesome to drive and teh space in the car is more than the others I have in my list. Yes the C240 probably is more luxury and the 325i following behind. But I do not want to pay for a name and get a sub par vehicle interms of quality, performance and space. So far my order is:
G35
C240/352i (following closely)
S60 (if all fails)
IS300 (out of the running.)
Comments please...
I just drove the G35. One word. WOW!!!!!!! That thing is awesome to drive and teh space in the car is more than the others I have in my list. Yes the C240 probably is more luxury and the 325i following behind. But I do not want to pay for a name and get a sub par vehicle interms of quality, performance and space. So far my order is:
G35
C240/352i (following closely)
S60 (if all fails)
IS300 (out of the running.)
Comments please...
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Joined: Nov 2001
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Originally posted by mickey2516
But I do not want to pay for a name and get a sub par vehicle interms of quality, performance and space. So far my order is:
G35
C240/352i (following closely)
S60 (if all fails)
IS300 (out of the running.)
Comments please...
But I do not want to pay for a name and get a sub par vehicle interms of quality, performance and space. So far my order is:
G35
C240/352i (following closely)
S60 (if all fails)
IS300 (out of the running.)
Comments please...
Earlier, you mentioned that the BMW was just too numerous. Carrying this thought forward, the G35 is rather scarce at the moment, because it is new. However, it will fall into that "common as doggy-doo" category (like the 325i) over time.
What's the objection to the C320? If you're going to spend $32-$35K for any car, what's an extra $3K for an extra 50hp, a great automatic tranny, a truly good Bose system (compared to the coupe), etc. The C320 is also more closely comparable to the G35 in performance. (You're talking about 90hp less in the C240 compared with the G35... that's alot).
Last edited by MB-BOB; Aug 15, 2002 at 10:44 AM.
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From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
personally if I had to get another sedan right now...I'd take the G35....best bang for the buck + reliability.
ONLY thing I don't like is the pop-up navigation...looks like an afterthought to me(I think the IS300 is the same pop-up?)...I like the MB and BMW nav placement a lot better.
the G35 BEAT the 330i and all other sedans mentioned here for about $8000 less !!!!
plus its a new design - will be good for a few years.
my picks:
1. G35
2. 325i/330i (but there is too many 3 series around!!!!!!!)
3. C240/320 (not nearly the bang for the buck as the above)
4. IS300 (very small)
5. S60 (had one...its ok...just not sporty enuff for me..sorry DTS)
ONLY thing I don't like is the pop-up navigation...looks like an afterthought to me(I think the IS300 is the same pop-up?)...I like the MB and BMW nav placement a lot better.
the G35 BEAT the 330i and all other sedans mentioned here for about $8000 less !!!!
plus its a new design - will be good for a few years.
my picks:
1. G35
2. 325i/330i (but there is too many 3 series around!!!!!!!)
3. C240/320 (not nearly the bang for the buck as the above)
4. IS300 (very small)
5. S60 (had one...its ok...just not sporty enuff for me..sorry DTS)
Last edited by bagwell; Aug 15, 2002 at 02:07 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 81
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From: Arizona
C230 K Coupe
Although all of the reviews love the G35 sedan, it looks too similar to the Altima. Do a quick glance at both and see if you can tell the difference. The coupe due out in November, however, has a much better look.
Stick with the Beamer or the Merc...
Stick with the Beamer or the Merc...
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Posts: 378
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From: Toronto
I'd probably get the G35. It uses Nissan's famous VG30DE engine, famous for being one of the best, if not the best, V6 ever. 260hp isn't bad either. I'd venture to say that it might have decent aftermarket support too since the Maxima seems to have a lot of aftermarket.
I wouldn't get the 3-series or C240 either, there's so many around, I swear there's more BMWs and Mercedes around than Civics! And don't even mention the IS300, there's more IS300s than people living in my neighbourhood!
I wouldn't get the 3-series or C240 either, there's so many around, I swear there's more BMWs and Mercedes around than Civics! And don't even mention the IS300, there's more IS300s than people living in my neighbourhood!
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C250 Coupe 2012
My wife has the 2001 Volvo S60 2.4T. great family car and the best stero of the bunch, have 20 k miles and no problems. Only problem is FWD, and a new and different style. Wait until the first of next year and get the S60 with 300hp and a lot of other performance goodies. I know there are not to many Volvo fans, but give it a drive as well as the rest of cars, then you will know.
Good Luck
Tom
Good Luck
Tom
Last edited by C230K; Aug 15, 2002 at 08:53 PM.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 306
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From: vancouver
c240
hmm well the 240 looks the nicest
thats fer sure best luxury to!
but the
G35 has crazy HP but i am sik of the ugly cheap interior
the beemer well i'd rather have the 240 unless i had the cash for the 330 well then.....330! but 330 isnt even same price way higher...ummm the lexus i like though its kinda ricey which is cool and the more i look at it the more i like it...but still i think lexus is making the new is 300 design pretty soon so....it might become a old model.....uhhh iono thatas my 2 cents
VOLVO what? hehe
thats fer sure best luxury to!
but the
G35 has crazy HP but i am sik of the ugly cheap interior
the beemer well i'd rather have the 240 unless i had the cash for the 330 well then.....330! but 330 isnt even same price way higher...ummm the lexus i like though its kinda ricey which is cool and the more i look at it the more i like it...but still i think lexus is making the new is 300 design pretty soon so....it might become a old model.....uhhh iono thatas my 2 cents
VOLVO what? hehe
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 988
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From: Encino
2002 C230K
nothin wrong with volvo. first car i ever drove was a 1985 244 Turbo with intercooler. it may have looked like a box but it was fun to drive. if only my dad hadn't wrecked it, but then again if he didn't, i couldn't enjoy the coupe
