View Poll Results: C230, a poor man's Mercedes?
Yes
57
44.19%
NO
72
55.81%
Voters: 129. You may not vote on this poll
C230, poor man's Mercedes?
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Corona, CA
Posts: 3,463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C320
To tell you the truth guys...i dont think Psuns question was asked to be mean. It seems like he really didnt state an opinion. Who knows?? He might like the 230k. He just pretty much asked a question that has been buzzing around. Just reminding you guys incase you forget what he was asking....i knoe most of you are really pissed off.
Now if he said "THE C230k "IS" a POORMANS CAR"...now thats a different story.
Now if he said "THE C230k "IS" a POORMANS CAR"...now thats a different story.
#27
if you don't care what you drive and only want quality, why did u get an mb instead of an acura tl? that car is reliable, has bang for the buck and performance that is better than a c230. tell me, with all the available cars on the market within the same price range, why didn't you purchase them. they have equal quality and some are even more reliable than mb.
if you are happy driving you c230 and dont' care what anyone thinks, then this post should even bother you. but from the sound of your msg, you seem to be bothered by it. now you sound like the insecure person trying to defend your purchase.
i'm not trying to create any tension here but rather voicing my opinion so relax. last time i check, we still have free speech in america.
if you are happy driving you c230 and dont' care what anyone thinks, then this post should even bother you. but from the sound of your msg, you seem to be bothered by it. now you sound like the insecure person trying to defend your purchase.
i'm not trying to create any tension here but rather voicing my opinion so relax. last time i check, we still have free speech in america.
Last edited by slkride; 08-16-2002 at 04:00 AM.
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Corona, CA
Posts: 3,463
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C320
Originally posted by dswildfire
there's nothing wrong with a g35. my only prob with it is that it's not right for a skyline to not have twin turbos, that's just not cool.
there's nothing wrong with a g35. my only prob with it is that it's not right for a skyline to not have twin turbos, that's just not cool.
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brisbane/Sydney, Australia
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally posted by slkride
if you don't care what you drive and only want quality, why did u get an mb instead of an acura tl? that car is reliable, has bang for the buck and performance that is better than a c230. tell me, with all the available cars on the market within the same price range, why didn't you purchase them. they have equal quality and some are even more reliable than mb.
if you are happy driving you c230 and dont' care what anyone thinks, then this post should even bother you. but from the sound of your msg, you seem to be bothered by it.
i'm not trying to create any tension here but rather voicing my opinion so relax. last time i check, we still have free speech in america.
if you don't care what you drive and only want quality, why did u get an mb instead of an acura tl? that car is reliable, has bang for the buck and performance that is better than a c230. tell me, with all the available cars on the market within the same price range, why didn't you purchase them. they have equal quality and some are even more reliable than mb.
if you are happy driving you c230 and dont' care what anyone thinks, then this post should even bother you. but from the sound of your msg, you seem to be bothered by it.
i'm not trying to create any tension here but rather voicing my opinion so relax. last time i check, we still have free speech in america.
And to answer your second question, like I said I'm not bothered at all about what I drive because I don't equate the car I drive with status. If someone walked up to you on the street and told you you are a poor bugger because you wear flip flops, do you care...I wouldn't think so coz what would he know about you just by looking at your shoes...get my point?
But if you think I'm bothered because of what I have in my garage...well hey, sure, if you think so well I'll agree with you!!
#30
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Encino
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 C230K
I totally agree...maybe they'll come out with a g35 GTR....that would be sweeettt.....but i guess i'll settle with the coupe.
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Afghanistan / South Florida / Camp Lejeune, NC
Posts: 6,261
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
7 Posts
2008 BMW M6, 2008 Ducati 1098, 2008 Ducati Monster S2R1000, 1971 Ducati Scrambler
Taylor, about BMW... it should be...
"If my first car was a BMW, I would end up buying a Mercedes-Benz."
One experience with a BMW is all it takes to switch your brand loyalties to Mercedes-Benz .
Hehe .
"If my first car was a BMW, I would end up buying a Mercedes-Benz."
One experience with a BMW is all it takes to switch your brand loyalties to Mercedes-Benz .
Hehe .
#32
C230K
A C230K is a great automobile, my wife drives it more than I and she gets looks everywhere she goes, it is a great vehicle with excellent power and handling. I truly think it is a good automobile with a proven powertrain. I do not think that this Mercedes is any less of another Mercedes, in fact I think it is equal to any of it's sisters. Remember it came from Stuttgart. It is a real automobile and not a fake.
#33
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by slkride
from my perspective, i definitely think the c230k is a poor man's benz. all of my friends share the same opinion as i do. they actually laugh at the car because it reminds them of the wannabe bimmer 318 hatchback. i also think the c230k is like the bimmer's 318 hatchback where all you're doing is buying into the brand name. yes i know it's a benz but why did people look down on the 318? this is the same from the c230k. it will never be considered a real benz. the c230k = bimmer's 318 and we all know that we considered the 318 a poor man's bimmer. why is this case any different? people wanting to be into the mb crowd will mostly be the ones getting this.
from my perspective, i definitely think the c230k is a poor man's benz. all of my friends share the same opinion as i do. they actually laugh at the car because it reminds them of the wannabe bimmer 318 hatchback. i also think the c230k is like the bimmer's 318 hatchback where all you're doing is buying into the brand name. yes i know it's a benz but why did people look down on the 318? this is the same from the c230k. it will never be considered a real benz. the c230k = bimmer's 318 and we all know that we considered the 318 a poor man's bimmer. why is this case any different? people wanting to be into the mb crowd will mostly be the ones getting this.
The Boxster is the poor man's Porsche.
The 9xx used to be considered a poor man's 911.
The NSX is the poor man's Ferrari.
I don't know about many here, but I wouldn't feel poor driving a Boxster or a NSX.
I'm sure there's a bunch of Bently and Rolls Royce owners out there saying you're driving a poor man's car too.
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by slkride
if you don't care what you drive and only want quality, why did u get an mb instead of an acura tl? that car is reliable, has bang for the buck and performance that is better than a c230.
if you don't care what you drive and only want quality, why did u get an mb instead of an acura tl? that car is reliable, has bang for the buck and performance that is better than a c230.
2. Service, MB service is near the top, even if reliability isn't.
3. Resale value, because of the "status" associated with MBs, these cars maintain their value longer.
4. Image, yes some of us bought the C230K to get into an MB to have a car that is more of a status symbol, along with all the extras.
But as for being a "poor man's car" then some of the C240s qualify too. The C230K is $34K base CND, while you can get into a C240 for $37K base. Add the leather to the C230, and you're at $36K, not much of a difference.
So how about we take the opinion that you and your friends call us C230K owners "poor men" and start calling C240 owners "poor men" too.
So C240 owners, do you feel like you drive a "poor man's car"?
#35
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by Accord
Taylor, about BMW... it should be...
"If my first car was a BMW, I would end up buying a Mercedes-Benz."
One experience with a BMW is all it takes to switch your brand loyalties to Mercedes-Benz .
Taylor, about BMW... it should be...
"If my first car was a BMW, I would end up buying a Mercedes-Benz."
One experience with a BMW is all it takes to switch your brand loyalties to Mercedes-Benz .
#36
it is interesting to see SOME the c230 owners cry out loud for themselves~ but still 1/3 of ppl here agree with the topic, right?
of coz, it is clear dat MB is trying very hard to introduce their brand name into young ppl's mind (-20+ the largest age group on earth) but does c230k holds the traditon of MB, which best know for their luxury, reliability, comfort? or it has to sacrifice some of these inorder to fit into a "poor man"'s budget?
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
i was NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT trying to said dat c230k is bad car which doesn't worth the buck~ but it did bent the standard of MB a little bit (of coz, still higher than other cars). maybe it is just a new trend to see a great increase # of MB on the road~
i never said C320 is any better than a c230k (although it is a fact~ listen, it doesn't how much options u load on ur car~ it is still a c230k, K? u can spend $$$$$ gold plated a corolla but it is still a corolla~) i believe the "C" of a c-class stands for "compact" never expect my c320 worth any more than it name~
why r some guyz so sensitive on the word "poor"? maybe dats why they decide to buy a "Mercedes Benz c230k" hahahahah~ ppl shouldn't fell embarrassing for not to be rich, but it is a shame for those who don't want to admit ~
i don't consider my self rich coz i have a MB & i am not, at least now, coz "rich" should only be 3% of the population~ sometime ago, dats exact the % of MB on the road~
taylor192: u r truly loyal to Mercedes Benz even though u don't even own one yet~ what a irony?
of coz, it is clear dat MB is trying very hard to introduce their brand name into young ppl's mind (-20+ the largest age group on earth) but does c230k holds the traditon of MB, which best know for their luxury, reliability, comfort? or it has to sacrifice some of these inorder to fit into a "poor man"'s budget?
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
i was NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT trying to said dat c230k is bad car which doesn't worth the buck~ but it did bent the standard of MB a little bit (of coz, still higher than other cars). maybe it is just a new trend to see a great increase # of MB on the road~
i never said C320 is any better than a c230k (although it is a fact~ listen, it doesn't how much options u load on ur car~ it is still a c230k, K? u can spend $$$$$ gold plated a corolla but it is still a corolla~) i believe the "C" of a c-class stands for "compact" never expect my c320 worth any more than it name~
why r some guyz so sensitive on the word "poor"? maybe dats why they decide to buy a "Mercedes Benz c230k" hahahahah~ ppl shouldn't fell embarrassing for not to be rich, but it is a shame for those who don't want to admit ~
i don't consider my self rich coz i have a MB & i am not, at least now, coz "rich" should only be 3% of the population~ sometime ago, dats exact the % of MB on the road~
taylor192: u r truly loyal to Mercedes Benz even though u don't even own one yet~ what a irony?
Last edited by psun786; 08-16-2002 at 09:05 AM.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Dexter, Michigan, USA
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 C230k
Originally posted by dswildfire
and the boxster, once and for all, cannot be legitimately called a porsche if the engine isnt in back. it's just not right.
and the boxster, once and for all, cannot be legitimately called a porsche if the engine isnt in back. it's just not right.
Does the 550 Spyder ring any bells? Maybe you've seen one on TV, it's the car the old guy is driving in the "Holy Schmoly" ad. By your "rear engine" logic it can't be a legitimate Porsche either. So I guess Porsche's been building illegit cars on and off for the past 50 years or so? Hmm.. how long has the company been around anyway?
I can understand someone not considering the 914/4 to be a legitimate Porsche, and maybe even the the 924. But a Boxster? Damn, that thing is essentually the '90s version of one of the "purest" Porsches ever made.
#38
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C230 Sports Coupe
Originally posted by psun786
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Oro Valley, AZ
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C240 6spd
I bought the C240 - and I bet I paid less than some who bought the C230K. However, the reason why I went to the MB dealer in the first place was to check out the C230K coupe. And after looking at it - I decided that I needed 2 more doors. I was sort of set on the sedan to start with, but wanted to see what the Coupe had to offer. Is price an issue? Sure - isn't it always? Unless you have an unlimited budget - NOT ME. But, regardless of what MB you buy..it still is an MB....and people think that it costs more than what you really paid. Is it sterotyping all MB owners? Maybe...but I am not complaining when people oogle at the car and think I paid 10K more than i did.
Is the C230K a compromise to the brand? Because of its low cost? Well, maybe it is great advertising. Offer a MB for base price of 25K - lure people in to the dealership who might not thought of buying a MB, because they may end up spending more for something else. Or because, maybe a sedan is what they really want and the price is more affordable then they thought.
Hey, if MB starting selling the AMG A-class here in the states - I might be one of the first in line to put my order in.
Is the C230K a compromise to the brand? Because of its low cost? Well, maybe it is great advertising. Offer a MB for base price of 25K - lure people in to the dealership who might not thought of buying a MB, because they may end up spending more for something else. Or because, maybe a sedan is what they really want and the price is more affordable then they thought.
Hey, if MB starting selling the AMG A-class here in the states - I might be one of the first in line to put my order in.
#40
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nashua, NH
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 VW GTI
and the boxster, once and for all, cannot be legitimately called a porsche if the engine isnt in back.
#41
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C230 Sports Coupe
nah its still in the back. As far as I know.
Shtatc: I went to the dealership to buy a 2000 C280 Sport, but I saw the Coupe in the showroom and fell in love with it. Most people flip when I tell them it was only $28K most think the car is $35K+. As far as I'm concerned price is just a number, its all about what you get for that price. I feel I got a great car, a safe car too.
Shtatc: I went to the dealership to buy a 2000 C280 Sport, but I saw the Coupe in the showroom and fell in love with it. Most people flip when I tell them it was only $28K most think the car is $35K+. As far as I'm concerned price is just a number, its all about what you get for that price. I feel I got a great car, a safe car too.
Last edited by TimmyC230boy; 08-16-2002 at 10:01 AM.
#42
Out Of Control!!
Well, I voted yes, because it's the lowest MB model, so it has to be the poor person's MB, right?
Also, the c240 is the poor person's MB sedan, the CLK320 the poor person's MB coupe, and so on. The beauty is that no matter where you are on the scale, there's always someone who thinks that what you has is inferior. And unless the Sultan is here, all of us are not worthy in someone else's eyes.
But, I don't think that it's a cheap car. My honest view on it is that it's far less overpriced than every other MB out there. If that means that I'm cheap for looking for a good car at a good price, then that's what I am. I can live with that.
Also, the c240 is the poor person's MB sedan, the CLK320 the poor person's MB coupe, and so on. The beauty is that no matter where you are on the scale, there's always someone who thinks that what you has is inferior. And unless the Sultan is here, all of us are not worthy in someone else's eyes.
But, I don't think that it's a cheap car. My honest view on it is that it's far less overpriced than every other MB out there. If that means that I'm cheap for looking for a good car at a good price, then that's what I am. I can live with that.
#44
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Orange Co., CA, USA
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'02 C230K Coupe
Originally posted by psun786
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
i never said C320 is any better than a c230k (although it is a fact~ listen, it doesn't how much options u load on ur car~ it is still a c230k, K? u can spend $$$$$ gold plated a corolla but it is still a corolla~) i believe the "C" of a c-class stands for "compact" never expect my c320 worth any more than it name~
why r some guyz so sensitive on the word "poor"? maybe dats why they decide to buy a "Mercedes Benz c230k" hahahahah~ ppl shouldn't fell embarrassing for not to be rich, but it is a shame for those who don't want to admit ~
taylor192: u r truly loyal to Mercedes Benz even though u don't even own one yet~ what a irony?
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports~
i never said C320 is any better than a c230k (although it is a fact~ listen, it doesn't how much options u load on ur car~ it is still a c230k, K? u can spend $$$$$ gold plated a corolla but it is still a corolla~) i believe the "C" of a c-class stands for "compact" never expect my c320 worth any more than it name~
why r some guyz so sensitive on the word "poor"? maybe dats why they decide to buy a "Mercedes Benz c230k" hahahahah~ ppl shouldn't fell embarrassing for not to be rich, but it is a shame for those who don't want to admit ~
taylor192: u r truly loyal to Mercedes Benz even though u don't even own one yet~ what a irony?
It could easily be said that no matter what you do to your C320, it's still a C320. Just like tommy says, it's all relative. Making a comparison like that is pointless.
The reason why I see "poor" as a bad way of putting it is because I am certainly not poor. And yes, you are right, one should never be ashamed of being well off. I am well off, and fortunately for me every car that's been "mine" has been a Benz. I already said, my primary car used to be a $55k ML320, and "downgrading" to a C230k is definitely not my definition of being "poor". The sporty nature was the draw, and the low cost was an added bonus. I really doubt that for most people it was the other way around.
And what's wrong with having MB loyalty without even buying a car from them (yet)? Just because he likes something just by talking about it, doesn't mean that loyalty can't exist. It means that his first choice is Benz, and that most likely the next chance he gets he will get a Benz. Loyalty can exist anywhere.
#45
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Pencil-f'ing-Vania
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MB C230K
Originally posted by psun786
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k~ it is obvious, coz why would MB spend $ research c230k if u guyz are going for other MBs when c230k is unavailable? c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports
Originally posted by slkride
i also think the c230k is like the bimmer's 318 hatchback where all you're doing is buying into the brand name. yes i know it's a benz but why did people look down on the 318?
i also think the c230k is like the bimmer's 318 hatchback where all you're doing is buying into the brand name. yes i know it's a benz but why did people look down on the 318?
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32 AMG
Nowadays, I wouldn't exactly call the C230 a "poor man's benz". It's funny, but the journal showed that some "trendy" CEO's are even driving VW Bugs. However, I wouldn't go as far as saying that the C230 is on par with the CLK's, E-Class, S-Class, etc. Just accept it, the C-Class is the bottom tranch. If you know how you are financially, then you shouldn't care what other people think. An E-Class can also be a "poor man's benz". What I noticed, is that most of the people here probably bought their car and not LEASED. That is admirable. In my funny opion, if you don't own your own business and you lease a benz that is an E-class or lower; your car is a "poor man's benz" since you are lying to yourself by buying a car you can't really afford. I can also relate to TimmyC230boy. Sometimes you have financial goals that supercede the type of car you are going to buy. His priority is his new business and new home. That is smart. I bought a house before my car. Yeah, I could cash out some equity, buy a 360, a Murcielago, and still have an equity position enviable by most homeowners. Do I drive a C-Class? Yes. Am I ashamed? No. Do I love my car? Yes. Buy i'm not going to kid myself by saying that it's just as good as a CLK, E-Class, S-Class, etc. Sure, i'll probably trade up later, that's just how life goes.
P.S. the Porsche 914 "WAS" a poor man's porsche since it had a volkswagon engine.
P.S. the Porsche 914 "WAS" a poor man's porsche since it had a volkswagon engine.
#47
i agree w/ boo ... there are difference classes of benzs. and i draw the line at those models that get all the fancy toys and tech ... the top being those that get airmatic suspension, brake by wire, air-conditioned seat, and of course a price tag that often better matches a small condo than car ... ie, E , S, CL, SL.
everybody else is still a MB but not quite in the same class. my SLK is often called a "poor man's" SL ... which is kinda true ... i dont mind ... tho i prefer "baby" SL or "lil bro" SL
everybody else is still a MB but not quite in the same class. my SLK is often called a "poor man's" SL ... which is kinda true ... i dont mind ... tho i prefer "baby" SL or "lil bro" SL
#48
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
Posts: 2,924
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C230 Sports Coupe
I mostly see the C Coupe as the CL's little bro. Because the SLK only has 2 seats. The CLK is availible in a convertible. The CL has not convertible option, and it has 4 seats. So hey, If I have the cheapest MB in the USA thats fine by me. I feel sorry for people who think that what car they drive is what makes them who they are.
#49
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brisbane/Sydney, Australia
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, for some odd reason, my C200K is technically a CL200K. I'll ask the MB guys next time I'm there but on all my invoices and service documents (which means its recorded as a CL in the MB datatbase) and in my log books its stated as being a CL200K and not a C200K. Also when I went to a store that sells rims, they had my car quoted as a CL200K. I have no idea what it means!! Might stand for "loser"!!!
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Orange Co., CA, USA
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'02 C230K Coupe
The "CL" designation refers to the coupe version of the C-class. The current body revision for the current-model C-coupe is CL203. This is to distinguish between the sedan and coupe versions. Why they chose "CL" is beyond me, but it confused a lot of people on the boards before. Hope that clears things up for you, and sorry you got your hopes up.