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?
#52
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32 AMG
Originally posted by TimmyC230boy
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.
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.
#53
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: North Berkeley
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C230 C-Coupe
The C230 is priced differently accross the world. The C230 Coupe is only the cheapest C-Class in the US. In the UK the C180 sedan starts at just under 20k while the C230 Coupe starts at 26k.
Therefore this question should ask whether the C Class, not the coupe alone, is the poor mans MB. For those listees outside the US will noted that the A-Class is less than half the price of the C230 Coupe.
This list contains members from all over the world, I am sure they are more than a little perplexed by this thread. I live in the US, so I am the target audience for the thread, and I struggle to grasp the point.
My Coupe costs more than the base price of the c-class sedan, which means more that 32k. For what I wanted, the cheapest car was the Jag, followed by the 325CI, as they came with the options as standard.
The last point to take into consideration is that not everyone who bought the C-Coupe, bought it because it was a mercedes. The strengths of the car, without the brand, are more than enticing enough.
Nathan
Therefore this question should ask whether the C Class, not the coupe alone, is the poor mans MB. For those listees outside the US will noted that the A-Class is less than half the price of the C230 Coupe.
This list contains members from all over the world, I am sure they are more than a little perplexed by this thread. I live in the US, so I am the target audience for the thread, and I struggle to grasp the point.
My Coupe costs more than the base price of the c-class sedan, which means more that 32k. For what I wanted, the cheapest car was the Jag, followed by the 325CI, as they came with the options as standard.
The last point to take into consideration is that not everyone who bought the C-Coupe, bought it because it was a mercedes. The strengths of the car, without the brand, are more than enticing enough.
Nathan
#55
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by psun786
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k
the "poor man" used here are point to those who can't own a MB if there is no c230k
maybe it is just a new trend to see a great increase # of MB on the road
Not having leather is something some people would even like out of the higher MB brands, cause not everyone likes leather, and like I said, the leather accounts for $2K of the price, so strip $2K from a C240, and you're no different than C230K in price, so, answer this:
Is the C240 a poor man's MB?
c230k is just a tool dat MB used for them to compete with compact imports
taylor192: u r truly loyal to Mercedes Benz even though u don't even own one yet~ what a irony?
If MB doesn't get me into the showroom to start, they'd have a tougher time gettng me in later, and I think they understand that. The C230 isn't priced to get "-20+" people in, cause we could afford the C240, its designed to appeal to the younger generation to get us into a MB if we can't afford a SLK or CLK cause the curent C-class doesn't have a coupe.
#56
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32 AMG
Originally posted by taylor192
I think its just a different type of car offered by MB. Seriously, its $3K difference between the base C230K and the C240. Without the C230K I could've easily gotten a C240, but at 23, WHY? Its a 4-dr family sedan, not a sports car, or even a "sporty car"....
I think its just a different type of car offered by MB. Seriously, its $3K difference between the base C230K and the C240. Without the C230K I could've easily gotten a C240, but at 23, WHY? Its a 4-dr family sedan, not a sports car, or even a "sporty car"....
#57
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Mississauga, Ontario
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
02 C240
changes in technology
Well, alot of people are saying that Mercedes are getting cheaper and cheaper, but thats probably because many parts and accessories they put on the Merc nowadays is alot cheaper than how much it was 10 years ago.
Having a 'mobile' phone in your car 10 years ago was like having gps on your car today.
Technology is increasing rapidly, and everyday things get cheaper in price, because innovators find easier, and more reliable ways to produce. This does not necessarily mean that the quality has gone down; just the price.
Now, I think that the C-class has alot of quality for its price and is why I have one today.
It really shouldn't matter how much the car was, just what it means to you.
When I was buying my C; I had a choice: buy a 99 S-420 or a 02 C240. I went with the C240 because it had a better warranty on it and because of mileage and many other reasons.
Now, for everyone who thinks that a C is 'cheap'; if you saw me driving down the road in the S instead of the C; what would you think then. Honestly, I am the same person, but would be in just a more expensive car; that doesn't change who I am and how much money I make.
Having a 'mobile' phone in your car 10 years ago was like having gps on your car today.
Technology is increasing rapidly, and everyday things get cheaper in price, because innovators find easier, and more reliable ways to produce. This does not necessarily mean that the quality has gone down; just the price.
Now, I think that the C-class has alot of quality for its price and is why I have one today.
It really shouldn't matter how much the car was, just what it means to you.
When I was buying my C; I had a choice: buy a 99 S-420 or a 02 C240. I went with the C240 because it had a better warranty on it and because of mileage and many other reasons.
Now, for everyone who thinks that a C is 'cheap'; if you saw me driving down the road in the S instead of the C; what would you think then. Honestly, I am the same person, but would be in just a more expensive car; that doesn't change who I am and how much money I make.
#58
Out Of Control!!
Originally posted by Boo2
Besides, no one would deny that an E55 or M5 is not a sports car.
Besides, no one would deny that an E55 or M5 is not a sports car.
I do have to say, though, that the "sportscoupe" is about the dumbest moniker put forth by any marketing department.
#59
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 TimmyC230boy
nah its still in the back. As far as I know.
nah its still in the back. As far as I know.
#60
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 taylor192
The NSX is the poor man's Ferrari.
The NSX is the poor man's Ferrari.
#61
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 tommy
I do have to say, though, that the "sportscoupe" is about the dumbest moniker put forth by any marketing department.
I do have to say, though, that the "sportscoupe" is about the dumbest moniker put forth by any marketing department.
#62
The whole Mercedes brand could be considered a "poor man's" luxury car. I could say that all you S-class drivers out there couldn't afford a car as luxurious as the Bentley (many say the S-class is on par, if not more luxurious than a Bentley) if Mercedes wasn't around. What's the point? It's all relative.
And why do you have to own your own business to be rich? I don't understand that. You could've become a millionaire playing the stockmarket, speculating in real estate in countries that have a speculative housing market, or hell you could rob banks. You'd be pretty damned rich if you were a CEO in any company too, and you don't really own it, you just run it. You're an employee like anyone else (though most likely a large shareholder, but that's not necessarily true).
And why do you have to own your own business to be rich? I don't understand that. You could've become a millionaire playing the stockmarket, speculating in real estate in countries that have a speculative housing market, or hell you could rob banks. You'd be pretty damned rich if you were a CEO in any company too, and you don't really own it, you just run it. You're an employee like anyone else (though most likely a large shareholder, but that's not necessarily true).
#63
Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C240
my 2 cents...
For those that are shallow to think that buying a poor man's MBZ (any c-class) is a "status" thing, then you can can follow me home to my $850K house. It's called opportunity cost...First rule of Economics 101.
I'd rather put my hard earned money elswhere, and certainly not a lot of it goes to a car that some may perceive as what makes a man (or a woman).
- spin
I'd rather put my hard earned money elswhere, and certainly not a lot of it goes to a car that some may perceive as what makes a man (or a woman).
- spin
#64
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32 AMG
Re: my 2 cents...
Originally posted by spindrome
For those that are shallow to think that buying a poor man's MBZ (any c-class) is a "status" thing, then you can can follow me home to my $850K house. It's called opportunity cost...First rule of Economics 101.
I'd rather put my hard earned money elswhere, and certainly not a lot of it goes to a car that some may perceive as what makes a man (or a woman).
- spin
For those that are shallow to think that buying a poor man's MBZ (any c-class) is a "status" thing, then you can can follow me home to my $850K house. It's called opportunity cost...First rule of Economics 101.
I'd rather put my hard earned money elswhere, and certainly not a lot of it goes to a car that some may perceive as what makes a man (or a woman).
- spin
Last edited by Boo2; 08-16-2002 at 02:27 PM.
#65
Out Of Control!!
Geez, do we just want to whip them out and declare a winner?
This discussion started in the basement, and just keeps sinking...
This discussion started in the basement, and just keeps sinking...
#66
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 C230 K
Originally posted by tommy
So, what's the internal designation for the CL then? Always wondered about that. Maybe CL$$?
So, what's the internal designation for the CL then? Always wondered about that. Maybe CL$$?
Cheers, BT
#67
Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 C240
Re: Re: my 2 cents...
Originally posted by Boo2
Sure, but what if you follow the S500 to the $4 million house? Also, it is not in terms of market value, but rather LTV. The equity is more important. So many people have double comma homes, but how much of it belongs to the bank?
Sure, but what if you follow the S500 to the $4 million house? Also, it is not in terms of market value, but rather LTV. The equity is more important. So many people have double comma homes, but how much of it belongs to the bank?
BTW, $850K isn't jack in the bay area. That's average.... I just wanted to see if anyone picked up on my sarcasm.
#69
I cant even finish this thread it's so absurd.
As for the 230K being a "poor mans MB"? The person who started this tread doesn't even drive one, why would you care? When I bought my 230 I was originally looking at the SLK's. After driving a couple I decided they looked to much like a female car (Slkride, think about that before you start knocking the coupe). I am young so I was interested in a young mans car that would be fun to drive from work and back that few of my peers have. To be quite honest I think I made the best decision. Basically what it all comes down to is a matter of opinion. So those of you that drive a more expensive car dont trash on us to make yourselves feel better about your small *****.
As for the 230K being a "poor mans MB"? The person who started this tread doesn't even drive one, why would you care? When I bought my 230 I was originally looking at the SLK's. After driving a couple I decided they looked to much like a female car (Slkride, think about that before you start knocking the coupe). I am young so I was interested in a young mans car that would be fun to drive from work and back that few of my peers have. To be quite honest I think I made the best decision. Basically what it all comes down to is a matter of opinion. So those of you that drive a more expensive car dont trash on us to make yourselves feel better about your small *****.
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Chicago
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C32 AMG
Originally posted by 230
I cant even finish this thread it's so absurd.
As for the 230K being a "poor mans MB"? The person who started this tread doesn't even drive one, why would you care? When I bought my 230 I was originally looking at the SLK's. After driving a couple I decided they looked to much like a female car (Slkride, think about that before you start knocking the coupe). I am young so I was interested in a young mans car that would be fun to drive from work and back that few of my peers have. To be quite honest I think I made the best decision. Basically what it all comes down to is a matter of opinion. So those of you that drive a more expensive car dont trash on us to make yourselves feel better about your small *****.
I cant even finish this thread it's so absurd.
As for the 230K being a "poor mans MB"? The person who started this tread doesn't even drive one, why would you care? When I bought my 230 I was originally looking at the SLK's. After driving a couple I decided they looked to much like a female car (Slkride, think about that before you start knocking the coupe). I am young so I was interested in a young mans car that would be fun to drive from work and back that few of my peers have. To be quite honest I think I made the best decision. Basically what it all comes down to is a matter of opinion. So those of you that drive a more expensive car dont trash on us to make yourselves feel better about your small *****.
#71
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
07 SL550; C32 (sold)
i think we're going off the topic now. now we're saying the slk is girlie. the coupe is equally girlie. moot point. then someone said the nsx is a poor man's ferrari. that's the silliest thing i ever heard. why are u even comparing two different makers of cars? this point is moot.
the whole discussion is whether the c230 is a poor man's benz. judging from the poll, about 40% think it is. as you can see, that's quite a lot. no matter how much you discuss this, there will be quite a few people that will think it is.
brand name is very alive in america. why do woman buy prada or other expensive name brands bags? why doesn't your kids want to wear payless pro wings and want to wear nike? there's nothing special about them except for the name. i can go on and on about this.
i understand what slkride is trying to say. people buy into the name. maybe the way he's stating it incorrect but i get his point. mb simply made a cheaper version so it can appeal to the mass market (the one's that wanted one but couldn't afford it before) so can buy into their name thus creating the term "poor man's benz". when you do something like that, you can can see what happens.
see what happens when you make me read thru the extremely long thread.
the whole discussion is whether the c230 is a poor man's benz. judging from the poll, about 40% think it is. as you can see, that's quite a lot. no matter how much you discuss this, there will be quite a few people that will think it is.
brand name is very alive in america. why do woman buy prada or other expensive name brands bags? why doesn't your kids want to wear payless pro wings and want to wear nike? there's nothing special about them except for the name. i can go on and on about this.
i understand what slkride is trying to say. people buy into the name. maybe the way he's stating it incorrect but i get his point. mb simply made a cheaper version so it can appeal to the mass market (the one's that wanted one but couldn't afford it before) so can buy into their name thus creating the term "poor man's benz". when you do something like that, you can can see what happens.
see what happens when you make me read thru the extremely long thread.
#72
blah blah blah, whatever. For the same amount of money that I spent on my coupe I could have gone out and bought a 97 BMW 7 series. The amount of money one spends on their car has nothing to do with it. I did not by my car because it was the low end model benz. Does that label me a "poor man" f*** that. The thing thats funny is that you guys are so materialistic that you only care about the brand name, well whatever the case stop trying to make the owners of the coupe feel less about their expense.
#73
This has got to be one of the dumbest threads I have ever seen. The low end product in any manufacturers line is bound to be referred to as the "poor mans x". The insinuation is that the low end product is inferior in some way. But you can't compare the low end product to the high end product because it would make absolutely no sense. They are at different ends of the cost spectrum and serve totally different customers.
The original poster psun786 threw us the hook and we all grabbed it. Its time we jumped from the bait.
The original poster psun786 threw us the hook and we all grabbed it. Its time we jumped from the bait.
#74
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by amgme
mb simply made a cheaper version so it can appeal to the mass market (the one's that wanted one but couldn't afford it before) so can buy into their name thus creating the term "poor man's benz".
mb simply made a cheaper version so it can appeal to the mass market (the one's that wanted one but couldn't afford it before) so can buy into their name thus creating the term "poor man's benz".
C230K $26K USD, $34K CND
C240 $30K USD, $38K CND
Now $4K can be a lot, but really isn't. So I don;'t entirely agree with the statement of making a cheaper version to appeal to the mass market, cause the C240 was already out there, just it didn't have the mass market appeal.
The styling appeals to a whole new market, and the price makes it competitive. So those that could've afforded the C240, but didn't want a sedan, now have another option (the CLK is $60K and the SLK $55K).
I hate people blaming the price for the surge in MB demand, when realistically, its as much, if not more, the styling.
Lastly, isn't the C32 the poor man's AMG?
#75
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: North Berkeley
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C230 C-Coupe
For a laugh someone should post a link of this thread to the bmw forum. They would eat up the opportunity to add some snide digs at us upset C-Class owners, who's nerve have been toughed with the thread.
Got to laugh as it is a little funny.
Got to laugh as it is a little funny.