C320 Coupe worth to buy?
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Joined: Oct 2007
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Toyota Celica GT-S, Lexus IS 300
C320 Coupe worth to buy?
I have a sister coming to the States next month and my dad is thinking about purchasing a c320 coupe 2003 for her. The car is good and I think we have a good deal on that car. But I have been searching in this forum, most of the threats show that the car has a lot of problems and cost much to repair. I want to know if this car is worth the money or not.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Casa Grande, Arizona
2005 c230k
I have a sister coming to the States next month and my dad is thinking about purchasing a c320 coupe 2003 for her. The car is good and I think we have a good deal on that car. But I have been searching in this forum, most of the threats show that the car has a lot of problems and cost much to repair. I want to know if this car is worth the money or not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,275
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From: BC, Canada
2003 C230K Coupe Orion Blue
I'd say to do your research on each individual vehicle. My car has been in the shop probably 20 times for warranty repairs for all this dumb non-critical stuff that kept breaking. But it's been completely problem-free now for several months. They used a lot of "inferior" parts to build my car, and in many cases the stuff that broke was updated with new part #s which are good to go. If unsure, I'd go for a vehicle that has Extended Warranty.
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Toyota Celica GT-S, Lexus IS 300
I'd say to do your research on each individual vehicle. My car has been in the shop probably 20 times for warranty repairs for all this dumb non-critical stuff that kept breaking. But it's been completely problem-free now for several months. They used a lot of "inferior" parts to build my car, and in many cases the stuff that broke was updated with new part #s which are good to go. If unsure, I'd go for a vehicle that has Extended Warranty.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Mid-west
IS300
I'd say looking at your current line up of the toyota and Lexus, Mercedes would be a big change. 
I'd recommend a Honda Civic, or Scion tC instead
On Mercedes there is Maintanance every 13k miles but expect that to be around $400 i think
I'd recommend a Honda Civic, or Scion tC instead
On Mercedes there is Maintanance every 13k miles but expect that to be around $400 i think
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2007
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Toyota Celica GT-S, Lexus IS 300
yea, i test drove the civic and tc too, my dad said these car aren't safe enough. Anywayz, I checked out other forum too, some say that the C coupe are very reliable and they have no big problems since they have gotten the ride. I feel like its pretty much hit or miss to purchase one of those cars.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
yea, i test drove the civic and tc too, my dad said these car aren't safe enough. Anywayz, I checked out other forum too, some say that the C coupe are very reliable and they have no big problems since they have gotten the ride. I feel like its pretty much hit or miss to purchase one of those cars.
My C230K (sedan) has been an excellent car so far. But I recognize that future maintenance costs will be higher than some other makes (e.g. Honda). I am willing to pay the extra money for the advantages offered by my Mercedes. Prices on items such as tires (high performance) will give you heart failure.
In terms of comments on this board, please remember most of us are car buffs, and therefore more particular than owners of some other cars. I doubt you will find as many fanatics on forums for Buicks, Lincolns,... you get the idea.
A C320 Coupe sounds like a good solid vehicle, although a bit rare. Most MB Coupes were the C230K version (USA), which are a bit easier on gasoline.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
You don't mention what year of the car it would be. There are known issues to be worked out. Search for buying threads. The 320 is a tried and true engine.
Weak link in my mind is the tranny, but with preventative maintance you'll be okay.
E
Weak link in my mind is the tranny, but with preventative maintance you'll be okay.
E
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Can you give us a rundown of the features and safety systems of each of these chassis? Tell you what, what can you say of the performance of each of these. We are talking apples and oranges here. If the guy wants to buy an orange, why mention appels? Just curious.
E
Thread Starter
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Toyota Celica GT-S, Lexus IS 300
Thats good to know. The car is a 2003 model and I am sure my sis wont do any mod to the car which unlike me. The only thing(besides insurance rate) that keeps me worrying about is normal maintance cost like oil change and stuffs. She said she will pay for it but if its really too high for a 20 year old, i may try to talk her out of getting the car.
Added: the car still has the factory warranty and my sis really likes it so it is just waiting for my dad to sign the papers(and the annoying salesman keeps saying that the car will be gone soon, he even called me 3 times today just to inform me that there were somebody asked for the car). So as soon as we can figure out everything about this car, I am sure it will be parked at our driveway.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Casa Grande, Arizona
2005 c230k
The costs of a DIY oil change is about $50. I think for some one so young this is too much car for her. If she will always be paying to have stuff done, it will be too much of a problem financially. I just put $1600 in to my car. This included front rotors and pads, new serpentine belt, new tires, an alignment, and some AC work done at dealer. I did rotors, pads and belt myself. So you can see how just some minor things can be expensive. It probably would have been about $800 - $1000 more if I had not done some of the work myself. This was all just maintenance work so you can see how quickly it all adds up.
