Hi

I am new to this board but I have been following the threads for a while. I am very interested to get an C230K coupe but got some questions that are holding me back from it. I would appreciate if some expert could give me some pointes.

1) 2002 or 2003 model? (I'm concern about the new 1.8L engine)
2) lease or finance? (I know some manufacture offer very impressive lease program, just no sure does MB do)
3) I searched around the forum and learn that cardirect.com offer a very attractive price on C230K, did anyone have any experience with them? I lived in So. California (travelling in Texas at this moment) and are there any dealers you would receommend?

I am sorry if there are too many questions. Just couldn't wait to get the Baby Benz....Thanks!

iSpY

 

Go for the 02, unless you absolutely want the Xenons. And get the C7 package regardless of what else you get.

 

not really sure what year but c7 is an absolutely must

 

Yup, that's in my mind too. C7 is on top of the list, followed by C2 and probably C4.....

 

Check with John Maxwell at MB of Laguna Niguel, they have '02 leftovers. You're much better off with an '02 because you can add performance goodies if you decide too. It's hard to resist over 30HP for $350, can't do it on the '03.

If you can't find a C7, don't worry about it, the money you save on the '02 you can put towards some killer 18" wheels.

 

If you are not planning any mods, the 03 is your best bet. The engine is much smoother, you will not be dissapointed. The only people knocking the 03 are those who modify it and those that think the numbers on the tail are supposed to indicate the engine size. The 03 gets much better gas mileage and performance is near equal, only limited by driver skills. There are a ton of posts abou this, happy surfin.

 

Thanks for all the valuable information. I would definitely check out MB Laguna Niguel this weekend. I know House of Import and Long Beach are in Orange Co. also but I am not sure are they good though.

Just for information, how much are you guys paying for your C230K? Sth like $1000 over Invoice? I saw carsdirect.com is saying sth even LOWER than the invoice, not sure is it ture or not since I have no experience buying car on the interent? Would appreciate if you could kindly share some info with me.

Many Thanks!

iSpY

 

I think you can do better than invoice for sure, shoot for about $2-3K off sticker.

 

Thanks again, Buellwinkle. Hope I am able to drive my new C coupe in the Thanksgiving!

 

neither !

 

Buy 03, If you don't like it and want a 02, trade it with me

 

Why not go to a dealer and drive both? Decide for yourself from there.
Depends on your financial situation, how much you can afford to pay out per month, and how long you plan on keeping the car. STFF using "lease" and "buy" as keywords.

 

your are probably not going to find an '02 with the options you want on it. i had to get an 03 because of this.

 

I recently made the a similar 02/03 decision (less than 1 month), and opted for the 02. Drawback was I had to pick from what was on the lot. If you are willing to accept a better price for not getting exactly what you want then the 02 is a possibility. If you want more performance you gotta go with the '02. If you want to modify, again you have to go with the '02.

Also I don't put a lot of mileage on, so I got a low km lease, which results in higher residual and thus lower lease paymets. For me it makes no difference between leasing or financing costs. If you drive a lot then finance it...

 

I agree that unless you plan on modding the 03 is your best bet, but I think C7 is only a must if you are getting a manual. Otherwise pocket the $750 and save up for some 18s.

 

Hi, Folks

Thanks for all the valuable input and info!

iSpY

 

Go with the '02.

Finance it.

It's end of year. You can easily knock off $2,500 or $3,000 off sticker, which is what I did.

Good luck, and enjoy the car. It's beautiful

Juan

 

Hi, folks

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I finally end up getting the 03' C230K from House of Import with C2 and C7 package. I need admit that Andrew and his assistance Marcus are really cool and straight foward. No hassel for getting the right price in a short time. I only spend 15 min with them to get the deal I want. It was a wonderful expereince and I would strongly recommend them to anyone looking for any MB. I was looking for a CD changer also but they do not have any installed. They finally end up sending someone to my home/work next week for the installation with no extra charge. This is called excellent customer services!!

Going to pick up the car tomorrw, will keep you guys posted!

iSpY

 

id say get a 02 is you want more mods and a cheaper price. get a 03 if you can deal with less mods and want better fuel consumption. personally i would finance rahter than lease. ive leased and at the end i felt cheated. some people prefer it for less money down less monthly payments, some do it for a tax deduction if you own a business and lease the car. i didnt want to be restrcited in mods and miles plus when i traded in the car i felt that i threw money away, though i know i didnt. its really a preference or money issue.