theine

My next one an SL55,... always bimmers or benz's. There is nothing else out there,.... except a Ferrari F355.

Buellwinkle

After seeing the 2005 Mustang's unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show there's no doubt, that's my next car. Unless of course it looses it's character between now and release date or they stick with the idea of a 2 seater as in the prototype.

tberry

Sorry but it did...yeah it was a beautiful car but i was at the airport yesterday and saw a cover of some car mag...it had the real '05 mustang pic.......ARRRGGGLLLYYY its a shame really.

*ON THE OTHER HAND my next ride was gonna be between the new CLK and Porsche Boxter but since i get such crappy treatment from my MB dealer its between Boxter and the new 3.2L Audi TT. Has anyone seen this car? its beautiful and new found power to match.
http://www.audiworld.com/news/02/tt32/

20FHK02

I voted NO because I really want to try a different make, most likely a BMW. But I love the look of the CLK so... Time will tell when I'm ready for a new ride.

trench

My next car will probably be more of a "family" type car, for my wife (although I'm not married to her yet - :p ). Her requirements are essentially four doors and all-wheel drive. Under current consideration are the Acura MDX, MB C-wagon 4matic and an Audi all-road. Although the VW Touareg might make the cut when it comes out, and maybe the W164 ML. After looking at the first three at the SF auto show I liked the MDX best. The C-wagon is cool, but having two W203s might be a little boring (I also didn't like the smallish door openings - although I'm wondering if I would have noticed them if MB-BOB hadn't pointed it out).

For my next personal car, I'm considering an E-class or CLK; but that probably won't be for at least six years. I'm also looking for an early 90's 500E (engine built by Porsche!).

Cheers, BT

session

That magazine was Motor Trend and it wasn't the production Mustang. It was the red 2005 Mustang concept convertible, and it was a very poor picture of it as well.

MB-JIM

I will definitely buy another MB. It will be a 2004 C320/350. A short while ago I was seriously considering the new E Class but that is definitely out. After taking an extended drive in the new E, both my wife and I felt the steering was too vague on the E giving us an uneasy feeling. It seemed like you had to continually drive the car vs simply correcting the direction on the C. The ride and noise level were very good but I don't believe it is significantly better than the C. The brake by wire lacks feel but I'm sure you would get used to it. Unless you absolutely need a larger car I don't think it is worth giving up such a great sports sedan as the C.

Outland

It depends.

I tend to keep my cars for many years. It will depend on MB's product line at the time. I love my C230K, but its just about the only stick shift MB...I prefer to row my own gears. Theyve definately got my attention, and I find that Ive grown to love the car for reasons much different than those that made me buy it...so there is something unique about MB beyond the prestige and the name.

I like the road they are on right now...the cars are definately looking good from a styling standpoint, and theyve realized that more fun needs to be in the equation for them to be competitive courting new buyers, so what remains is how far will they take it? I'd like to see even more sporty models in the 25-45K price range. I love the new CLK, but with it being auto only, I'd take a pass. BTW, anyone who thinks the Accord looks like a CLK or vice versa needs to put the Crack down for awhile.

tom incredibie

yes, but if i could wait 6 or 7 more months. probably the new GS, 5 series, or maybe even the new TL type S. all of course are coming out with new models. i think?

Gary

Probably not, disappointed with the little things that keep going wrong - cracked buttons on the steering wheel, drivers side window inop (this morning) missaligned steering wheel, creaking roof etc. Really like the car, but... where is the quality? My Grand Cherokee was better than this and I have to agree with Buell in that I put over 100K on a mustang and didn't have these kinds of problems.

Next up probably a BMW 330 with performance package or an Audi. The thing with the golf clubs is irritating too - just had to learn to drop the seat to load the clubs and keep the clubs in the garage for the most part.

Just scheduled an appointment for Tuesday - will probably feel better about the car when I get it back with the problems fixed (hopefully)

Jim Banville

Gary, Here's an Audi lemon Here's a BMW lemon.
You could get a PERFECT Audi or BMW (and you could also win the lottery), but odds are it will be of average reliability, as is your MB

tberry

Jim, I dont think we're saying that Audi and BMW are most reliable cars (like Toyota/Lexus) but they ARE more reliable now aday then MBs seems to be. Also, and I'm sure to each his/her own experience, I've had a terrible treatment at my MB dealer so far compared to my Audi dealer was....and yes I may not own an SL but i didnt own an S8 either but still had awesome dealer experience.....which is why i'm looking for excuse to go back to Audi.

columbus

Add another button labeled "Quite Possibly", and I'll check it.
I didn't vote because I just don't know what will be 2 years from now.
I'm very happy with my car.
I could see myself in a CLK, or a C320 Sportscoupe.
I'd be quite happy to be able to afford another C230 even with the 1.8L engine if it stacks up to what it's said to be, along with other improvements like Xenons, One-Touch Close for the Pana-Roof, and a trunk popper.
Then again, as has been mentioned, there are so many other nice cars out today - in 2 years, it could be even harder to decide.
Lastly, it remains to be seen how MB deals with quality issues and electronic bugs. Having said that, I haven't had any significant complaints to this day.

xyzpl

Once you go German, you can't go back to anything else....Italian maybe...

aborwick

I keep cars ten years or longer, so my next car, if I'm around, will be a 20012 M-B, probably without an internal combustion engine. I'm guessing that by 20012, fuel cell technology will have matured and will have become standard on high-end automobiles.

Jim Banville

Please post your proof
I remember seeing the MB C-class and BMW 3-series as being nech-and-neck for reliability on a JD Power survey. I believe the same holds true for the other comparable models as well (S vs. 7, E vs. 5). I also remember reading somewhere recently that AUDI has dropped below MB in overall general reliability. If whomever posted that JD Power survey a while back (that I have asked to be re-posted in another thread 'cause I can't find it now) of all the brands broken down into the individual vehicle lines in order from best to worst reliability, we could get a more definitive answer.

Mike T.

Check out these 2001 breakdown stats from Germany, for cars up to 5 years old. 2002 stats should be out shortly:

Jim Banville

Here's a review I found...
"2000 Audi A6 2.7 quattro from North America

A great performance car if you don't mind a heavy, less-than-reliable vehicle Click here for Auto Insurance Quotes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What things have gone wrong with the car?
Water leaks into rear tail light. Dealer replaced it once, but it still occurs.

Brakes squeal incessantly, creating much embarrassment when stopping. Dealer says it's normal and will not fix.

Fuse for interior lights was blowing constantly, crippling the alarm, windows, sunroof (which was stuck open!), etc. Took dealer 3 days to locate a short under the seats.

One of the Xenon headlights will not light at random. Dealer replaced assembly; it still happens.

Cup holder broke after 1 week.

CD player will randomly stop, or go to another song. (I'm assuming it's not commentary on what I'm playing...)

Brakes totally and inexplicably failed while I was approaching a stop light. Problem never resurfaced; no indication why it happened.

Air conditioning is not adequate to cool the car.

How many Audi/VW owners also take exception to Audi's Incredible Hulk door stops, which often send the door flying back into you as you're trying to get out??
General comments?
Regarding performance, the car is amazing. It's heavy, so it takes turns hard unless you remember to keep the wheels driving -- the quattro then takes over and keeps the car planted.

I have no complains about the engineering or the performance, however a luxury car should have better reliability, and the dealership should be more responsive. Because of my experiences with this car, I'm living for lease-end when I'll choose another manufacturer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer?
No
Engine and transmission
2.7 Bi-turbo Manual
Performance
7/10
Reliability
3/10
Comfort
6/10
Dealer
4/10
Running costs (higher is cheaper)
5/10
Distance when acquired
0 miles
Most recent distance
27000 miles
Previous car
Nissan Maxima
First year of ownership
2000
Most recent year of ownership
2002
Date of Entry
06th May, 2002"