Thanks,

for the clarification. True,I'm not a real "tech-guy", but not a complete "stranger" to the automobiles, either.

Hey, will the MB dealers sell around the invoice?
They have holdback, don't they?

No, no, I'm not worried about overheating. Since it became clear that I didn't know what supercharged engine was, I though it is similar to the Turbo. And Turbo doesn't operate at its best in hot climates. Now, when you add the use of A/C all the time, I think this puts heavy load on the 1.8 engine. And it looks (according to you) this is true - loader, ay lack power, etc.

The Acura/Honda auto transmissions are junk. You get a lot of content for your 30K with the Acura, but near zero in style or character. Don't be surprised if your friends and family mistake the TL for an older Accord. Overall, the car feels and looks exactly like what it is...an expensive, slightly larger Accord. If you just want a nice car, buy the Accord. If you want a relatively inexpensive but stylish luxury car that's fun to drive, and is a conversation starter, get the C230 Sedan.

The C230 is supercharged, not Turbocharged. Turbos operate off the exhaust gases...a supercharger is a compressor (hence the name) powered by the engine via a belt. Both accomplish the same thing- putting more air into the engine. The C230 should be fine in SoCal.

I have friends with 325i and A4 1.8T.. here r my thoughts:

c240: smooth ride, luxuary interior, lack of power, CD and xenon is not standard
325i: good performance, sporty look, small space at the rear
A4: great exterior design, turbo-charger, one simple computer chip upgrade give you 200+ HP. sport package rims look nice, cheap looking interior

just my opinions...

i'll say a 320i 2.2L is a lovely car among them!!!

first of all, i've this car for one and a half year and it's wonderful according to the handling and the silky smooth power plant...
inline 6 engine!!!! still enjoying everyday~~
i've a 1994 C280 also and it's really good but... let me say in this way, a Bimmer is really a great driving machine!!!
about A4, i've tried also. GOOD craftmenship but it isn't a FR car. well, not as great as the Mercedes and Bimmer. just my 2cents.

best bet is to test drive them all....not to mention the jap cars also...ur butt is the best indicator

i kinda like how the audi a4 looks...the 325i isn't too bad, it's a bit jiggly, but i find it's ride pretty good. the c320 was very plush in comparison...and it feels very very solid. the latter 2 are rwd, while the a4 3.0 cvt is fwd. family sedan wise...a4 rear seats are cramped...old and new audi a4 the same... i've sat in rear of all 3...i think the c class has more room there.

the lexus is300 is another car to look for. as well as the new infinity g35 (sweet engine), and volvo s60...but i just can't get over the butt of the s60...front's ok...butt's a little off.

this may help, r/t's test & c/d's test , but keep in mind these mags usualy value performance a lot higher than other things...so the sportier cars do better.

Check out the Wall Street Journal's weekend section in 2/7/03 edition. Nice article addressing "low-end luxury" cars with comparison chart.

Bagwell's picture is of an A4 with the sport package. It is the stiffest of the A4s.

Personal emotions and desires have to be considered when purchasing any new car. However, I will give you my evaluation. I have personally settled on the MB over the BMW, Audi, and Lexus. Now do I want a Blk C230WZ or C320C.

I have recently test driven many cars in this category, including an A4 1.8, 325s, IS300, and C230c. From a performance stand point. They are comparable cars.

The car mags say the BMW handles the best, but it is subjective and you have to put the roads you drive on into the equation. The BMW clearly corners flatter, but the MB can be fixed with MB parts for about $200. IMO, the A4 with the sport package is clearly the best handling, but stiffest car.

I have driven the MB 2.3 and 1.8, BMW 2.5, and Audi 1.8. The MB 2.3 may be a little quicker than the 1.8, but the 1.8 is clearly much smoother and more refined IMO. The 1.8 does not even vibrate on cold startup. In my test drives, I thought it to be as smooth as the BMW 2.5. The Audi engine is much rougher and is much slower. According to the spec sheets, the 325 automatic is slower than the MB 1.8 (8.1 vs. 7.5). The transmission of choice, manuals, are probable about equal I haven’t seen US C230 manual specs). The fastest of this group is the IS300 Manual.

The MB has more back seat room and is more versatile with the seats folded (hatch). If you really don't want a hatch, the C230 sedan is now available and if you want more SPEED, the C320 coup is available.

It was a really hard decision for me between the A4 with sport and the C230 with sport. Ultimately the turbo Audi engine just didn't have enough power for me (I wouldn't mod the engine until the warrenty expires) and I think he MB looks better on the outside. The C230 is a very classy comfortable car with adequate power and handling capabilities. If you can afford the A4 3.0, then you can afford the C320 and 330i. Again, I buy a C320wz.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by ccpackin
[B]I will atest to the major trany problems in Hondas. Don't forget, that is what a TL is.

You really need to drive the new 1.8 Kompressor engine. I think you will be impressed with it's smoothness an performance. it is much more refined than the 2.3

If you truely want a glassy smooth engine and don't care about 0-60 times, then the C240 is the way to go.