Can't decide...
 

between buying a 2003 C230 in Texas or a 2002 C230 (8,000 mi) in Missouri (which my very kind Dad would drive down for me) for $2,500 less. The 2002 price includes an extended 1 yr warrantee. The differences in options are: the 2002 has leather and a C5 primium package instead of the C2 package which the 2003 has. I wanted leather but not strongly as I live in Texas and it does get hot...but the leather just looks better. But of course the appeal of being the first owner is also strong. My concerns with the 2002 are reliablity...does the 2003 have more bugs fixed,? I feel like flipping a coin, I am so tired of thinking about it. Please advise...I need to buy on Monday!

Personally, I would go for the 2002 and not just because it has more potential for mods. There are probably some bugs that have been fixed for the '03, but not many. And there could be new problems because of the new engine. Most of the bugs are electronics and these can easily be fixed. But any engine problems with the '03 will be new and take longer to work out. I have only seen 2 of the new 1.8L engines with problems, so they are okay. But it's hard to know how they will hold up over time. The 2.3L kompressor has proven itself over several years. It's really a toss up though. You could go with either one. I wouldn't consider potential problems at all. You could have the same number of problems with either car, so just pick which one looks better. :D