I'd go with a C280 if you can't find a C350 with the price and mileage you want.

you can easily upgrade the brakes, suspension, and wheels on the C280 if you want.

 

You're missing what I'm saying. For someone who has read every post I've ever made, I expected you to understand better what I was saying..

I don't discount a V6 C230 at all. If he can find a 2006 C230 6MT, by all means buy that over a 2005. But a 2006 C230 7G or a 2005 C230K 6MT - I'm taking the 6MT all day. You should know this - the 6MT makes the car so much better. The C230 7G has too little power and too many gears.

All things equal, buy the newer car.
C230s - buy the 6MT, whether it's an 05 or 06.
C350 - Most desirable either way, but a 6MT would be best.

 

Being that you're coming from a 2009 335, here's my opinion:

You're coming from a car that is somewhat fast, and 2-8 years newer, and a generation newer. If you're looking at buying a W203 C-class, you are doing it solely because you can get a good deal on it, because you will somewhat be making a step backwards. I'm going to strictly talk about the sport models, since the luxury I think are going to be too bland for you coming from the 335.

- 01-04 models (pre-facelift) look older, have an older dash layout, and can (and cannot) have more issues than facelift cars
- 05-07 models definitely look nicer, with 06 being known as the 'nicest' year, yet 07 had a few extras like 6 spoke wheels, spoiler, and dual tip muffler in the 230 version. They did start leaving out some things though, like the aux jack connector (I think).

- 01-04 230 - Older, but good prices
- 02-04 C32 - Older, but still nice and good prices too, power will make you happy
- 05 230k - Newer, but you will most likely find slow (can get 6MT if you like that option). There's a lot of them out there, and good prices as well
- 06-07 230 - Newer, different engine but same result as 05
- 06-07 350 - This really may be your best bet as it combines the facelift model with the higher output engine, making the overall car "feel" much better. Slightly a little more expensive (sometimes even more expensive than a C55 for the people who don't know what they're buying), harder to find and nearly impossible to find in 6MT
- 05-06 C55 - the best of the bunch, but will be more expensive. Good reliability and lots of fun to drive. Definitely the closest/better than the 335 you're coming from.

Due to the car that you're coming from, don't be disappointed when you're not impressed with the older and slower W203's, if your goal is to not have a car payment.

 

After driving a BMW 6 you will never be happy with a Merc M271 4cyl. - lacks the refinement. Remember it's only an 1800cc and has to work hard.

Look at V6's & go and drive them & see what YOU like & can live with.

The only possible reason for buying a 4 cylinder would be fuel consumption which is obviously better. In all other respects the V6 range has it beat - refinement, longevity, less troublesome etc.

 

Going out to test drive the c230 6spd and auto. Wish me luck!

I found a c350 for a decent price and am having it checked out today. Its out of state but I am willing to wait to have it shipped if it ends up being a better deal and performer. I will let you know what I think of the TD.

 

Just remember to rev the little sixes. They like high revs due to their torque characteristics & gearing.

 

Will do! Can't wait to try these out.

 

The c350 I was looking at has a reconstructed/rebuilt title. It's a 2006 with 42k miles. Guess I should stay away from that??

 

The C32 is that fast? I never been in one before, probably because it's a 5sp. auto..

Get details on the accident, you dont want to buy a uni-body car that has had the frame pulled. Unless it was a minor accident bent rad support minor things. Anything major i'd stay away for, keep in mind a salvaged title mean damage exceeds %75 of the cars value and insurance companies come to repair cost totals differently. Some states just love to Brand salvage and Certificate's of destruction.. cough(FL).. Put up more details.

 

If you ever plan on getting a return with a resale, yes. Although the resale of these cars is plummeting. The retail market is still VERY VERY proud of these cars, however come time to trade them in or sell them privately - time to bend over.

To answer your earlier question,
my 06 c350 6spd w/ 60k mi in 9/10 condition came from out of state. Salt Lake City & I live in KC, MO. It had sat on their lot for nearing 90 days and they were dropping the price like it was hot to get it out of there. It was also at a saab lot. and it was already in their snowy season. snow + salt lake city + 6spd rwd w/summer tires = 13,5 for me
it was the perfect storm... on the most rare non amg w203. go figure.

 

Yes the resale of out W203's are plummeting people still love the W203 body style esp. the facelift models. If you plan to sell it back privately the C350 isn't the one because not that many people know the actual value of the C350 sport, most people see it as the c-class with a different bumper. That's just the reality of it.

 

Trin
I disagree. As long as he purchases any of the w203 for the right price, there's no worry. I wouldn't avoid purchasing a 350 with 70 extra hp over the 230 just bc I was afraid someone who may buy it again may not know the difference lol.

 

+1!!!!

& thanks for the monster comment you have faith in me even if everyone else is skeptical.

 

Yeah thats what im getting at, if someone is purchasing a car that they want don't complain about certain things just know what your getting youself into. Like a guy is going to say how can I get good gas mileage with my 6MT G35.. When you buy a car like that MPG should not be your biggest priority. If he wants the C350, but the C350. In your case CP your 6MT C350 can easily be flipped privately in the summer and you'd make a quick profit on it here in NYC.

EDIT: Bro, at the end of the day, it's your money spend it on something you actually want. 14g's is a good bit of cash to put down on just any car esp. when you already have a 335i. I would honestly put about 2grand more towards that and but a evo. If you don't mind the lack of ammenties if you but one privately and and you have cash to talk with you can get a good evo for 15k.

But then again it's me talking :rofl:

 

What is an evo. I'd really like a c55 but don't think I can get one in my price range.

 

I wouldn't buy a rebuilt car personally.

 

Is that a joke?

 

shocker, the world doesn't revolve around the evo

 

It doesn't but.. Actually nevermind..

 

With a family and a baby on the way....you suggest an EVO?

 

I overlooked that .. My bad, please removed the EVO from the runnings lmao.

 

Drove:

2005 c230 auto
2005 c230 6spd
2006 c230 auto

love the c230 6spd and the 2006. will write more later, driving back...

 

great to hear man.
you cant go wrong either way.
either are great choices.
if you can sacrifice a 6 spd (i couldnt give up mine so good luck) and the torque advantage off the line, the 06 will reward you with refinement (to steal Glyn's words, albeit well put) and a high-reving horsepower advantage. the MPG of the 4cyl is a consideration, but I achieved 24/33 in my 06 c230 auto all day everyday.
you have a tough decision if you enjoyed the experience equally.

 

There is absolutely no denying the 2006-2007 C230s with their V6s are more refined.

I'd still buy the 6MT car, no matter which engine it was paired to. 6MT FTW!!! Do it!

 

05: 6spd, torque
06: refined, horsepower

i think its fair to negligize (did I make that word up?) the MPG b/w the two.

good luck!

this may come own to a options war. what ext/int colors, options do either come equip with?