LegitLifeStyle

Looking to join up and purchase a 2005 C230k after doing research on this forum about the different body styles/engine configurations. 2005 seems to be the most ideal year for me as its got the AMG body, updated interior, and I can still get the 1.8L Kompressor engine (i'm looking for good gas mileage when gas jumps to $4.00+ a gallon this summer and beyond. My question comes down to this. I'm realistically looking to spend under/around 13k on a car with less than 70k miles. For an Automatic that seems to be no problem, finding a manual is considerably harder and for some reason demands a premium (I thought most MB owners would want an auto?). So from a maintenance and value (resale 5+ years down the line) standpoint which do you think would be better? An Auto with 50ishk on the clock, or a manual with 75kish on the clock? 25k miles less ware is not inconsiderable, means less miles on it and better resale down the line if I decide to sell, the flip side is I would really enjoy a manual but I have another car for "fun" with a 6-speed so its not a massive deal breaker. Not to mention finding one becomes a whole hell of a lot easier and with more to choose from I could get a color I would really like and be more choosy in picking a "good" one. Which would you guys do? What makes the most sense?

LegitLifeStyle

I apologize for the massive paragraph. I had it all broken up so it was much more readable but vbulliten seems hell bent on squishing everything together.

Silver C

Id take an auto over manual under almost any circumstances, the only exception is if the transmission is busted or theres something wrong under the hood.

NYFlapjack2

My $.02 used cars approaching that 100,000 mile mark, (check ever had fluid & filter changed?) and hoping to see it go way beyond...I tend to favor manual transmissions over automatics. I've overhauled automatics, RWD and FWD. Also have done manual transmission work & clutch changes. But have to admit no MB experience in either as of yet.

For me doing most of my repair work myself, I would much rather replace a clutch or work on a manual transmission. Troubleshooting manual transmissions often seems to be much easier. Also I'd have more trust buying a used high mileage junkyard sitting manual out of a car vs. having same level of trust in a similar automatic, to do a remove & replace if required.

Others need to chime in but I'd think on average... manuals out of junkyards cost less than autos and if you resort to dealership or indie (more options with indies than automatic?) for repairs, I'd suspect manual services come easier for them and cheaper for you overall.

CanadianSteel

Well I would think that an auto would be easier to sell down the road, as everyone can drive them, and as you said most Benz owners have them. But i would not say that most "want" them. As you know only about 3 or 4% of MB sold in the US come with a stick. I have no doubt that if they made more then more would buy the manual, could be the reason you see a higher value put on the 6 speeds you see around.
On the other hand when i was test driving the C class a few months ago i have to tell you that i found the stick shift to be night and day over the auto. Mind you i have an 06 with the V6 but performance numbers are much the same. Remember that the C230 is not a Vette so for me I just wanted a little better performance for my every day driver.
So with that being said, i would suggest the manual if you would like some extra get up and go. The Auto if you think reselling will be a problem.

OneOfaKindTrini

It's off topic, but im trading in my car to get something that's stick.

C230 Mulac

I would go with the manual. CanadianSteel is right, because of the low quantity of 6 spds, they are at a higher value, not to mention that you can get better gas mileage with the manual(if you know how to drive it correctly that is).

I have the 6 spd in my 06 c230 and I thoroughly enjoy it. It is much more fun to drive and MB makes a very, very smooth clutch. Manual will also last longer than an auto transmission(once again, if you drive it right and don't butcher the gears).

Silver C, why would you prefer auto over manual? I don't mean it sarcastically, I'm just curious.

Carsy

Manual for :- Improved mileage.

Less expense to repair.

Less expense to maintain, ie no expensive flushes every 60 KM.

A drivers car.More flexibility to drive how you wish.

A much improved car for towing.


So long as the manual is user friendly ie not knotchy, and the clutch is not heavy & has the correct length of throw & take up point.

Good luck.

LILBENZ230

6MT FTW!!!!!

Get the 6MT. The M271 really begs for it and you'll regret not getting it.

Midnight Koop

I drive a 6MT m271 and love it...used to get 34mpg hwy before mods. Now I'm lucky if I get 30 mpg hwy. Fun car to drive in manual and great sounding engine.