how reiable are w203's?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
well since my post my gf bought a 2nd gen acura tsx and i like driving it often...
the lexus is250 is just too small and for the price i still can't dish out close to 16-17k for one.
other things i looked at
05 c230ss- any problems?
06c230 non ss
i rather stay for the 4cyl for better mpg's then going with the 2007 model.
any input on between -5 and 06 as far as issues?
anything to look out for, recalls? services needed?
thanks
the lexus is250 is just too small and for the price i still can't dish out close to 16-17k for one.
other things i looked at
05 c230ss- any problems?
06c230 non ss
i rather stay for the 4cyl for better mpg's then going with the 2007 model.
any input on between -5 and 06 as far as issues?
anything to look out for, recalls? services needed?
thanks
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 226
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From: Milpitas, California
2005 C230
I say go for the C230. I have the 05 and only thing I had to replace is the thermostat ($35 plus $18 antifreeze. I also have a leaking exhaust somewhere, but that's not biggy I hope. The IS250 usually cost 3-4 more K than the C230. If you have the money I can't see any of them going wrong except the lexus is more reliable, but than again you're spending 3-4k on the car.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
My C230 had 146,300 miles on it. The timing chain was rattling on startup so I had bought all the parts to replace it. Well, before I could get that far the A/C compressor failed. And in the midst of all that the suspension needed a refresh. I just decided rather than spend that amount of money on it all at once, I'd move on. I bought a new Nissan Rogue and hated it mostly, but then it got totaled and so now I have a 2011 C300. I'm glad to be back in a Benz.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
My C230 had 146,300 miles on it. The timing chain was rattling on startup so I had bought all the parts to replace it. Well, before I could get that far the A/C compressor failed. And in the midst of all that the suspension needed a refresh. I just decided rather than spend that amount of money on it all at once, I'd move on. I bought a new Nissan Rogue and hated it mostly, but then it got totaled and so now I have a 2011 C300. I'm glad to be back in a Benz.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
bringing the tread back to life...so since i started the tread things have changed...i have a 4 month old now so most on that list wouldn't work...
Think it's down to the 05/06 tsx and the 05/06 c230...i've always loved the C but worry about cost of maintenance since my lexus has been very good to me...has about 172k on it and still getting factory esm mpg numbers and all....the new tsx we have might be traded in for a suv this weekend so i do need a 4 door that can seat at least 3 adults including myself and the baby...i was going to get a 2010 es350 but decided to get something cheaper for now due to other expenses. Those 2 car's won't break the bank but i don't want them to hurt my wallet at the same time...my pops tells me to get a honda/toyota but i need something a little more fun but reliable at the same time...reviews of the c230 seems good, esp 05-07 and well acura's are hondas and should be good...
what to do , what to do
Think it's down to the 05/06 tsx and the 05/06 c230...i've always loved the C but worry about cost of maintenance since my lexus has been very good to me...has about 172k on it and still getting factory esm mpg numbers and all....the new tsx we have might be traded in for a suv this weekend so i do need a 4 door that can seat at least 3 adults including myself and the baby...i was going to get a 2010 es350 but decided to get something cheaper for now due to other expenses. Those 2 car's won't break the bank but i don't want them to hurt my wallet at the same time...my pops tells me to get a honda/toyota but i need something a little more fun but reliable at the same time...reviews of the c230 seems good, esp 05-07 and well acura's are hondas and should be good...
what to do , what to do
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
05 C230. Just refresh the timing chain occasionally, and run some seafoam to keep the carbon down. '06 has the damn balance shaft gear issue, early 7 speed problems, and the plastic intake manifold BS.
Great family car. As far as overall reliability, I think it's a matter of keeping up on maint.
but also I don't trust mechanics and do most stuff myself. It seems to be somewhat hit or miss. For me, once I understand the common issues that you need to be aware of, I've had little problems and very reliable. But that isn't to say you don't have to fix stuff. Today I'm putting a new exhaust gasket in. Had to pull the supercharger to do so. Will be nice to run the heat/AC and not choke on exhaust.
Great family car. As far as overall reliability, I think it's a matter of keeping up on maint.
but also I don't trust mechanics and do most stuff myself. It seems to be somewhat hit or miss. For me, once I understand the common issues that you need to be aware of, I've had little problems and very reliable. But that isn't to say you don't have to fix stuff. Today I'm putting a new exhaust gasket in. Had to pull the supercharger to do so. Will be nice to run the heat/AC and not choke on exhaust.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Apr 4, 2014 at 03:48 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,622
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
Sean's Sister--
Haven't heard any issues due to the s/c failing so I'll stick to the 05 since it gets better mpgs or else I'd get a 07... I have a shop I go to for service so I pay there cost on parts and labor is free...its just a matter of headaches...like you said you fix a lot of stuff but when does it become too much or a headache... it might save you money but not time.
