2006 C230 6-speed Advice Needed
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2006 C-230 (hopefully)
2006 C230 6-speed Advice Needed
Hi all! My first time on a Mercedes forum now, feels, "different" lol... anyways, a long time BMW owner, and sadly I need to look for a new car. My old 1997 328i 5-speed still serves me outstandingly well but it is time.
I have been looking at the 2002-2006 3-series, but in that search popped up an interesting car... the 2006 C230 6-speed. I still only want a manual, I like the feel of the engine and gears, automatic just feels mushy and I dont feel in "control" lol... this C230 doesnt seem that powerful, 190hp/~7 sec 0-60 sound right? But I like the look (except for the tail lights, ummmm) and the interior is nice, and this one on sale for about $11k seems great, off eBay. It as like 65k miles and just looks pristine.
Now I know, eBay is not the best, but if I can get a great deal, esp off a dealer who will take my trade in, it will save me a lot of time and angst, and just deal with it. There was another one on sale on eBay as well for about the same stats but with more mileage.
I am here because I have never driven a Benz and I dont know anything about them, except from a few old reviews. Can anyone just give me the 411 on the value for this car (it seems just below KBB and Edmunds value if I get it under $12k), i.e., driving fun factor, handling, speed/acceleration, overall comfort/accessibility to controls, vision, durability of the parts and the small stuff (like the ones that BMW's always go bad!!!), etc... I know its a Mercedes but this is pretty much as low end as it gets right... I just think it seems like an awesome deal if i can get it for around $11k. Is that too much?
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
I have been looking at the 2002-2006 3-series, but in that search popped up an interesting car... the 2006 C230 6-speed. I still only want a manual, I like the feel of the engine and gears, automatic just feels mushy and I dont feel in "control" lol... this C230 doesnt seem that powerful, 190hp/~7 sec 0-60 sound right? But I like the look (except for the tail lights, ummmm) and the interior is nice, and this one on sale for about $11k seems great, off eBay. It as like 65k miles and just looks pristine.
Now I know, eBay is not the best, but if I can get a great deal, esp off a dealer who will take my trade in, it will save me a lot of time and angst, and just deal with it. There was another one on sale on eBay as well for about the same stats but with more mileage.
I am here because I have never driven a Benz and I dont know anything about them, except from a few old reviews. Can anyone just give me the 411 on the value for this car (it seems just below KBB and Edmunds value if I get it under $12k), i.e., driving fun factor, handling, speed/acceleration, overall comfort/accessibility to controls, vision, durability of the parts and the small stuff (like the ones that BMW's always go bad!!!), etc... I know its a Mercedes but this is pretty much as low end as it gets right... I just think it seems like an awesome deal if i can get it for around $11k. Is that too much?
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!
#2
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It's 201hp and more like 8 seconds to 60.
The value is probably 12-13k. The durability should be fine, check the VIN number against the balance shaft wear. Other than that the 2006 W203 is well sorted.
The value is probably 12-13k. The durability should be fine, check the VIN number against the balance shaft wear. Other than that the 2006 W203 is well sorted.
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Thank you for the info... that will be noticeably slower than my current, but oh well, if I can get it around $11k I guess it is fine. But is it true that Mercedes are more expensive to fix than even BMW?
How do I check the VIN against shaft wear, I dont understand that concept.
How do I check the VIN against shaft wear, I dont understand that concept.
#4
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Yes, Benzes are slower. They're also slightly more expensive to fix (finding a good independent garage that you trust is key, if you're not a DIY-er), not as sporty with the handling in stock form, and the mannies aren't nearly as smooth as with a BMW.
The tail lights can be swapped out for S class versions, or just tint them a bit, and they'll be less offensive.
I don't know if I could deal with a Benz without a sunroof, though.
The tail lights can be swapped out for S class versions, or just tint them a bit, and they'll be less offensive.
I don't know if I could deal with a Benz without a sunroof, though.
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Thanks for the useful info! I did find a garage near my office just now, who gave me very good advice and some stuff without even charging, nice guys, and they are mad busy.
So 3 series is still better from the driver's point of view, and I really like to drive hard so I guess I may be very underwhelmed with the C230, especially compared to a 3 series for much less? (I am eyeing one 2003 325i for about $7500, looks great too)
So am I not the only one who thinks the tail lights are, well... not the best feature? Ya I would not have a problem taking care of that on my own later.
I live in FL so a sunroof, eh... hardly use it except to let hot air out lol... but I was hoping the reason to get this over the 3 series was much better build quality in and out so I can expect less maintenance costs overall in the next few years... now it seems like that may not be the case when you combine everything.
So 3 series is still better from the driver's point of view, and I really like to drive hard so I guess I may be very underwhelmed with the C230, especially compared to a 3 series for much less? (I am eyeing one 2003 325i for about $7500, looks great too)
So am I not the only one who thinks the tail lights are, well... not the best feature? Ya I would not have a problem taking care of that on my own later.
I live in FL so a sunroof, eh... hardly use it except to let hot air out lol... but I was hoping the reason to get this over the 3 series was much better build quality in and out so I can expect less maintenance costs overall in the next few years... now it seems like that may not be the case when you combine everything.
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In South FL... rare and fast is nice, but then I would jus go get my dream car, Porsche GT2... I am sure u not selling that for my price range for the C230, let alone free delivery.
#10
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Throw in the absolutely horrible MB aftermarket options also, if you have any intention of modding whichever car you buy.
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It's pretty rare to find a W203 without the sunroof.. but yeah, I'd want it because it comes packaged with rain-sensing wipers and the rear sunshade.
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Thanks guys, for making my decision easier, just a reality check, making sure I am not crazy.. I love Mercedes but not in my budget right now... I wouldnt turn down a 500+HP SLK if u know what I mean...
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e36 318i, 2004 sti
GT2!? That is a little over anything in the W203 range! With mine being less than half the miles and more options and all the stuff I put into it. It would most deff be more than 11k.
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#16
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It's been said that nothing is more expensive than a cheap Mercedes. I think the same can be said (possibly even more true) about BMW.
If an $11k Mercedes is over budget you need to look at cars not from Germany.
If an $11k Mercedes is over budget you need to look at cars not from Germany.
#17
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If you're looking to not spend more than $7k than you need to go back to your 97 BMW. There's nothing out there better buddy.
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06 w203 Blk/Blk - 06 w251 slv/blk
Honestly BMW makes a really good car but IMO having had both brands MB is more prestige, if you find $11 for a C230 to much u may want to stick with Japaneese maybe a Lexus or Acura. Personally always liked the IS series
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e36 318i, 2004 sti
I know I own a mb and im on the mb forum but every bmw my family has owned just about had terrible reliability (Always something wrong). My dad bought a brand new 7 series awhile back, The first morning he went outside and found that it leaked oil all over the driveway. My friend has a 01 330i and he is always calling me with problems his car is having. Its a one thing after another. Awhile back I was going to buy an E46 m3 (Ended up getting the C55), When I would go look at them and ask for the service records I would be handed a BIBLE..
. Now again im not saying bmw makes bad cars but I havent had the best luck with them. I agree with 7k I would stick in the JDM range.
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