Hi all, I am new to to MB World and need some information about the W203 and the W204. I have an option right now. A 2006 C230 or a 2008 Mercedes C300 4 matic (no snow in FL). I do like the interior of the W203 WAY better. But the exterior of the W204 is georgious.

What would you choose and which car is best for me? Should I wait a few years for the prices of the 2012 C class to drop so I could get a great interior and a exterior? Also, does the C230 feel a bit sluggish to some people? A lot of people have been telling me that it is underpowered for the routine daily drive.

Also are C230s manly to drive? In my town, I've seen a lot of women driving the W203 and mostly men drive the W204 in my town but that is just what I've observed. Don't know if it is true...

Thanks for your help,
Adam

 

Honestly, everyone has their own views and priorities on cars. Sometimes the littlest things make people attracted to a certain car. I think you should test drive both cars then answer your own questions.

 

If a 230 is slow to you why not get a C280,320,350? My 06 350 6MT had all the power it needed to get around town. The interior in the W203 has always made me feel at home unlike the 204.

 

Keep away from 4 wheel drives if you don't need one. ie more weight, less fuel efficiency, more mechanical problems therefore more expensive maintenance.

 

well 2006 c230 has the balance shaft problem so verfiy this with the dealereship before u buy one

7g trans hasnt been fully bugged out

u can also consider a clk55, 2005 c230, c350, clk500, c55, c32,

i hate w204 bodystyle but considering its the newest C

 

Both cars are pretty reliable. W204 and Late W203's are known to be inexpensive to own and for not having many issues at all. I personally would not even bother with either of those cars and do what sammydragon3 said and look into a CLK500 or CLK55 as they are a step up but if you have your heart set on a C here is my pros and cons. for W203 and W204 based my my thoughts of them.

W203 pros. Cheap to buy, great looking car and still looks fairly new, fun to drive, handles very well and rides very well for a tiny car. Trunk space is great. No blind spots in any seat inside the car.
W203 Cons. Its very small, interior is nothing great but better then the W204, the MPG is not all that great unless you drive long distance, seats are small, back seat is useless, chances are less toys then the w204, squeeky interior, lack of true Mercedes feel compared to other models. Hard to get in and out of. No real quality leather like in my E,S or CL

W204 Pros. Ride is good, More space then the W203, More toys then the W203 chances are, handling is good, more modern looking but I still think the W203 looks better, more rear seat room and seats are larger all making it easier to get in and out of vs the W203. No blind spots when in any seat in the car. Feels like a big car.
W204 Cons. Cheap interior much worse then the W203. The exterior is good expect. the rear end does not look too appealing, It does not ride as good as a W203. Engine noise is a little loud. Lacks the quality of other Mercedes and feels like a toy inside. Wind noise when going faster then 70mph. The seats while larger then on a W203 are not that comfy. They need more support. While it is a fun car to drive its a couple steps up over a Camry or Accord. Again lacking in that true Mercedes feel. No real quality leather like in my E, S or CL

 

another thing is as the years go on the mercedes is cutting costs everywhere they go. have u seen the crash tests for w203 and w204? w203 has the edge. this just means their cutting away steel

but yeaaaa listen to this guy^^^^^

 

Not enough information to say which one I would choose. Both are nice cars, but since both are used, there most likely are some differences ow they have been kept up. Not even info ow many miles they have.

As has been listed already, both cars have their pros and cons, so the decision comes back to your needs and what you want from the car. We have both in our family and I like them both and they both work well for their intended purposes: W204 for my wife and the W203 for my daughter (she actually gets compliments for her car pretty much on a weekly basis from somebod at her school).

I do agree with Carsy about the 4Matic, though.

 

I prefer the 203 styling, solidity & interior but the 204 has proven the more trouble free of the two. That said I had zero trouble with my 203.

Agree with Carsy, don't buy a 4 Matic unless you need it. All that extra drive gear is more to go wrong & adversely affects fuel consumption. It does have handling positives though.

The little 2.5 M272 engine is not underpowered. It requires understanding & to be revved. In Europe the small sixes were considered the best models.

It all depends on condition & maintenance. Not mileage unless the difference is huge.

 

Thanks everybody. I will write back when I test drive the two.. I do agree about the W204's interior and how it feels plasticky. Anyone know anything about the new CLA? I don't think it's made in Germany since the fuel tank door isn't on the right side like all the other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Must be made in Japan or something. Can anyone expand? Thanks

 

I have no experience with the CLA as it has not yet hit the dealers yet. I already can tell you its small. Very small! I will be doing a test drive because it looks pretty good and looks fun to drive...Except its FWD(Front Wheel Drive) and a 4 banger...Does not get much worse then that but if we can get a Diesel over here that would be great. I do not know of many FWD even worth buying... The CLA is not made in Japan its made in Kecskemét, Hungary.