L3V3L1

I put a small down payment on an 03 C230 sedan about a month ago because the salesman said there were a few in my area with the options that I wanted and that he would be able to get 1 for me at the invoice price. It took me a little longer than I thought it would to come up with the money since Im paying cash and now Im thinking maybe I should just order an 04. What do you guys think?
Thanks Jason

FrankW

I didn't notice any changes between the 03 and 04 other than the new wiper blades. If it's me, I would get which ever I can get it cheaper to save the money.

L3V3L1

thats what I thought, but if I can get the 04 for invoice (only 85 dollars over the invoice on the 03) I would rather do that. I guess ill have to call and ask tomorrow.

amdeutsch

Remember that since the 04s are out you'll take an instant hit on an 03. How much you are willing to take is up to you, or how much more you are willing to pay. There also seems to be some rumors that around the early part of next year a minor facelift might happen. Keep all of this in mind.

SC04ksedan

I just took delivery of the 04 I got my wife. We got C4 and the fog lights are clear also. I don't know if 03's have clear foglights. Also, the automatic has S and C mode as opposed to S and W mode. BTW. it's a 230k sedan with C1, C2, C3, C4, cd changer, full leather (black opal with charcoal interior) and command being installed in October (steve). I will post pics tomorrow. Now, I was able to get this car at invoice from Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara (I live in the bay area), it was no hassle, the best experience total cost of the car (minus tax&lic) 34500, OTD 37500. If you are interested I recommend this dealership (Jeff Morgan), and SB is a nice place to take delivery.

FrankW

yeah, if you can get invoice for the 04 then get the 04 because the 03 will take some hit in depreciation. But if you plan to keep the car for a while, that's not gonna be a factor since you paid less for the 03 from the beginning.

Good luck with the 04 deal

HiTEC

Supposedly the 2004's have Sat radio too. I'm looking at buying a C class for my wife and we're waiting for the 04's since we currently have aftermarker Sirius in one of our other cars and she wants it in her new car, and I'd rather have factory than aftermarket setup.

L3V3L1

I hope I can get the 04 for invoice also but IM on the East Coast (New York). Well ill find out today.
jason

Frank B

What is C Mode? Thanks.

Frank B

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SC04ksedan
[B]I just took delivery of the 04 I got my wife. We got C4 and the fog lights are clear also. I don't know if 03's have clear foglights. Also, the automatic has S and C mode as opposed to S and W mode. ...

SC04ksedan

C (confort) and S (sport) mode. C mode starts the car in 2nd gear and S mode starts the car in 1st gear. On the 03 I test drove a while back this was S (summer) and W (winter) mode. Same feature different name. But I do love the clear fog lights!!!!

L3V3L1

thanks for your help guys I went with the 03
brilliant silver
c2
c4
cd changer
bose upgrade
heated seats (i didnt really want them,but...)
Jason

Matt230K

They don't seem to have Sirius yet, but that should happen with the mid-year facelift. You might have to wait until January.

finalheaven

With the mid year face lift coming will the face lifted c-classes be still 04 model? or will they be 05?

Imagining that they are 04, how would they differentiate between the 2? And if it is 05 would that make a lot of difference for the depriciation of current 04 model?

Frank B

Audi updated the 1999 mid year and it was generally know as a 99.5. However, if you go to Edmunds and check resale value there is no extra value added and all seem to be considered 99s.

The year certainly makes a difference. I had a 2001 Audi S4 which was carried over into the beginning of 2002 with no changes except the year. However, a 2002 with identical milage and condition is worth more than the 2001 although they are the same car.

Frank B

Sloth

On an Australian spec C Sport coupe (C180K), the changes between a Nov 02 built car and a June 03 that I have noticed are the following;

-C+S instead of W+S on gearbox
-AIRBAG OFF indicator markings on dash now listed as PASS AIRBAG OFF
-Phone kit now in centre console rather than dash mounted
-Opening mechanism on centre console change - flips (both ways)sideways rather than upwards
-Shocks feel firmer (or is that just my imagination)
-Warning on DIS that sunroof is still open (if it is) when you remove the key from ignition
-Throttle response far better/more responsive (auto car) - gear selection better - no doubt the ecu has been remapped/recalibrated

FrankW

congrats on the new buy. Post some pictures!

boozer472

Congrats on the new car...

Why did you decide to get the '03 instead of the '04? Just curious since I am hoping to buy one of these in the next few months.

I would think that unless there was a price difference of $2-3k between the '03 and '04, it would make sense to get an '04 because the resale value on an '04 will be better. On the other hand, there are probably more '03's available right now and it could be tough to find an '04 with the color and options I am looking for.....

L3V3L1

thanks boozer and frank w .i went with the 03 because there was one with all the options I wanted avaiable, instead of having to wait a few months, and a savings of about 2000. I usually keep cars for 7 or 8 years so the difference in resale should be pretty small by then.
jason