Turbo2

Here's my dilemma: In the next six months I will most likely be getting a Mercedes Benz C-Class in the neighbrhood of $35K.
I have two options, a brand new C230K Sports Sedan pretty much fully loaded or a used (2002 or possibly 2003 C32). I would like your fair opinions on why I should choose either one and why.

-C230K Sports Sedan-

Pros-New car (new car smell, choice of colors, all options, everything equated with getting a brand new car), full warranty.

Cons-Can't stand the updated 3 spoke steering wheel, not enough power, the standard C-Class.

-C32-

Pros-It's a C32, need I say more (more powerful engine, more attractive exterior), great power, sleeper, more attractive, rare.

Cons-It's either going be a 2002 or possibly a 2003 if the prices come low enough, In the neighbrhood of 25-30K miles, more expensive insurance, loves gas, only half of the warranty left and probably wont get Starmark as I will be buying from an independent dealer, Probably not the exact color options I want, trying to find one that hasn't been abused.

I know that the cons outweigh the pros for the C32 but thats always going be the case when comapring a used vehicle to a new one.

Please keep in mind repair costs, maintainence, etc. when factoring this in.

Thanks in advance for your help.

jpb5151

Gas mileage? Insurance?

Can you test drive both? No, forget it, just get the C32.

Turbo2

jpb5151-
So logical, but I like your thinking. I already have test driven both, obviously Im in love with the C32 but I wasnt too disappointed with the C230K's handling but the power just wasnt there.

Outland

The four spoker is an ugly looking POS. Looks like it was stolen from a Camry. Yeah, another 50HP would be nice for the C230 Sedan. Nope, the C240 is the vanilla here. The C230 has sprinkles and carmel.

Quote:

-C32-
Pros-It's a C32, need I say more (more powerful engine, more attractive exterior), great power, sleeper, more attractive, rare.

Another con is that your eyesite is getting bad. THe C230 is virtually indistinguishable from the C32. Infact, with the 2004.5 5 spoke wheels, and the crossdrilled rotors, and a set of Bixenons, the C230 is nicer looking than a used 2002 C32. Your right about it being a rare sleeper.

Quote:

Cons-It's either going be a 2002 or possibly a 2003 if the prices come low enough, In the neighbrhood of 25-30K miles, more expensive insurance, loves gas, only half of the warranty left and probably wont get Starmark as I will be buying from an independent dealer, Probably not the exact color options I want, trying to find one that hasn't been abused. I know that the cons outweigh the pros for the C32 but thats always going be the case when comapring a used vehicle to a new one.

I'd still get the C32. But budget for a good extended warranty....there is NO SUCH THING as a well treated C32, especially if its already traded back.

tom incredibie

hands down. c32

FrankW

resale for the 2002's in high $30k's ($38-$40k) still...if you can find one at $35k go for it, but it'll most likely be an example of a abused one. Personally, I'd never buy a used AMG or used M-power car, unless you know who you are buying it from or the car has low mileage & everything checks out (no damage etc) or you really really really really really can't live w/o owning one.

r_liebo

Just a thought (from an expectant owner), but what about a 2004.5 c320 sport sedan? You would have to forgo some of the goodies to keep it in that 35K range, but you get more standard as well. Since you are obviously concerned about the lack of power in the c230, the c320 will give you a nice comprimise between the 230 and the AMG as far as power goes.

You could also get a 2004 c320 sport sedan on the lot, and possibly get an even better deal.

Turbo2

r_liebo-
Thanks for the thought, Ive looked at the C320 but really cant justify the extra money just for digital climate control, a bigger engine and a few other features. The C230 isnt anemic interms of power, but if Im going pay the extra money for more power I might as well go all out and get the C32.

Turbo2

Outland-
In my opinion I dont like the three spoke wheel at all, it reminds me too much of the C coupe and I just dont like the steering wheel. Yes...the standard four spoke is plain, but I think it looks better then the "more aggressive" three spoke.

I wouldn't say that my eyesight is getting bad, I know the differences between the new C-class' and the C32, thats why I put 2004.5 as opposed to just a 2004 b/c the '04's didnt have the visual changes. Also, if you throw on a pair of Bi-Xenons to a '02 C32 it would look identical to an '04 230.

Im not trying to argue, I really want the C32 but just a few little things bug me about the 230, but for what it is it is a great car.

Corp DL

Sounds like you want to do what makes some financial sense. I don't know the resale values on these two models, but wouldn't the depreciation hit still be more on the new car? Thus it might be more cost effective to buy the C32 used.

tifosiv122

I agree with whoever said a C32 thats traded in within a year is abused. We spent over 1 year looking for an M for a friend of mine...each one had signs of neglect except the ones selling for almost as much as new.

Unless they lost their job or got a huge promotion i'd be leary of someone who is selling an AMG within a year.

Erik