drpje

I am in the market for a new car. I have two options: 2001 C320 for $25,000 and 25,000 miles with remainder of factory warranty, or a 2003 or 2004 C230K Sport Sedan. I want automatic transmission.
The choice will come down to reliability, ride comfort, and value for the money. Thanks

tuscanraider

I'd go for a brand new '04 sedan....with ALL of the warranty, the new small updates, and THE NEW CAR SMELL!!!!!

sleepygeneral

wouldn't go for the 320...not worth it...newer cars most always have better rides...in c-classes for that matter....PLUS You get a supercharger...cant beat that...

Guest0001

320 all the way. No questions asked out.

drpje

Thanks for the input on my post. Since I am new to the Mercedes C class I need your input in helping me choose between the C320 and the C230. I have another question. I did a used car search on the Mercedes site and found that there are two 2004 C230K for sale with automatic transmission, sunroof, and comfort package for $29,000 with around 10,000 miles. On the Kelly Blue Book site I found the invoice on a C230K to be $27,216 with manual transmission and no options.
Is it possible to purchase a car without a sunroof. All the cars I have had before were equiped with a sunroof but I seldom used the feature. It seems that for $1,500 it is a lot of money for a feature that will seldom be used. Also it could be a problem area if there were any leaks or motor, or rattle problems. Has anyone on this board purcased a car without a sunroof. Did you regret it? How about the premium leather package. Is it worth the cost. Are they selling the new C230K at or under invoice. Thanks for the help.

Kompressor4u2nv

Yes it is possible to get no packages on the car other than base. I've seen one C230k with manual, no sunroof, no comfort, and no cd changer for about 29-30,000$.

Other than that, you should test drive both of them. The difference is going to be the engine...especially if you drive an automatic you might like the c320 for the inline six rather than the kompressor, which you won't be able to rev to 6000 whenever you want

Either are good cars, and if don't want one of the packages, just order one, i'm sure somewhere near you has a c230k with everything you want/don't want on it.

Lynn

The 320 is a V6 not an I6.

.elijah.

I would go with the new C230. It looks good and for the price, can't really go wrong. The 320 though is a smoother ride and picks up better. Alternatively, if you were to go new on the 320, that's the way to go.

04c230ksedan

I had the same dilema.. I coulda got a used c320 vs a brand
new c230k. When I test drove the c230k I was totally unimpressed with the way it drove compared to the c320.
The used c320 I test drove was felt so much faster but my
problem was that it was USED. I decided to just eat it and
get a 4 cylinder. Honestly.. I couldn't be much happier with
my decision. New car smell, xenon lights, wrinkles on my leather
insearts are from my own butt, no swirls marks (black cars are
notoriously known for swirl marks from washing), and no curb
rash on my c7's. The used c320 had all of them including 19k miles and was still priced about the same.

C kL@Sse

im currently dealing with the same issue..i have a 01 c320 but im going to give my aunt my car and finance the 04 230k..i had my 320 (standard w comfort sunroof and rear seats) although i love the 215hp v6 i rather trade in some power (230k 189hp) for the new changes in the 04 (brakes, bi-xenon ,exhaust,sport pkge) and the facts its a new car..im going in to the dealer next week...im want a granite grey or alabaster white..ill post pics then..good luck on ur decision.!

LorinserCClass

I dont know about going w/an '01 w/not too much warranty left....drive both see if you notice power issues and then decide

amdeutsch

I would hope so unless you meant to post in the SLK forum.

C kL@Sse

haha i meant to say rear fold down seats..thx for correcting me

Outland

I'd say 04.5 C230K. Better handling, some nice styling and performance tweaks- better mileage- and the full warranty. The C320 is pretty overpriced IMHO. Why not wait for the 05 and get the new interior?

C kL@Sse

IS THE 05 guarenteed to have new interior? anyone have spy pics? now you made me think twice about my 04.5!!!!

drpje

Thanks to all for taking the time to help me with my decision. I am almost sold on the 230K based on your comments. I will be purchasing a new car with new warranty and styling updates. The only thing missing is a bit of horsepower which I am willing to sacrifice for the other things mentioned. My last questions are:
Is it worth the $1,500 for the sunroof which I will seldom use, and the premium leather package. What are your thoughts on the pewter color. It seems like there are silver cars all over the place and the pewter will be something different. Is the desert silver still popular. What can I expect to pay for a 2004 230K with automatic and the comfort package. Thanks again for all the help.

C kL@Sse

i have recieved a qoute from downtown motors in LA
as follows:

2004 c230k sport sedan
-alabaster white or granite grey (my choice)
-heated seats
-lighting package (bi-xenon)
-sunroof
-comfort pkge
-cd changer
34k ...i am not yet happy with the price..i want it for 32 out the door..

we'll see what they say..i am a returning customers so usually they will work with me.. good luck on ur 04 230

and yes get the sunroof..its worth it..

Guest0001

What ever you do make sure you get what YOU want. People here only say there OWN opinion and have a certain biased. For Example my bias is against 4 cylinders, used cars, and White paint and Stripper cars. but thats just me and my own opinion. Everyone is different when they are shopping for cars.

As for Options:

IMO these are a must even on a budget.

Automatic
Bi xenon pkg
Sunroof pkg(please get this, its laughable if there is no sunroof in a car like this)
Changer

Come out to be 33440 per mbusa. im sure you can get a nice discount to that.

Do you really need the comfort package. Automaticly adjusting seats is a cool option but I would get it if it was standard. I Say forget that.

Forget Comfort pkg
Forget the metallic paint and get flat black.
Forget the full leather option
Forget the Bose option
Forget heated seats
Forget everything else

Thats my 0.02

Hope you get what you want.

Guest0001

Hope it comes out man, That seems like a good 6k off msrp

C kL@Sse

6k from what they offered (34k) or from what i want? which is 32k.. yea most 230k are 3k below invoice right now..im twisting the dealers arm at 32k..but hey cant hurt to try right?

Guest0001

Yeah its about 34XXX minus tax and etc. If you want to get 32 out you probably have to get them down to 29 probably... I say Go for it.