Liquidz

To tell you the truth, I don't know much about these cars. So I was looking for a little help.

What year did the body style change?

For 18 Grand, Could I get a decent used C class, prefferably with the new body style?

How killer is insurance? Especially being a first time driver at 16 years of age.

I want the C class because the cars look like so much fun to drive, but eventually I want to start modifying the car with a body kit and wheels, maybe a chip. I won't go all out, but I just want it to look better, like so of the people's C's on this forum.

I have a "hook-up" at two local Mercedes dealerships and I will be looking to get a Starmark warrantee.

All info will be great, Thanks alot guys...

Nice cars by the way...

Brunelleschi

It iwll be tough to get a used newer body style for 18 grand, but maybe not impossible.

My insurance in killer and I am 23 with a clean record....I think I am getting bent over though and you might not take is bad as I am.

I think you will be very happy the car though. Good luck!

Buellwinkle

Sure, used C-Coupes can easily be had for $18,000. The body styled was new for 2002 and had a nice 2.3L engine, easily modifiable for more power. In 2003 they offered the very nice 3.2L V6 and a more fuel effecient 1.8L but kept the C230 name. Depending on options, condition and engine you can easily get one for under $18K in a private party sale. Starmark is just a way for dealers to get top dollar for these cars, what's the point, just find a nice clean C230 that is still under factory warranty.

If you want a sedan, the first C230 sedan was in 2003. At a wholesale auction you can get one for $18K but in real life it may go for low twenties. The C240/C320 sedands for 2001+ still get over $20K. I sent my brother to an auction for a 2003 C230 sedan and I figure it will take him a month to find one he likes.

CitronC230K_03

the W203's came out in 2001 and the C-coupes came out in 2002. if you wanna mod your car i'd go with buells suggestion and get an '02 coupe, easily modable.

mbspy.com shows that the new body style, W204 won't be arriving until 2006 as a 2007 model.

Liquidz

Thanks guys, but to tell you the truth, I am not a big fan of the Coupes. I, however, really like the Sedans. Maybe some of the people I know can get me a good deal.

What are your guys' opinions on the car? Handling, power, reliability, etc.

Pros and Cons are great.

Thanks again, really appreciated.

Damn, check out that pimpin' Avatar-I'll give the credit to 02yz125 on GopedNation.com

Liquidz

What about an older c class? Does it have speed potential?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...480562655&rd=1

If I had 13 grand and was ready to buy the car, this would be in my drive way right now and was ready to buy the car

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...480461507&rd=1

I hope its okay to post Ebay links, Nothing intended by it, just to show?

CitronC230K_03

the sedans are great too. i like the coupe and since i put on the 2005 taillights i like that much more. i was never a fan of the old tail lights

LorinserCClass

Problem with getting an '01 IMHO is the friggin lack of reliablility. Serious I have an '01 and I think its been a POS. I dont mind too much but now that my warranty is over I kinda am getting freaked out. If you budget is 18K only I would hold off for a bit and get an '02.

Mercedes101

I have a 2001 and its been super reliable. It still makes your ears pop when you close the sunroof its so solid. I have the COMMAND NAV System and been trying to sell it in the SF bay area for 21K without even a whiff of interest. No way i would sell it for 18K now but your not too far off - especially in a year 01 C240's with about 60K miles will be 18K.

Liquidz

Thanks for responding to my thread. I admire all the work you have done to your car. To be honest, I want a car exactly like yours, that is my goal.

Liquidz

I am going to start to look at the coupes and maybe I will start liking them. Thanks for your replys.

Even more would be great.

Liquidz

Oh, also, what is w-203, etc...?

LorinserCClass

I'll sell ya mine I wouldnt recommend you plunking down what I spent on mine, will make you dizzy Coupes are nice if done properly. Good examples is Kineda and BlackC230coupe.

tyro

You can't believe what I didn't just post!!

Liquidz

What was that?

Liquidz

I'd buy it in a year or so, 20 grand, lol.

Nice car though, I will take a look at those two people, Thanks.

FrankW

Personally I would get the 2000 W202 C230k sport or a C280 sport over the w203 coupe if you can find one, especially if you are on a tight budget. They got a lot of potential in mods.

Liquidz

Yeah, That is what I was thinking. I will see what I can find.


See, my problem with the coupes is that, well, I practically grew up at a Mercedes dealership. I would go and hang out on weeks that I had off and such. It was the dealership where my parents bought their cars. I knew almost all of the customers and once the coupe came out, I began seeing all sorts of people that I never new. They were the people that were coming down from the local Honda and Acura dealer. It's not a bad thing, I just think that its a down grade for Mercedes, but I don't know.

theitalianjob

I've seen Buy-It-Now's on eBay at the lowest price of the 18K's, however they are the earlier MY's (01/02), higher mileage, lessly equipped or in less attractive colors.

Liquidz

The thing about getting it from a dealer, is I trust the people, because I know them. Buying over ebay, to me, just seems untrustworthy.

FrankW

you go to Monterey Park etc. They got lots of used car dealers over there that got nice cars. The one I remember is called C.H. Motor I think. My brother's friend bought a 2000 C230k sport from them back in 2001-2002.

Liquidz

Do you know what kind of deal he got?

FrankW

the car back then had 65k miles on the clock. My bro's friend paid around $18-19k. He sold it after a year when he went back to Taiwan to work for around $16k w/ 75k miles. The previous owner was a women who they say travels between Vegas and LA a lot for work that's why the mileage was high, but the condition of the car was perfect.

Liquidz

Nice! Giving me some hope, thanks alot.