topspin4hand

Helping my mom w/ her car purchase. She's gonna pay cash for a new '04 Altima or a 2001 C240 (maybe even an '02 w/ some more $). She's never owned an MB and would like to, but obviously doesn't want a car that'll need occasional expensive repairs. What do you guys think? Thanks much.

Guest0001

DO NOT get an 01, First year is horrible. Full of bugs and issues.

If she wants a trouble free car... well you know by now.

topspin4hand

True. I was just honing in that issue. I guess the ultimate dilemma is "new nissan versus used ('02) MB" for her.

Sincity

New Altimas are nice! Mercedes are expensive to repair once warranty expires.

Labor rates in Las Vegas dealers for Benz is $100/hr and Infiniti $70/hr. As you can see it is a lot more.

tiffc888

I think you should get the Altima. Have you guys considered the updated 2005 Altima? I wouldn't buy the 2001 or 2002 C Sedan, unless you have a really good warranty... I can almost guarantee you're gonna have problems with it and will need to take it to the dealer.

mick1

whoa. that bad, eh? I guess JD Power wasn't kidding.

brand problems per 100 vehicles
industry avg: 269
Mercedes-Benz: 327

http://www.forbes.com/associatedpres...ap1438236.html

Guest0001

If its for your mom just get her something comfortable and reliable. I'd go for a camry or an Accord. Altima looks the BEST from the outside and the 3.5 engine is badass but the interior is crap. I Dont know about nissan reliability, but its not as good as other japanese brands.

tiffc888

If she can afford it, she should get the 2005 C230K or 320 sport sedan. It looks great off the lot, comes with the AMG bumper, oval exhaust, clear headlight housing, updated interior, better suspension, I could go on. Mercedes should have worked out most of the problems in the 2001-2004 C Class, but I could be wrong...

topspin4hand

The 2005 would be nice but she has a couple things she's doing fiscally so her car budget is set. The opinions are extremely helpful. I keep my eyes on this thread thru Wed of this coming week.

mick1

maybe she could lease it

new 2005 c230
$299 for 45 months
due at drive off $3499

topspin4hand

She's paying cash for the car.

FrankW

spent a little more find a new 04.5 C230k.

Anaheim_Drew

Hey.............I have an 01 with an extended warranty. No bugs to date so stop the bashing. Get a starmark car whatever you do. 02 c240 should be in the budget. Toyota camry is a great car. You only have one mom so make her happy

Guest0001

Definitely the best way to go.

topspin4hand

Thx man. I just want her to get a little something she'd enjoy. I just bought my 1st MB and she was so proud and me feel great. I only wish I could afford to get her a new one. Regardless, she is not going to enjoy multiple visits to the dealer regardless of having a warrantly in place. Thanks for everyone's input.

As of this moment, maybe I'll investigate whether a decision to finance the addit'l amount to go new may be necessary. One thing's for sure: she ain't driving mine! [kidding mostly]

Thanks everyone.

preyx

Sounds good. If you're gonna go used on a Benz, make sure it's a Starmarked with a strong warranty package. If you're looking Japanese cars, I'd definitely go Toyota; they make bulletproof cars. Looking forward to hear what your mom ends up with (hopes it's the Benz).

FrankW

nvm on the c230k, better yet to find a 98-99 C43 AMG for the same price.

LorinserCClass

Well she can put the rest away and reinvest it to pay off the car by the end of the lease. Tiff and Noble are right DO NOT BUY '01, serious issues on literally most of them-I know mine has been a reall POS. Good luck though on your purchase.