S23O5C15

Most German makes are like that, although MB is one of the better ones when it comes to high speed stability. That is one of the things that they've always done an exceptional job with, in my opinion.

Tandrek

I would opt for the C230. There will be a significant redesign for the 2007 model, which will come out in approximately two years. Additionally: I can't stand the IS300. While I would rather have a 5+ year old IS300 than C230 due to the reliability issues and repair costs, if you can manage a Starmark certification or new car: Definately the Benz.

DiamondNoir2K5

How is the upcoming w204 redesign a plus factor for buying the w203?

Guest0001

Both redesigns are coming about the same time. So that should not be in this debate over which car to choose.

CitronC230K_03

no matter what the redesign looks like id rather buy german over japanese.

DiamondNoir2K5

Well it still could be. If the w204 makes the w203 look really dated, then it's a minus for the benz. You might make an argument for the car that's going to look less 'old' when its redesign comes out.

Guest0001

A benz is a benz it might look old but it will be respected for years. Not so for most japanese cars. So MB wins here.

DiamondNoir2K5

Good point.

Tandrek

He stated that he would be purchasing the vehicle in 1-2 years... I wasn't aware that he would be purchasing (what will be) the old w203.

Tandrek

Does the matter that the 2007 C-Class will look like the 2004 Acura TL? heh...

Guest0001

ok you have gone too far here you are

DiamondNoir2K5

Oh, I didn't realize his parents wouldn't be buying him the car for another 2 years. In that case he should "take a chill pill" and think about it in 2 years when it's actually going to happen. There's no real point in getting advice on it now.

REX0000

Regarding the G35 vs c230: Yes, I admit on paper, the G35 looks pretty good, maybe better than the c-coupe.

In fact, after having my c-coupe for a year, I wanted to know if I had missed out on a potentially better car (the G35). So, I test drove a g35 coupe...

Boy am I glad I have the C230! Who cares about the G35's extra horsepower, or the larger wheels. For the price, the interior was disappointing. I like my C-coupe's interior much better. And the ride? It felt the same as any other japanese car: flat, and uninspired, IMO. It gave a flat, hollow, lifeless feeling driving the car. But hey, some people like the feel of a japanese car.

I don't. I prefer the german ride: more sturdy, with warmth and emotion. And that's what you'll get with a benz. But don't take my word for it. Test drive both and decide for yourself.

And maybe this analogy may not work, but I'd take a steinway over a yamaha any day.

DiamondNoir2K5

I have to agree about the C230's interior. I really like it too. I checked out the 2004.5 Volvo S40, Passat, A4, and 325i before settling on the C230, and the interior really was (among other things) the main deciding factor.

The S40's interior is horrid. It's like sitting inside a cardboard box. I thought maybe they skimped in order to rush out the 2004.5 model, which was a major redesign, and the first decent (exterior) looking S40, but the brochure for the 2005 showed the same interior. Of course, it's not really quite in the same class as the other cars.

The Passat, A4, and 325i are ok, but nothing great, and they are all strangely very similar to each other. The C230's ash interior with aluminum trim really looked good, especially inside a dark colored exterior. I didn't happen to check out any Japanese cars, so I can't comment on the comparable Acura or Lexus.

DiamondNoir2K5

And another thing. Why are all the good car countries (Germany, Japan, Italy) former Axis powers? Weird.

Tandrek

I'm not the only one who thinks so... there is a long thread on this forum with pictures and other opinions. Look at the headlights and sides of the 2007 C-Class, then compare it to the current Acura TL. You will see the resemblance.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/75094-new-2007-c-class-w204.html

kimchiFLAVA

I'd pick the G35 over the c coupe anyday i drove both and yes the g35
feels alot more japenese in steer but the HP is quite impressive.
Whereas i got the c230 coupe for a loaner and the car was fun and cute but
the HP left me feeling like i wasnt satisfied. Plus the look of the c coupe i cant stand the rear but as the day went by it started growing on me.

Still though G35 coupe all the way

c230 sedan different story...

Guest0001

Yeah the G35 is probably the only japanese car I like that has a sense of style and creativity going on. I Still dont trust nissan quality though. IT would have to be impeccable for me to switch brands.

jinijazz

I haven't tried c230 coupe yet, but is it a lot different from sedan?
Just curious.

ultraseven

I will take German over Japanese any day....

Sounds like a typical FOB wearing Versaces telling me to buy MB/BMW simply because they are German. God I am convinced. Using this logic I should pick a Smart over a LS because it's German. A better comparison will be to pick the Phaeton over LS. You are kidding me. Maybe an Audi A8 but definitely not a VW. Get the logic? It has boiled down to brand prestige.

Aside from this, I too must echo the G35 again. If I want a better interior I would be in the Audi shop as fast as a bullet to get my A4 1.8T.

REX0000

Just wanted to clarify my previous post, which understandbly does imply

"I will take German over Japanese any day."

I actually do not choose cars based on whether they are japanese, or german/euro. Both have pluses/minues to their credit. And yes, Japanese manufacturers DO have reliable and well made cars.

But for me, when it comes to specifically considering a c-class vs. a g35, I just happen to like the c class better. But I do like the external styling of the g35 coupe. I think it looks very nice.

So, I don't actually want to say to anyone "choose german cars over japanese cars" just because they are german.

somone in the market for a new or used car, should defintely check out the IS 300, C class, and g35 for themselves, decide on what they are looking for in a car, and see which one fits their needs best. before I got the coupe, I considered and test drove a bunch of different cars, most of them non-german. At the end of it all, the car that felt best for me happened to be the C230.

Anyway, back to the topic: IS 300 or c-230

Tandrek

There is a reason why most individuals love the C230 Sedan, while dealerships are having trouble selling the C230 Coupe for $2500 under invoice.

vadim

Yes. Conservative buyers. Same reason that keeps drawing crowds to SUVs.

Tandrek

Not according to the salespeople at Fletcher-Jones Mercedes, and the reviews by numerous publications.

prodigy1387

what reviews? i don't think anyone has reviewed the '05 sport coupe yet. i think it's pretty much the same vehicle minus the trunk. same suspension. same chassis. same wheel size. related interior.

i just don't think most buyers who're in the market for a mercedes and willing to shell out $30,000+ will want the coupe. btw, never trust random sales people, they're usually dumbf*cks.