W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
Yeah I'd give him the E430 also, but I guess if its between the 3 cars you listed then IMO the C320 is the best option. I dont think overall its the best choice, but better than the Jag and certainly the Lexus.
My personal choice would be either a slightly used Audi S4 or a new A4 3.0 quattro.
My personal choice would be either a slightly used Audi S4 or a new A4 3.0 quattro.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Jim Banville
Unless you're made of money, give him the E class you're driving and go ahead and buy the S class
Unless you're made of money, give him the E class you're driving and go ahead and buy the S class
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
Son + college + MB = lots of airbags...
At that age, and entering college, I would put him in a milder benz, like a C240, or even a W202. Unless he is the most responsible teenager on earth.
At that age, and entering college, I would put him in a milder benz, like a C240, or even a W202. Unless he is the most responsible teenager on earth.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, MD
My opinion, the used ones, Coupe, would be an '02 which I adore mine, but it would've been a stoning and a very expensive trip for the parents that bought me one of these, then.
I was trying to recommend something less peppy, more responsibility encouraging.
I was trying to recommend something less peppy, more responsibility encouraging.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Originally posted by finalheaven
Whynot the C230?
Whynot the C230?
Originally posted by nukblazi
My opinion, the used ones, Coupe, would be an '02 which I adore mine, but it would've been a stoning and a very expensive trip for the parents that bought me one of these, then.
I was trying to recommend something less peppy, more responsibility encouraging.
My opinion, the used ones, Coupe, would be an '02 which I adore mine, but it would've been a stoning and a very expensive trip for the parents that bought me one of these, then.
I was trying to recommend something less peppy, more responsibility encouraging.
Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco Bay Area
MB C230K
If he's moving lots of stuff, nothing beats the HATCHBACK of the Coupe. I put the seats down, stash the deck lid and have voluminous cargo space!
Also, if he's into sports, it's a great way to carry your gear, such as bikes, skis, backpacks, etc.
I wouldn't want him to pack all his stuff on those fancy leather seats in the C320 - it makes me shudder just thinking about it - whatever you do, don't get the oyster leather!
--Steffen
Also, if he's into sports, it's a great way to carry your gear, such as bikes, skis, backpacks, etc.
I wouldn't want him to pack all his stuff on those fancy leather seats in the C320 - it makes me shudder just thinking about it - whatever you do, don't get the oyster leather!
--Steffen
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C230
I'm a college student myself so, here's my take :-) If he's 20 and into his third year, he's probably pretty responsible about driving already, you're right about that point. I don't do stupid stuff while driving anymore.. one bad experience is one too many.
I think you should keep in mind that ultimately even if you're surprising him with the car you decide on, you should try to ask him what he thinks of it before you buy it.
1. I think he should get your E; too many miles maybe, but still, it's a really good car. Just get it checked up by a good mechanic before.
HOWEVER, if you still want to get him a new car, read on:
2. It sounds like you're into reliability (although we all are to some extent) so you should only be considering the Lexus and MB.
3. Don't get the C-Coupe... I would hate driving that (no offence to all you C-Coupe drivers out there). It is a LOT more convienent having 4 doors in college, especially when your friends without cars all pile into your car to go somewhere.
4. For MB, don't get the C320. I feel it's too much money and too much horsepower. You also shouldn't get the C240, as it's somewhat underpowered. Get the C230 k sedan.
5. So now we're basically we're now deciding between the IS300 and C230k sedan. And that can only be settled with a test drive. :-D (Personally I feel the Lexus has much more bang for the buck)
Tell us what you decide on and if he gets a MB, send him to the forum! Good luck, you're being a very generous dad.
I think you should keep in mind that ultimately even if you're surprising him with the car you decide on, you should try to ask him what he thinks of it before you buy it.
1. I think he should get your E; too many miles maybe, but still, it's a really good car. Just get it checked up by a good mechanic before.
HOWEVER, if you still want to get him a new car, read on:
2. It sounds like you're into reliability (although we all are to some extent) so you should only be considering the Lexus and MB.
3. Don't get the C-Coupe... I would hate driving that (no offence to all you C-Coupe drivers out there). It is a LOT more convienent having 4 doors in college, especially when your friends without cars all pile into your car to go somewhere.
4. For MB, don't get the C320. I feel it's too much money and too much horsepower. You also shouldn't get the C240, as it's somewhat underpowered. Get the C230 k sedan.
5. So now we're basically we're now deciding between the IS300 and C230k sedan. And that can only be settled with a test drive. :-D (Personally I feel the Lexus has much more bang for the buck)
Tell us what you decide on and if he gets a MB, send him to the forum! Good luck, you're being a very generous dad.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: LA, CA
Originally posted by BlueZone
The 320 with it's 4 doors would be better for him, especially with moving things back and forth from home to school. I'm also not really crazy about the looks of the coupe either.
The 320 with it's 4 doors would be better for him, especially with moving things back and forth from home to school. I'm also not really crazy about the looks of the coupe either.
Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: LA, CA
Originally posted by midas888
2. It sounds like you're into reliability (although we all are to some extent) so you should only be considering the Lexus and MB.
5. So now we're basically we're now deciding between the IS300 and C230k sedan. And that can only be settled with a test drive. :-D (Personally I feel the Lexus has much more bang for the buck)
2. It sounds like you're into reliability (although we all are to some extent) so you should only be considering the Lexus and MB.
5. So now we're basically we're now deciding between the IS300 and C230k sedan. And that can only be settled with a test drive. :-D (Personally I feel the Lexus has much more bang for the buck)
BMW 325/330, Lexus IS300, Acura TSX, Infiniti G35... all of these are prolly in the range of cars you are looking for. All of which has a better reliability rating.
Either ways i think a C230 Sedan is the way to go. I am a college student myself and am thinking about that car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
He's 20 - let him pick. If you're gonna spoil him, at least give him some input on the decision.
Though I'd pick the Lexus, since reliability should be most important. And of course, a manny.
And don't forget that he'll probably want to get rid of it shortly after college to move on to something else, so depreciation is important. Lexus again.
Though I'd pick the Lexus, since reliability should be most important. And of course, a manny.
And don't forget that he'll probably want to get rid of it shortly after college to move on to something else, so depreciation is important. Lexus again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
SLS AMG | S65 AMG | GL550
DO NOT GET THE X-TYPE IN A STICK SHIFT!
It is horrible...and I mean horrible. I love the car, I was going to buy it before I looked at the Coupe, but I could not live with the stick. If your son wants a stick make sure you test drive one or don't buy it...
Otherwise, IMO the X-Type is the nicest of the three (well loaded that is). Don't forget, stock, the car does not have a moonroof, power seats, etc. I love the all wheel drive system, its great in the snow...and I know this becuase I had an X-Type rental for over 45 days in the past year becuase of severe problems with my S-Type. According to the techs, the X-Type doesn't have the problems that plague my S.
I would take a 3.0 sport X-Type over a 320 anyday.
As for the lexus, its a nice car, but feels cheap IMO.
Erik
It is horrible...and I mean horrible. I love the car, I was going to buy it before I looked at the Coupe, but I could not live with the stick. If your son wants a stick make sure you test drive one or don't buy it...
Otherwise, IMO the X-Type is the nicest of the three (well loaded that is). Don't forget, stock, the car does not have a moonroof, power seats, etc. I love the all wheel drive system, its great in the snow...and I know this becuase I had an X-Type rental for over 45 days in the past year becuase of severe problems with my S-Type. According to the techs, the X-Type doesn't have the problems that plague my S.
I would take a 3.0 sport X-Type over a 320 anyday.
As for the lexus, its a nice car, but feels cheap IMO.
Erik
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
I went and picked up the C320 this afternoon. We didn't buy it yet, we're just test driving for the evening. He seems to really like it. The paint is black and initially was my only concern, since it did have a fair amount of swirl marks, but the dealer had the paint worked on and it looks practically brand new now. They're also having 1 of the AMG rims repaired because of a very, very small curb rash incident from the previous owner. He still wants to go check out the X-Type in the morning, but I have a feeling he's going to want to stick with the C320. Thanks for the help.
I did check out a 745Li with 6,400 miles on it while I was there, and I must say, I might be rethinking my S500 decision.
That car is beautiful.
I did check out a 745Li with 6,400 miles on it while I was there, and I must say, I might be rethinking my S500 decision.
That car is beautiful.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
E Class
I say give him the E unless it's a total beater. In what respect is it showing its age, and how many miles are on it?
Just as a point of reference, my 1989 Peugeot has 200,000 miles on it and is just fine, thank you very much. Original paint, original engine, original gearbox, original clutch. Broke down once when the ignition coil failed at 170,000 miles. I've changed the brake pads a few times and the 4 discs once, oh, and the alternator. Nothing else worth mentioning. It will see the better side of 300,000 miles with no major work, I'm pretty sure of it.
So, once again, exactly how many miles are on your E and what's wrong with it? I surely hope it's at least as good my newer French car, because it cost four times as much...
My older French car is even better, but that's another story 
Our 2002 Benz broke down (no start) when it was 7 months old. Hmmmm
BTW, how can you possibly think that a 4 door sedan is any better for moving stuff around than a hatchback? A C 230 K would be a smarter choice IMO. Don't get the V-6 though.
Don't buy the Bangle-mobile either. There are major warranty claims on these things and an abnormally high number of buy-backs on the market. Oh, and let's talk about the ridiculous and obtuse I-Drive system, where it takes three or four menu levels to do what was once do-able with a flick of a dedicated switch. Progress? Nope, computer geeks run amok. The 7er is a dog, and the **** end is hideous, making the C 230 K rump look like that of a svelte young woman.
Just as a point of reference, my 1989 Peugeot has 200,000 miles on it and is just fine, thank you very much. Original paint, original engine, original gearbox, original clutch. Broke down once when the ignition coil failed at 170,000 miles. I've changed the brake pads a few times and the 4 discs once, oh, and the alternator. Nothing else worth mentioning. It will see the better side of 300,000 miles with no major work, I'm pretty sure of it.
So, once again, exactly how many miles are on your E and what's wrong with it? I surely hope it's at least as good my newer French car, because it cost four times as much...
My older French car is even better, but that's another story Our 2002 Benz broke down (no start) when it was 7 months old. Hmmmm
BTW, how can you possibly think that a 4 door sedan is any better for moving stuff around than a hatchback? A C 230 K would be a smarter choice IMO. Don't get the V-6 though.
Don't buy the Bangle-mobile either. There are major warranty claims on these things and an abnormally high number of buy-backs on the market. Oh, and let's talk about the ridiculous and obtuse I-Drive system, where it takes three or four menu levels to do what was once do-able with a flick of a dedicated switch. Progress? Nope, computer geeks run amok. The 7er is a dog, and the **** end is hideous, making the C 230 K rump look like that of a svelte young woman.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Re: E Class
Originally posted by Mike T.
I say give him the E unless it's a total beater. In what respect is it showing its age, and how many miles are on it?
Just as a point of reference, my 1989 Peugeot has 200,000 miles on it and is just fine, thank you very much. Original paint, original engine, original gearbox, original clutch. Broke down once when the ignition coil failed at 170,000 miles. I've changed the brake pads a few times and the 4 discs once, oh, and the alternator. Nothing else worth mentioning. It will see the better side of 300,000 miles with no major work, I'm pretty sure of it.
So, once again, exactly how many miles are on your E and what's wrong with it? I surely hope it's at least as good my newer French car, because it cost four times as much... My older French car is even better, but that's another story
Our 2002 Benz broke down (no start) when it was 7 months old. Hmmmm
BTW, how can you possibly think that a 4 door sedan is any better for moving stuff around than a hatchback? A C 230 K would be a smarter choice IMO. Don't get the V-6 though.
Don't buy the Bangle-mobile either. There are major warranty claims on these things and an abnormally high number of buy-backs on the market. Oh, and let's talk about the ridiculous and obtuse I-Drive system, where it takes three or four menu levels to do what was once do-able with a flick of a dedicated switch. Progress? Nope, computer geeks run amok. The 7er is a dog, and the **** end is hideous, making the C 230 K rump look like that of a svelte young woman.
I say give him the E unless it's a total beater. In what respect is it showing its age, and how many miles are on it?
Just as a point of reference, my 1989 Peugeot has 200,000 miles on it and is just fine, thank you very much. Original paint, original engine, original gearbox, original clutch. Broke down once when the ignition coil failed at 170,000 miles. I've changed the brake pads a few times and the 4 discs once, oh, and the alternator. Nothing else worth mentioning. It will see the better side of 300,000 miles with no major work, I'm pretty sure of it.
So, once again, exactly how many miles are on your E and what's wrong with it? I surely hope it's at least as good my newer French car, because it cost four times as much...
My older French car is even better, but that's another story Our 2002 Benz broke down (no start) when it was 7 months old. Hmmmm
BTW, how can you possibly think that a 4 door sedan is any better for moving stuff around than a hatchback? A C 230 K would be a smarter choice IMO. Don't get the V-6 though.
Don't buy the Bangle-mobile either. There are major warranty claims on these things and an abnormally high number of buy-backs on the market. Oh, and let's talk about the ridiculous and obtuse I-Drive system, where it takes three or four menu levels to do what was once do-able with a flick of a dedicated switch. Progress? Nope, computer geeks run amok. The 7er is a dog, and the **** end is hideous, making the C 230 K rump look like that of a svelte young woman.
I have 2 things against the coupe. Number one being that 4 doors will be easier to haul people around, number two being that I really don't like the overall look of the vehicle. C320 it is, if he chooses the MB.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 0
From: Vienna, Austria
Audi S4
Originally posted by kimchiFLAVA
you guys are who want him to get the old e class are being party poopers.
let him have the new car experience his dad wants him too so stop hating
you guys are who want him to get the old e class are being party poopers.
let him have the new car experience his dad wants him too so stop hating
If my dad gave me one I'd definately denounce him as a party pooper and ask for a new car instead.
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Don’t buy the X type its junk it is one of the worst cars ever made. It is very unreliable. Its based on a Ford conture.
Now as far as what you should buy your son how about this why don’t you let him make the decision? My dad bought me my first car in high school without asking me and I hated it. I wanted a sports car he got me a sport utility. Buy a car that he will enjoy driving.
Now as far as what you should buy your son how about this why don’t you let him make the decision? My dad bought me my first car in high school without asking me and I hated it. I wanted a sports car he got me a sport utility. Buy a car that he will enjoy driving.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Originally posted by Xpeed
Don’t buy the X type its junk it is one of the worst cars ever made. It is very unreliable. Its based on a Ford conture.
Now as far as what you should buy your son how about this why don’t you let him make the decision? My dad bought me my first car in high school without asking me and I hated it. I wanted a sports car he got me a sport utility. Buy a car that he will enjoy driving.
Don’t buy the X type its junk it is one of the worst cars ever made. It is very unreliable. Its based on a Ford conture.
Now as far as what you should buy your son how about this why don’t you let him make the decision? My dad bought me my first car in high school without asking me and I hated it. I wanted a sports car he got me a sport utility. Buy a car that he will enjoy driving.
We've talked about it in the past and this is the type of vehicle he wants, but he wasn't aware that I was going to actually buy one. But now with him moving out, and the fact that his townhouse will have a garage so it won't just be getting beat up in a college parking lot, I think it's time.
