W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 824
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From: Southern California
You miss understood me its not about the brand of the car or $$ it all about what kind of car dose he like SUV, luxury, sports car. I like sports cars and driving an SUV is like torture for me, ill take an old sports car over a new SUV. My dad likes SUV and that what he got me and I hated it.
I don’t know maybe its just me.
I don’t know maybe its just me.
Last edited by Xpeed; Aug 6, 2003 at 12:11 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: On a hill overlooking San Francisco Bay
c230k, black, auto, c2 (let the sunshine in), Bose, leather, and CD
Well, I'm a bit bias against MBs :o, but did you look at the Infiniti g35. It's awesome!!!! I would buy that one. Otherwise the mb or lexus.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
BlueZone
If you insist on buying your son a new car, give him the money and let him decide what to get. He is an adult, after all. The idea of getting him something without him being in control of the process is kind of pathetic actually. He's not 12 any more, you know...
This "buy a car for the kids" thing is rather foreign to me. I had to buy my first car myself, and every one after that too...maybe something about my parents not swimming in money I suppose. I'm not going to buy my kids cars, new or otherwise. Racing/Mountain bicycles, yes, University tuition, yes, cars, no way!
This "buy a car for the kids" thing is rather foreign to me. I had to buy my first car myself, and every one after that too...maybe something about my parents not swimming in money I suppose. I'm not going to buy my kids cars, new or otherwise. Racing/Mountain bicycles, yes, University tuition, yes, cars, no way!
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
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Re: BlueZone
Originally posted by Mike T.
If you insist on buying your son a new car, give him the money and let him decide what to get. He is an adult, after all. The idea of getting him something without him being in control of the process is kind of pathetic actually. He's not 12 any more, you know...
This "buy a car for the kids" thing is rather foreign to me. I had to buy my first car myself, and every one after that too...maybe something about my parents not swimming in money I suppose. I'm not going to buy my kids cars, new or otherwise. Racing/Mountain bicycles, yes, University tuition, yes, cars, no way!
If you insist on buying your son a new car, give him the money and let him decide what to get. He is an adult, after all. The idea of getting him something without him being in control of the process is kind of pathetic actually. He's not 12 any more, you know...
This "buy a car for the kids" thing is rather foreign to me. I had to buy my first car myself, and every one after that too...maybe something about my parents not swimming in money I suppose. I'm not going to buy my kids cars, new or otherwise. Racing/Mountain bicycles, yes, University tuition, yes, cars, no way!
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 350
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From: Vancouver, BC Canada
2005 Porsche Boxster 987
my friend has the g35 coupe and i like the look quite a bit
but after i drove it i looked back at my benz and for some reason
i like the look of my car alot more
does that make sense?
well the g35 has speed but the feel of driving it is like a upper class accord...dun get me wrong g35 is still a freakin sweet car..
the benz has that solid feeling you just cant beat
my 2 cents
but after i drove it i looked back at my benz and for some reason
i like the look of my car alot more
does that make sense?
well the g35 has speed but the feel of driving it is like a upper class accord...dun get me wrong g35 is still a freakin sweet car..
the benz has that solid feeling you just cant beat
my 2 cents
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 824
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From: Southern California
Re: Re: BlueZone
Originally posted by BlueZone
I'm not swimming in money by any stretch of the imagination, but I've always told my kids that if they do good in school, stay out of trouble, and hold a part time job that I'll take care of the cars. I know some parents things isn't completely 'wrong' to do so, but I see no harm in getting my kids a nice car if they hold up their end of the deal, and give them something that will have a little value when they're on they're own and ready to buy themselves a new car. We decided on what type of car he wanted, so I went and looked to suprise him and he really likes the car. If he would have hated if when I brought it home I certainly wouldn't have purchased it this morning.
I'm not swimming in money by any stretch of the imagination, but I've always told my kids that if they do good in school, stay out of trouble, and hold a part time job that I'll take care of the cars. I know some parents things isn't completely 'wrong' to do so, but I see no harm in getting my kids a nice car if they hold up their end of the deal, and give them something that will have a little value when they're on they're own and ready to buy themselves a new car. We decided on what type of car he wanted, so I went and looked to suprise him and he really likes the car. If he would have hated if when I brought it home I certainly wouldn't have purchased it this morning.
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 72
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buying a car through a website..PLEASE HELP
well i want to be a C class through a private person. its a 2002 with 20,000 miles on it and still under warranty. Im wondering if i should look into a MB under the starmark used car. What does the starmark program include?
if i buy the car throguh a private party could i still take it to any MB for free service..like oil changes, wiper blades, etc?
what whould you do
if i buy the car throguh a private party could i still take it to any MB for free service..like oil changes, wiper blades, etc?
what whould you do
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
Likes: 2
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
The car is under warranty so it's probably a safe bet mechanically so there's no big advantage to buying Starmark except they are much better at hiding defects. The main thing I look for in a late model car under warranty is for any frame or body defects. It takes experience to know where to look like where body shops spend less effort but if you are not sure, take it to a local body shop, they can spot collision repair a mile away. Imagine getting a car that has frame/substructure damage and it eats tires every 5k miles, handles funny, bends the wrong way in a crash, rusts prematurely, airbag doesn't deploy and fades unevenly. It doesn't mean it's bad that it's been hit, just means you have to be that much more cautious like get collision repair bills so you can access the extent and quality of the repair.
Good luck......
Good luck......
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
Re: buying a car through a website..PLEASE HELP
Originally posted by Dubs42
well i want to be a C class through a private person. its a 2002 with 20,000 miles on it and still under warranty. Im wondering if i should look into a MB under the starmark used car. What does the starmark program include?
if i buy the car throguh a private party could i still take it to any MB for free service..like oil changes, wiper blades, etc?
what whould you do
well i want to be a C class through a private person. its a 2002 with 20,000 miles on it and still under warranty. Im wondering if i should look into a MB under the starmark used car. What does the starmark program include?
if i buy the car throguh a private party could i still take it to any MB for free service..like oil changes, wiper blades, etc?
what whould you do
The car is under warranty for the first 4 years (from time of purchase - because it's an 02, it could have been purchased in 01 meaning you only have about a year left). A and B service will be covered during this time (assuming the car was purchased in the US).
Almost a Member!
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Re: Re: buying a car through a website..PLEASE HELP
Originally posted by revstriker
You should expect to pay less through a private party than through the dealer (starmark). What you give up is any kind of guarantee, so you have to be sure that the car is in good condition before you buy it.
The car is under warranty for the first 4 years (from time of purchase - because it's an 02, it could have been purchased in 01 meaning you only have about a year left). A and B service will be covered during this time (assuming the car was purchased in the US).
You should expect to pay less through a private party than through the dealer (starmark). What you give up is any kind of guarantee, so you have to be sure that the car is in good condition before you buy it.
The car is under warranty for the first 4 years (from time of purchase - because it's an 02, it could have been purchased in 01 meaning you only have about a year left). A and B service will be covered during this time (assuming the car was purchased in the US).
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
Re: Re: Re: buying a car through a website..PLEASE HELP
Originally posted by Dubs42
but itsnt it also under warranty until 4 yrs/50,000 miles? not just 4 months right..?
but itsnt it also under warranty until 4 yrs/50,000 miles? not just 4 months right..?
For example, if the car was purchased in July 2001, the warranty will be up in July 2005.
Not sure what you mean by 4 months.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,062
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From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
just to be safe, i'd pay little extra and get starmark model at ur local dealer...
not all, but some dealers tend to give u better service if u bought the car from them...
plus, doesn't starmark give u full 4yr warranty?
not all, but some dealers tend to give u better service if u bought the car from them...
plus, doesn't starmark give u full 4yr warranty?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I don't know about your dealer but my dealer charges a huge upcharge for their Starmarked cars. For example, I wanted an 2003 E320. They wanted 48K for a used one by I can get a brand new 2004 for that price on Carsdirect.com. To add to the ripoff, I can go to a wholesale auction and get the car for 32-35K, still have 2-3 years left on the warranty and use a very small part of the 15K savings to get an aftermarket extended warranty and get it professionally detailed.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 829
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05 CLK 320
Buying 05 C230
Hey Guys,
Looks like I have decided to buy the 05 230 sedan. The options I got are
Color
Brilliant Silver + Charcoal leather inserts
Lighting Package
(adaptive bixeons + washers)
Entertainment Package
(12 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system + 6 disc cd player)
Sunroof Package
(similar to the current package)
Comfort Package for driver
(The package has been changed to give the
memory only for the driver nothing for the
passenger)
Metallic Paint .
I used to drive a 01 C240, I loved the C240 becuase of the ride quality and low noise levels. Then couple of months back I got rid of it and an 02 BMW330CI is my primary car. The 330CI is a nice car but it is too noisy and bumpy. So couple days back I went to the benz dealership to see the new C class. As soon as I saw the 05 C230 I knew I wanted it. The annoying things in the 01 models have been fixed mainly the dials and the controls. The exterior looks so much better. The dealer made a good offer to trade in the BMW I am getting the edmunds trandin price which is great.
The final price for the 05 230 is 36100 + TTL.
Hopefully everything goes according to plan and I will be driving the 05 C230 soon. Also I hope the quality holds up on this Merc.
My advise stay away from BMW's. If you want sport then just go for a porsche dont try to get a BMW which is neither really sporty or really luxurious. If people say BMW's are the ultimate driving machines then they really have not driven a porsche before.
Also if any body has a reason why I should not get the 05 C230 let me know I still need to sign the papers.
Looks like I have decided to buy the 05 230 sedan. The options I got are
Color
Brilliant Silver + Charcoal leather inserts
Lighting Package
(adaptive bixeons + washers)
Entertainment Package
(12 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system + 6 disc cd player)
Sunroof Package
(similar to the current package)
Comfort Package for driver
(The package has been changed to give the
memory only for the driver nothing for the
passenger)
Metallic Paint .
I used to drive a 01 C240, I loved the C240 becuase of the ride quality and low noise levels. Then couple of months back I got rid of it and an 02 BMW330CI is my primary car. The 330CI is a nice car but it is too noisy and bumpy. So couple days back I went to the benz dealership to see the new C class. As soon as I saw the 05 C230 I knew I wanted it. The annoying things in the 01 models have been fixed mainly the dials and the controls. The exterior looks so much better. The dealer made a good offer to trade in the BMW I am getting the edmunds trandin price which is great.
The final price for the 05 230 is 36100 + TTL.
Hopefully everything goes according to plan and I will be driving the 05 C230 soon. Also I hope the quality holds up on this Merc.
My advise stay away from BMW's. If you want sport then just go for a porsche dont try to get a BMW which is neither really sporty or really luxurious. If people say BMW's are the ultimate driving machines then they really have not driven a porsche before.
Also if any body has a reason why I should not get the 05 C230 let me know I still need to sign the papers.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
Likes: 1
From: Obama Land
K Car
I haven't seen any mention of great "deals" on the 2005 C Class. Considering that they are just hitting the dealers, I would expect them to sell pretty close to MSRP. You could probably get a great deal on an 04 since the dealers are trying to clear out the 04s to make room for the 05s, or wait 6 months or so, and get a better deal on the 05.
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Macon, Georgia
Black C 240
Sorry to hear you did not like your BMW. I loved my 2001 330Cic, but dropped it when I needed 4 doors. Love my Benz also, dont get me wrong, but I did not buy a BMW for lux or quietness - I bought it for pure sport. Did not shop Porshe (well, I did check out boxters - but did not buy) because 2 fewer passengers, no golf clubs in trunk, and MUCH more expensive.....not to mention no dealership in Macon...nearest one is Atlanta.
I still retain membership in BMW CCA and went racing the Z4 3.0, and found it to be quite a remarkable machine. They let us drive and they held the race days all over the US...Mercedes hacks me since they only have certain driving locations and they dont let YOU drive the cars on the track....(at least that is what I have been told) if you want to drive, the last event I saw had a $1000 price tag on it.
I still love BMWs and will have another one day, but the Benz is gonna last me a while first - 7 year minimum.
I still retain membership in BMW CCA and went racing the Z4 3.0, and found it to be quite a remarkable machine. They let us drive and they held the race days all over the US...Mercedes hacks me since they only have certain driving locations and they dont let YOU drive the cars on the track....(at least that is what I have been told) if you want to drive, the last event I saw had a $1000 price tag on it.
I still love BMWs and will have another one day, but the Benz is gonna last me a while first - 7 year minimum.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: West Los Angeles
2007 ML63 / 2009 C350 Sport
I got my 05 C230 sedan for $350 over invoice, but I forget the total. Somewhere around 33k - 34k with sunroof, ent pkg, lighting pkg, rear seat, heated front seats and automatic. When I get home I'll look through the dealer paperwork and get you an idea of what prices in LA are like. Congrats! I love the car!
05 C230k Sedan - Pewter/Charcoal
05 C230k Sedan - Pewter/Charcoal
