W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Although different, I have the 2004.5 C230 sedan with 6-spd and it's been great, no troubles, good comfort, good fuel mileage (30+ on long trips), shifter is a pleasure to use, clutch action is good. If you can find a 2004.5 it's better because it's 1" lower, has the big brakes, blue tint windows, chrome exhaust tip, nicer wheels and the impervious nano ceramic clearcoat. Also it will likely still have plenty of time on the warranty and free maintenance to make the price difference worthwhile.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 70
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From: Washington DC
'11 GL450
I'd also consider at least a 2004.5
44k on a '03 is not that bad consider it probably is at least 3 years old. I picked up my 04.5 in '03 Nov. So far (touch wood), I haven't had a single problem with the car and it drives great.
I'm getting 28 MPG with city/hwy and 32 hwy.
44k on a '03 is not that bad consider it probably is at least 3 years old. I picked up my 04.5 in '03 Nov. So far (touch wood), I haven't had a single problem with the car and it drives great.
I'm getting 28 MPG with city/hwy and 32 hwy.
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Southern CA. Orange / Irvine / Long Beach
08 CLS550 Diamond White 09upgrades
....is it too late??
The car as describe is a very good deal; however you CANNOT 
BUY WARRANTY with a car over 100k in milages. If you are okay with it then this car is a steal.
BUY WARRANTY with a car over 100k in milages. If you are okay with it then this car is a steal.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 87
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From: South Florida
2006 C230 2.5 V6
C320 Buying Advice??
Since I bought my 2006 C230 Sport my wife fel in love with it. I think it's a little weak on power.
My questions is: My local dealer has a couple new 2005 C320 Sports in stock. Imay be able to cut a nice deal, but I can't find any tecnical info on this vehicle ( power, performance. auto trans, etc). Can you please help?
My questions is: My local dealer has a couple new 2005 C320 Sports in stock. Imay be able to cut a nice deal, but I can't find any tecnical info on this vehicle ( power, performance. auto trans, etc). Can you please help?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I believe the 2005 C320 is 215 hp/221 torque.
It's about a 6.9 second 0-60 car.
Having an E320 in the garage with a similiar engine (221 HP/232 Torque) I'd say that the C320 is a good performer.
5 Speed automatic transmission. Handling should be similiar to that of your current C230.
My suggestion however is to pay the premium for the C350. Supposedly that car has very reasonable power.
It's about a 6.9 second 0-60 car.
Having an E320 in the garage with a similiar engine (221 HP/232 Torque) I'd say that the C320 is a good performer.
5 Speed automatic transmission. Handling should be similiar to that of your current C230.
My suggestion however is to pay the premium for the C350. Supposedly that car has very reasonable power.
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Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 87
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From: South Florida
2006 C230 2.5 V6
Thanks for the advice, I am interested in the new 2005 C320 Sport because: 1. It looks just as nice as the C230 sport (the same)
2. Better Harmen Karden sound system
3. Full power seats.
4. Most importantly a much better purchase price. The C350 are about $6,000.00 more.
If the C320 is nearly as good a performer with the better features. Would it be a good buy at $35,000
2. Better Harmen Karden sound system
3. Full power seats.
4. Most importantly a much better purchase price. The C350 are about $6,000.00 more.
If the C320 is nearly as good a performer with the better features. Would it be a good buy at $35,000
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Assuming that you are asking a question. I'd say that it'd be a good buy if the colour scheme and options are correct. It should be around $7k off sticker at this point. $35k is not a good price for a car with no options and/or in a bad colour scheme.
The C350 also features the same Harman Kardon sound system (as an option for the 2006 model year), power seats (standard), and similiar looks as the C230. The C350 should be approximately $4k-5k off sticker. Although they will probably only quote you $2k-3k since they'll want to get you into a C320 that they're trying to get rid of.
The C350 also features the same Harman Kardon sound system (as an option for the 2006 model year), power seats (standard), and similiar looks as the C230. The C350 should be approximately $4k-5k off sticker. Although they will probably only quote you $2k-3k since they'll want to get you into a C320 that they're trying to get rid of.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by Gentlemanjim
...but I can't find any tecnical info on this vehicle ( power, performance. auto trans, etc)...
"The C320 sedan is the best overall value in this line. It's a desirable premium compact in its own right, and vies with the best in class for driving composure, features, and long-term value. The 4Matic C240s and C320s impress with all-season security. C-Class coupes are less accommodating than the sedans, and lack the performance or styling to score with enthusiast buyers."
Source: http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/N.../Act/RoadTest/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
the MBUSA website provides mixed results for the 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan model.
On the website, it said automatic transmission gets a 0-60 time in 7.5 seconds. In the brochure, 7.8.
I think in reality, the 0-60 time is around 8 seconds.
On the website, it said automatic transmission gets a 0-60 time in 7.5 seconds. In the brochure, 7.8.
I think in reality, the 0-60 time is around 8 seconds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by patrick_y
the MBUSA website provides mixed results for the 2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan model.
On the website, it said automatic transmission gets a 0-60 time in 7.5 seconds. In the brochure, 7.8.
I think in reality, the 0-60 time is around 8 seconds.
On the website, it said automatic transmission gets a 0-60 time in 7.5 seconds. In the brochure, 7.8.
I think in reality, the 0-60 time is around 8 seconds.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
You know what I was thinking about when I woke up at 3AM today? I was thinking that I would love to have a Subaru Impreza with a flappy paddle shifting gearbox (the paddle shifter manual with a real clutch that's operated by a robot).
Then, I'd get an STi, and I've been told those things will do naught to sixty in about a scant 5 seconds and have incredible handling.
I might even enjoy this Subaru car more than a BMW M3 (once the get the 4 door version with the SMG that shifts comfortably out). Or my current longtime (it's been over two years) favorite, the Maserati Coupe with the Cambiocorsa transmission (fancy word for paddle shifter).
Then, I'd get an STi, and I've been told those things will do naught to sixty in about a scant 5 seconds and have incredible handling.
I might even enjoy this Subaru car more than a BMW M3 (once the get the 4 door version with the SMG that shifts comfortably out). Or my current longtime (it's been over two years) favorite, the Maserati Coupe with the Cambiocorsa transmission (fancy word for paddle shifter).
Last edited by patrick_y; May 14, 2006 at 10:26 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,015
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2005 C320wz
Originally Posted by patrick_y
You know what I was thinking about when I woke up at 3AM today? I was thinking that I would love to have a Subaru Impreza with a flappy paddle shifting gearbox (the paddle shifter manual with a real clutch that's operated by a robot).
Then, I'd get an STi, and I've been told those things will do naught to sixty in about a scant 5 seconds and have incredible handling.
I might even enjoy this Subaru car more than a BMW M3 (once the get the 4 door version with the SMG that shifts comfortably out). Or my current longtime (it's been over two years) favorite, the Maserati Coupe with the Cambiocorsa transmission (fancy word for paddle shifter).
Then, I'd get an STi, and I've been told those things will do naught to sixty in about a scant 5 seconds and have incredible handling.
I might even enjoy this Subaru car more than a BMW M3 (once the get the 4 door version with the SMG that shifts comfortably out). Or my current longtime (it's been over two years) favorite, the Maserati Coupe with the Cambiocorsa transmission (fancy word for paddle shifter).
http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/impreza_limited.asp
I drove next to a WRX one time and that car really sounded incredibly powerful.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Originally Posted by mick1
I prefer the limited version over the standard version because it loses the rear wing, comes with leather seats, and has the same engine.
http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/impreza_limited.asp
I drove next to a WRX one time and that car really sounded incredibly powerful.
http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/impreza_limited.asp
I drove next to a WRX one time and that car really sounded incredibly powerful.
While I'm not a fan at all of Subaru's styling exterior-wise. I do appreciate their excellent handling dynamics.
I have only been in the current 2.5 Impreza (non turbocharged base model), but I found that vehicle to be extremely impressive. It was in manual as well.
Once again, since I'm not terribly keen on driving a manual daily (on occassion is fine, but not daily), I must insist on a sequential transmission. I shall write a letter to Subaru to request this.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
A left over 2005 for 35K means you have given the dealer a $5,000. gift. Has he treated you that well?
The unit. although new, is still almost 2 model years old. A new 2007 c class is coming soon, that will further drive down prices on the older styling.
Just because a car is new, it still as depreciation built into it. The dealer most certainly took the 3500. cash incentive and can afford to keep it in stock for a long time, hoping to move it on someone who can't quite qualify for a new C350, but still wants a new car.
Start at invoice on the car (not MSRP) and subtract 5% from that for holdback, then deduct 3500. Ignore the destination charge, the dealer does not need to collect that. It should really be called "Charge at Destination" because the costs to deliver the car from the factory to the dealer is built into the invoice price of the car.
I would not pay more than 30K for such a unit.
The unit. although new, is still almost 2 model years old. A new 2007 c class is coming soon, that will further drive down prices on the older styling.
Just because a car is new, it still as depreciation built into it. The dealer most certainly took the 3500. cash incentive and can afford to keep it in stock for a long time, hoping to move it on someone who can't quite qualify for a new C350, but still wants a new car.
Start at invoice on the car (not MSRP) and subtract 5% from that for holdback, then deduct 3500. Ignore the destination charge, the dealer does not need to collect that. It should really be called "Charge at Destination" because the costs to deliver the car from the factory to the dealer is built into the invoice price of the car.
I would not pay more than 30K for such a unit.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
2006 C230 2.5 V6
Thanks, I agree and like your line of thinking. A new C230 w/AT, S/R, CD changer is 32,500. That's what I paid for mine. $30,000 (or no more than the 05 C230) for a C320 2005 seems fair to me.
So how did Subaru get into this thread?? Please
So how did Subaru get into this thread?? Please
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Keep in mind that a lot of the pricing quoted by members is CA pricing. Looking through the forum you will find that this does not necessarily hold true in other parts of the country. This is something these members seem to forget at times.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Originally Posted by Moviela
A left over 2005 for 35K means you have given the dealer a $5,000. gift. Has he treated you that well?
The unit. although new, is still almost 2 model years old. A new 2007 c class is coming soon, that will further drive down prices on the older styling.
Just because a car is new, it still as depreciation built into it. The dealer most certainly took the 3500. cash incentive and can afford to keep it in stock for a long time, hoping to move it on someone who can't quite qualify for a new C350, but still wants a new car.
Start at invoice on the car (not MSRP) and subtract 5% from that for holdback, then deduct 3500. Ignore the destination charge, the dealer does not need to collect that. It should really be called "Charge at Destination" because the costs to deliver the car from the factory to the dealer is built into the invoice price of the car.
I would not pay more than 30K for such a unit.
The unit. although new, is still almost 2 model years old. A new 2007 c class is coming soon, that will further drive down prices on the older styling.
Just because a car is new, it still as depreciation built into it. The dealer most certainly took the 3500. cash incentive and can afford to keep it in stock for a long time, hoping to move it on someone who can't quite qualify for a new C350, but still wants a new car.
Start at invoice on the car (not MSRP) and subtract 5% from that for holdback, then deduct 3500. Ignore the destination charge, the dealer does not need to collect that. It should really be called "Charge at Destination" because the costs to deliver the car from the factory to the dealer is built into the invoice price of the car.
I would not pay more than 30K for such a unit.
I agree. $30k is a fair price. The dealer may be able to get more though if they find the right bird in the dealership.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Originally Posted by patrick_y
Wow, I never knew Mercedes had 5% in holdback, I thought it was 3%.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 11
From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Originally Posted by Moviela
Incentive to move a unit is 3%, then an additional 2% if customer satisfaction is excellent. Some dealers get additonal incentives that are only know by the dealer principal and DaimlerChrysler, mostly dealing with placement of financial paper.
Probably $75k. That's what I think. At the most $80k.
Yup, and those dealers are complaining that they're not making any money.
