qwerty1024

Hello.

I understand there isn't much "real-world" data regarding the new W204's reliability yet, but any help/ideas anyone could give me would be much appreciated (even if the info is based on the W203).

In the event I do decide to get the new 2008 C class from other alternatives, I will finance instead of lease - I'd like to own the car for more than just 3-5 years. My question is, is there an "extended warranty" available for C300/C350?

I've never owned a Mercedes but the brief serch I've done lead me to believe that 1.) It isn't as reliable as other makes and 2.) Maintenance isn't relatively cheap. So *assuming* my understanding is correct, I'm guessing it would be good for me to get an "extended warranty" plan, if one is available (?).

On a separate note - I'm really excited about what I've read so far regarding the new W204s. I think I understand some of its "shortcomings" (based on reviews and people's complaints) and it might just be the best fit for my needs. Thanks.

qwerty1024

I may have answered part of my question

First, there's the "New Vehicle Limited Warranty" which "covers any defects in material or workmanship for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first."

Secondly, there's the "Extended Limited Warranty" which "you can extend your peace of mind by purchasing an additional 12, 24, or 36 months of coverage, or up to 100,000 total accrued miles, whichever occurs first."

And rates listed on the MBUSA.com are:
+12 months/up to 100,000 total vehicle-accrued miles $2,150
+24 months/up to 100,000 total vehicle-accrued miles $2,680
+36 months/up to 100,000 total vehicle-accrued miles $3,700

Info taken from http://www.mbusa.com/care/warranty/extended-limited.do
Maybe it's something I'll consider.

LaicepsYdobon

I don't have the W204 model yet so I can't give you much info on that but I do have a 2005 C240 4matic (the W203 model). After getting the car everyone with whom I've talked to said that I made a mistake and the car is going to be nothing but problems. I'm happy to report that everyone was wrong. Knock on wood but there really hasn't been anything wrong with my car. It has 24,000 miles on it and I use it every day rain or shine. So far the biggest issue with the car was when my sunroof started acting up but when I took it to my local dealer they showed me a trick on how to fix it in 30 seconds (the sensors had to be recalibrated).
I've had two scheduled services, both for which I had to pay for (you don't get the free 4 year/50,000 mile freebie you get with BMW). I think in total I've spend about $700 ~ $800 on the car since I first got it in March of '05. I'm not sure about getting any extended waranty but you might want to check with your dealer about that.

qwerty1024

LaicepsYdobon - thank you for the info. It's good to hear you have not had any problems since 2005 with your C280, and have only had two scheduled services.

The dealership (if I firmly decide on the C300/C350) will confirm if I can get the extended limited waranty some time after the initial purchase... by then I should have a better idea if I need the piece of mind, or not.

bltzkrg

Just picked up mine on Saturday. I was offered an extended warranty by the fincance guy/deal closer...he offered $400 off the previously quoted prices...so there is room to negotiate with the warranties. Also they are cancelable and transferable...

jrct9454

Our C300 Lux now is 6 weeks old, and has 4500 miles - and we are not yet home from our extended road trip.

-No issues to report, at all, period.

- I will consider the extended warranty, but the price thereof is completely negotiable. It has an MSRP, just like the car, but markups are huge, and the best way is to do some online searching for dealers who want to be reasonable.

-You don't have to make this decision before 1 yr / 12k miles....the price is the same any time in the first year of ownership. Don't get roped into a quick decision in the F & I office when buying the car. Wait and do your homework.

MBTex

That's good advice for any car buyer. Also many lenders will also offer extended warranties as part of your loan. Mine is even offering a quarter point IR reduction if I get the warranty through them (at less of a price than the MB warranty).

qwerty1024

jrct9454 - thank you for the advice. I wasn't sure how much more (if any higher) the extended warranty would cost if not purchased at the same time as the car. A year's worth of breathing room would be great anyways.

So how are you enjoying your car so far? Are you finding anything new the as miles are accrued? Thanks.

jrct9454

So far, the experience has been completely positive. I posted some of that experience on the thread that is focused on the negative review from some Yahoo board, and at the end of the trip, I plan on a summary post/thread that will get it all down at once. It's possible that the '08 C300 is the best car we've ever owned, and that is saying a lot from a seriously disturbed car nut, which is what I've been accused of being....

The most pleasant surprise is the ride / handling compromise - maybe the best I've ever encountered, and a significant improvement over the W203. It's also rock solid inside, is very quick and quiet, and comfortable for all-day runs. Could hardly be happier....

Peyton

See that is what I'm talking about jrct, thanks for that comment.

People think the interior is cheap looking but its of a high quality, well made, engineered and to me, well laid out, and I'd much rather have that which does not look as fancy, but is as solid as is it is. for me, cars like the CTS have a whole lot of gloss to cover up their GM underpinnings so that people make surface comparisons about looks and materials when in the end the benz...winz

mr_lebec

I ordered a C350 two weeks ago and when I called Geico to get a quote on what the additional $ to my policy would be, the rep told me my quote included approx. $90 a year for a full bumper to bumper warranty of 7 years/ 100K on the ODO. Doesn't cover the obvious consumables: oil, filters, fluids (unless needed as a result of repair).

She also stated that it would additionaly cover anything the MB 4/50 didn't cover, such as a road debris cracked windshield. Figured 7 years @ $90 = $630, so it made it a no brainer for me.

As I understood it, it has to be in force when you pick up the car, can't add it later.