Age's of C300/C350 Drivers
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 63
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2000 E430
I am currently 23 and will be replacing my E320 (Parent's Bought) with a C300 this year (Self Bought). Feels good to finally be able to afford my own car! I'll be honest though, I was going to go with a BMW/Audi until I saw how amazing the new C-Class was.
And I agree with a couple posters before me, don't let the age distribution of this thread confuse you; there seems to be a lot of younger owners here because they are most likely to be using an online community.
I would put money down that the majority of C-Class owners will be age 30+. The guys I work with that are 30 or under all own Acura/Audi, but I do see the C-Class a likely candidate to attract younger drivers/buyers. I'd buy an S-Class if I could, but whoa $$$.
And I agree with a couple posters before me, don't let the age distribution of this thread confuse you; there seems to be a lot of younger owners here because they are most likely to be using an online community.
I would put money down that the majority of C-Class owners will be age 30+. The guys I work with that are 30 or under all own Acura/Audi, but I do see the C-Class a likely candidate to attract younger drivers/buyers. I'd buy an S-Class if I could, but whoa $$$.
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
2008 - S550 4Matic, 2010 - E350 4Matic, 2010 - C350 4Matic
I find it very interesting to read, what the members have to say.
There are some young people, who made a lot of money in the IT business. True, but they are still the exception.
My philosophy is, you are not getting rich from what you earn, rather from what you save.
There is no right or wrong way of doing it. Some people like to send money when they are young, some people save until retirement, just to be diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Other people spend all their money when young and have a hard time when they are vulnerable in old age. That has to be a hard lesson to learn.
I remember the day I went into a MB dealership in the old country, and I talked to a MB sales person and he filled out my order. Mind you, at that time, you had to wait almost 2 years to get a MB car. The last question was, how do you pay for the car. I told him I have half with me and......( I wanted to say I have the rest in the bank). He stopped me right there. He said" Son, when you have all the money come back and see me", then he tore up my order sheet and threw it in the waste basket. They were used to cash payment at time of ordering.
It took me a long time until I went into a MB dealership again.
A MB car is a great motivator and gives great enjoyment and I admire young people who can see that and go for it. I admire them especially, because they have more guts than I had at their age.
Now, having a very save car when you drive with your wife and young children, brings a whole new meaning into this equation.
The main things is you enjoy the car and take good care of it.
Just a thought
Jorg
There are some young people, who made a lot of money in the IT business. True, but they are still the exception.
My philosophy is, you are not getting rich from what you earn, rather from what you save.
There is no right or wrong way of doing it. Some people like to send money when they are young, some people save until retirement, just to be diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Other people spend all their money when young and have a hard time when they are vulnerable in old age. That has to be a hard lesson to learn.
I remember the day I went into a MB dealership in the old country, and I talked to a MB sales person and he filled out my order. Mind you, at that time, you had to wait almost 2 years to get a MB car. The last question was, how do you pay for the car. I told him I have half with me and......( I wanted to say I have the rest in the bank). He stopped me right there. He said" Son, when you have all the money come back and see me", then he tore up my order sheet and threw it in the waste basket. They were used to cash payment at time of ordering.
It took me a long time until I went into a MB dealership again.
A MB car is a great motivator and gives great enjoyment and I admire young people who can see that and go for it. I admire them especially, because they have more guts than I had at their age.
Now, having a very save car when you drive with your wife and young children, brings a whole new meaning into this equation.
The main things is you enjoy the car and take good care of it.
Just a thought
Jorg
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 412
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From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
C180K 2011 COMAND, AMG, Dynamic Xenon, Business Pack, H&K Audio and +
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
To StickGirl:
The sound system in any car is for me the least relevant factor for consideration about buying. Was true when I bought my first car in 1962 [a very used 1952 Morris Minor that had no radio at all], and still true today - what's stuck in the dash to make music doesn't matter to me in the slightest - and I have plenty of maps, so nav is a low priority as well - just more complicated stuff to go wrong. Thus, all discussion of the "importance" of MM slides right by me - it's all about how the car drives, and how it feels after 8 hours in the saddle - which is why I keep coming back to MB.
However, I readily concede that this confirms my "old fart" status - no problemo...to each their own...
The sound system in any car is for me the least relevant factor for consideration about buying. Was true when I bought my first car in 1962 [a very used 1952 Morris Minor that had no radio at all], and still true today - what's stuck in the dash to make music doesn't matter to me in the slightest - and I have plenty of maps, so nav is a low priority as well - just more complicated stuff to go wrong. Thus, all discussion of the "importance" of MM slides right by me - it's all about how the car drives, and how it feels after 8 hours in the saddle - which is why I keep coming back to MB.
However, I readily concede that this confirms my "old fart" status - no problemo...to each their own...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
To StickGirl:
The sound system in any car is for me the least relevant factor for consideration about buying. Was true when I bought my first car in 1962 [a very used 1952 Morris Minor that had no radio at all], and still true today - what's stuck in the dash to make music doesn't matter to me in the slightest - and I have plenty of maps, so nav is a low priority as well - just more complicated stuff to go wrong. Thus, all discussion of the "importance" of MM slides right by me - it's all about how the car drives, and how it feels after 8 hours in the saddle - which is why I keep coming back to MB.
However, I readily concede that this confirms my "old fart" status - no problemo...to each their own...
The sound system in any car is for me the least relevant factor for consideration about buying. Was true when I bought my first car in 1962 [a very used 1952 Morris Minor that had no radio at all], and still true today - what's stuck in the dash to make music doesn't matter to me in the slightest - and I have plenty of maps, so nav is a low priority as well - just more complicated stuff to go wrong. Thus, all discussion of the "importance" of MM slides right by me - it's all about how the car drives, and how it feels after 8 hours in the saddle - which is why I keep coming back to MB.
However, I readily concede that this confirms my "old fart" status - no problemo...to each their own...
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Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 2
From: Texas
2014 E350 Coupe Steel Gray
I agree with you both John and JimPap on different points. There was a time that a good sound system was of the utmost importance. My last car even had surround sound, which was great because it had a DVD and my daughter watched movies all of the time. I too wondered if I should have gotten the MM primarily for the Nav system and again for the HK speakers. I soon realized that I am never lost and always know where I'm going beforehand. If I don't, I map it at work or home and print it out. I started to buy a portable nav but again, I don't need it. And for me $3k is a lot to pay for speakers...and you are right, the standard sound isn't very bad at all.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
2000 E430
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
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C300
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 198
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From: Seattle, WA and Portland, OR
2008 C350 and 2003 Z4 3.0
Honda and Toyota V6s are not out of the price point of a C300 and they have leather, mem seats, and other lux items. Toyota, Honda, Ford, and GM pick-ups are also in the price range. Even a Jeep Wrangler is in the price range. The C-Class is not really an expensive vehicle.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Valencia, California, USA
2008 C300 Sport Sedan Manual, Uridium Silver, 18" AMG's
47 Here. Remember older members here, younger people have more discretionary dollars. Probably not too many 16 year olds w/ a $35K New Benz and mortgage payment, two kids and a dog?
Younger people are probably more likely to participate in these forums as well?
Just in case anyone's curious here are mine I've owned/leased in order:
69 Ford Torino GT Auto
77 VW Scirocco Manual
80 VW Scirocco Manual
82 Honda Accord LX HB Manual
86 Honda Prelude SI Manual
89 Honda Prelude SI Manual
92 Toyota Camry V6 XLE Auto
95 Ford Mustang 5.0 Auto Convertable
00 VW Passat V6 Manual
04 MB C230 Sport Sedan Manual
08 MB C300 Sport Sedan Manual
Younger people are probably more likely to participate in these forums as well?
Just in case anyone's curious here are mine I've owned/leased in order:
69 Ford Torino GT Auto
77 VW Scirocco Manual
80 VW Scirocco Manual
82 Honda Accord LX HB Manual
86 Honda Prelude SI Manual
89 Honda Prelude SI Manual
92 Toyota Camry V6 XLE Auto
95 Ford Mustang 5.0 Auto Convertable
00 VW Passat V6 Manual
04 MB C230 Sport Sedan Manual
08 MB C300 Sport Sedan Manual
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
C180K 2011 COMAND, AMG, Dynamic Xenon, Business Pack, H&K Audio and +
47 Here. Remember older members here, younger people have more discretionary dollars. Probably not too many 16 year olds w/ a $35K New Benz and mortgage payment, two kids and a dog?
Younger people are probably more likely to participate in these forums as well?
Just in case anyone's curious here are mine I've owned/leased in order:
69 Ford Torino GT Auto
77 VW Scirocco Manual
80 VW Scirocco Manual
82 Honda Accord LX HB Manual
86 Honda Prelude SI Manual
89 Honda Prelude SI Manual
92 Toyota Camry V6 XLE Auto
95 Ford Mustang 5.0 Auto Convertable
00 VW Passat V6 Manual
04 MB C230 Sport Sedan Manual
08 MB C300 Sport Sedan Manual
Younger people are probably more likely to participate in these forums as well?
Just in case anyone's curious here are mine I've owned/leased in order:
69 Ford Torino GT Auto
77 VW Scirocco Manual
80 VW Scirocco Manual
82 Honda Accord LX HB Manual
86 Honda Prelude SI Manual
89 Honda Prelude SI Manual
92 Toyota Camry V6 XLE Auto
95 Ford Mustang 5.0 Auto Convertable
00 VW Passat V6 Manual
04 MB C230 Sport Sedan Manual
08 MB C300 Sport Sedan Manual
Mine is
86 Nissan Bluebird Auto my friend crashed it
it was a nice car.92 Ford Falcon Auto ----> Hudge car
2003 Mazda 6 2.3liters Auto
2008 MB C180-K Avantgarde/Sports Sedan Auto.
Last edited by lx Raven xl; Dec 7, 2007 at 08:29 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
Honda and Toyota V6s are not out of the price point of a C300 and they have leather, mem seats, and other lux items. Toyota, Honda, Ford, and GM pick-ups are also in the price range. Even a Jeep Wrangler is in the price range. The C-Class is not really an expensive vehicle.
In "absolute" terms, its still a pile of money.
Last edited by JimPap; Dec 7, 2007 at 07:43 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 412
Likes: 0
From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
C180K 2011 COMAND, AMG, Dynamic Xenon, Business Pack, H&K Audio and +
You make a good point. In relative terms, its not any more expensive than a lot of other vehicles that are currently "new" on the market. Part of this cost disparity is the catch 22 with some of the "direct competition" in that they include the cost of several years of maintenance in the cost of the vehicle. Its laughable that BMW includes 5 years of maintenance "free". I doubt you could drive your MB into a BMW dealership and get a "free" oil change.
In "absolute" terms, its still a pile of money.
In "absolute" terms, its still a pile of money.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
list
1974 Ford Mustang (use car)
1986 Ninja 600 (motocycle) (new)
1987 Hoda 750 Katana (morocycle) (new)
1967 VW BUG (use)
1992 Ford Aerostar (new)
1998 BMW M3 (new)
1998 chevy S10 (use)
1986 VW Rabbit Convertible (use)
1987 VW GTI (use)
1996 Nissan Altima (use)
2000 Infiniti QX4 (new)
2002 VW Bettle Turbo (new)
2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe/MOD turbo charger kit 395HP and brembo brakes (new)
2005 545i BMW (new)
2007 Honda Civic with navi (new)
2008 MB C350 Saks Edition (new)
1958 VW BUG (working on the deal)
and A Wife, two teennagers, doogy and Morgage
Last edited by tanktube67; Dec 7, 2007 at 08:38 AM. Reason: imcomplete
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Since we've morphed into listing cars, I'd post my list, except it would take most of the morning [I may do it later and start another thread]....this C300 is car number 55 since I graduated from high school in 1962.
See, THIS is what defines a serious car nut...at least the nutty part....I've slowed down since I retired. I have a data base that lists them all, including costs. This has been only possible because there have been no kids to use up the dollars....never had the parenting gene [my wife doesn't either - we travel instead].
See, THIS is what defines a serious car nut...at least the nutty part....I've slowed down since I retired. I have a data base that lists them all, including costs. This has been only possible because there have been no kids to use up the dollars....never had the parenting gene [my wife doesn't either - we travel instead].
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Ann Arbor, MI
White/Cognac E-350 Sport 4Matic
Went E Class.
I'm 48... and I did feel that the car, due to its size, was just a tad young for me.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
I'm 18 also. My parents did in fact buy me my car by paying the insurance, the down payment and subsequent monthly payments. There is not a day that goes by that I do not thank my lucky stars that I am as fortunate as I am.I realize that it is such a privilege to be driving a luxury car which many people would love to have. As a result, I strive to maintain a very good driving record and to not loose my parents trust. I am currently enrolled in The University of Miami to further my education so that someday I may god-willing be able to purchase fully my own Mercedes-Benz. Again, I love my car and treat others with respect and dignity with the utmost humility.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: nyc
528i, GLK
lets not forget, you can walk out the dealership with the c-class paying around $4k or less and only $400-$500 per month there after!
I think the "younger" generation would tend to lease more than buying. Driving new every 3 and lower initial payment?
I think the "younger" generation would tend to lease more than buying. Driving new every 3 and lower initial payment?
Last edited by webada; Dec 7, 2007 at 04:11 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: outside chicago
2008 c300 luxury, P2, MM, Capri Blue Metallic
its great to hear how so many of the "youngsters" have found ways to buy a Benz; its really nice for us old farts to know that young people who work hard, save alot, and know what a great car MB really is can afford to buy one..
Yeah, a c300 isnt much more than alot of other cars on the road, and its a great way to get introduced to the Mercedes "experience"..hopefully you guys and girls will step up to the higher end cars down the road..
This is my 4th benz, and I have had 3 "s" class models before this one..
Yeah, a c300 isnt much more than alot of other cars on the road, and its a great way to get introduced to the Mercedes "experience"..hopefully you guys and girls will step up to the higher end cars down the road..
This is my 4th benz, and I have had 3 "s" class models before this one..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
I agree, when a was 18 years old, lease a car was so rare that not everybody knew about it, today’s flexibility allows that almost anybody with a little down or no down payment, drive off the lot with a new car, don’t take me wrong is great I’m just making a comparing to this generation to my generation, CONGRATS to all of you young people.
