D6F956

Thats where I'm at. I'm also thinking about a Smart car as I'm a city rat doing ~7500 miles per year.
Your thoughts please, and pour them on. I am indescisive.

Azn_C300

I guess the question is do you need to get rid of your C230 now. If you don't and you can wait, I'd hold off till at least mid year 09 upgrade or 2010 model year.

jpnwdc

Is there something specific you think is coming in mid 2009 or 2010?

D6F956

Car goes Sept 1. What are the 'real' 09 upgrades? Research hasn't revealed anything other conjecture abt engines, etc.

chilledbenz

09 C300 would be a major improvement over a 05 C. I don't see the logic in the Smart cars, if your a city rat as you state pick up a Honda Civic Hybrid or Toyota Prius...also might want to keep in mind Honda has two new Hybrids in the works, the resurrection of the Insight name but in a four door sedan and a Hybrid version of the Fit. On the plus side..if you get a Smart car you will have to invest in a large stick to beat away the hoards of women that will be coming up to you to ask about your car at every gas station, stop light, or grocery store.

Azn_C300

Well, the way I saw it was this. Yes, there are big improvements and it's pretty much a whole new car, not an update from 230 to 300, but buying an 09 now is pretty much the same as buying an 08 since it's pretty much the same minus few minor upgrades. There weren't that many improvements. But, your car is only 3 years old (less if you bought it late), so is still pretty new. If you're lease is up, they sure, get the c300. If you're thinking of selling and buying, then I question financially if it is worth it right now. Just seems like you didn't get your money's worth on your C230. That's why I say wait and get more out of your current car, not so much wait for improvements on the C300.

Still, it's your money and if it flows, indulge

FrankW

improvement yes. major improvement probably not. it's only a newer car except it looks different.

like azn_c300 said. if your current car is a lease which the lease may be up soon then why not. if it's not a lease I would too suggest keep it for another year and then decide if you want to get rid of it before the factory warranty expires.

narky

+1 Couldn't have said it better.

If leased, buy. If purchased, wait.

IMO, Smart cars are overpriced. Why would you pay that much money for a Smart when you can get similar gas savings for less money spent on Japanese offerings? If you want that exclusivity and the brand cachet, that's another story altogether, but you'll probably get better resale value on Honda or Toyota hybrids. Depreciation is a female dog.

narky

Just found this:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...hotopanel..3.*

If you're really intent on saving money, it looks like the Honda Fit is a good fit. The above article mirrors what many automotive journalists have been saying for years: hybrids don't really save money. It saves gas, yes, and they're good for the environment, but if you're concerned about your own finances, hybrids are stupid.

FrankW

you read my mind. couldn't said it better if one wants to save a lot of gas.

AkaSigFreak

I say screw saving money and being practical. If you want it and have the means-Go for it! I have driven the C230 (loaner car) and now have my C300. I could not wait to get back in my car. I am 6'2 and 250 (Big Boy) and I am much more comfortable in the W204. My friends that own the W203 are constantly wanting to drive in my car and say they can't wait to get one. Do it!

D6F956

I actually took delivery 05/30/04 and it is a lease.

narky

Don't let friends drive your car! Friends are idiots (yours and mine).

narky

Time for a new car!

You'll be happy, I'm sure. The W204 is a vast improvement over the W203, in my opinion. I test drove the W203 and didn't like it, even though one of the biggest reasons I didn't buy it was the looks of it. The W204 on the other hand drives much better, and looks far, far better.

MCONDE01

I agree 100%, I have a 2005 C230 SS with some minor mods and it still looks good and runs fine. Sure everytime I see a W204 I want to go and get into one....but then I remember how my patience paid off with my W203. I waited for the 2005 version which in my opinion was the best year for the W203. Looking for the 2010 W204 to get a horsepower increase and for them to add a few more options and standard features. Not knocking the 2008's and 2009's because I would love to have one now but next year would be a better time financially for me too. Good thread...

narky

I think everyone needs to remember that the OP is on a lease that is ending. Soon, was my assumption. In that case, he can't wait until 2010, unless he can go without a car or has a second car.

methodz

chilledbenz

Well I was just giving him some options, sometimes people are dead set on getting Hybrids. I'm a bit scared of what the replacement batteries would cost you after you turn 100k miles on one. If its mileage you want check out the Honda FCX...77 mpg city..67 highway...problem is you have to find somehere to fill it up lol.

narky

and... you can't buy it even if you had all the money in the world. I believe only 6 "lucky" people in CA were chosen by Honda to have the privilege of leasing a pre-production FCX Clarity for ~$640/month. The good thing, though, is that you can drink the emissions off the vehicle.

I don't think hybrids in general are too good at the moment. The technology isn't all there yet. I'll wait until they develop an "engine" that gives me the same or at least similar visceral pleasure I get from full throttling a gas engine and hearing that roar.



Now there's a gas-saver I wouldn't mind driving around. 0 to 60 in two days! Yesssssss.....

Untertürkheim

Why does it have a German license plate?

To answer the original question, I would wait and then buy a diesel C when they are sold in the US, then you get a great car that will have excellent performance and save fuel.

D6F956

Humm... Not so sure I agree with that. The W203 is still sexy as Halle Berry

D6F956

I visited a Smart dealership today. THe one and only salesperson was obnoxious (told me I couldn't smoke outside on the lot). So I took a test drive with him as psgr. and made him wet his pants I almost wet mine too

FrankW

I like how my 32 looks vs my c350. still trying to get use to the front grille.

jgorman13

I owned a 2004 C230 sport sedan, hated it. Went to an A4 in between, and now own a 2008 C300. To be honest I liked my audi the best because the turbo gave me 32mpg on highways a lot, but the C300 is leaps and bounds ahead of the old C230. It's a better car in every single aspect.

MiKeSSw203

I drive both a 05 C230 and a 08 C300 often. Sure its improved in some aspects. Enough to ditch the W203? no. Both cars are modded. Looks wise still like my W203 better and more fun to drive. Maybe just cuz its stick