killacam7479

Hey guys, new to the forum (although I've been reading posts for quite some time). I know there have been similar topics and I have read them, but I wanted to get some additional input before I make my first car purchase. First, between the C and the new 09 A4, I was having a hard time deciding between the two. The A4 has some features the C doesn't, but I actually liked the feel of the drive in the C better (granted, I drove the A4 in the rain). I was wondering what your thoughts were on that, especially considering they are really close in price.

Speaking of price, I have been getting quotes over the phone from different dealerships (in Chicago). I have decided on one of the following:
C300 4Matic Sport
P1
MM Package

The lowest I've seen is $39.5k for this car above.

For the A4, I was quoted at $39k (if I do financing with them) for a similar car:
A4 Quattro 2.0
PP Package (similar to P1 in C class, but a few extras)
Multimedia Package

Any help would greatly be appreciated. I found a few people that work at MB, but they were unable to provide any discount (which initially made me lean toward the C). Thanks in advance!

eyemd

go with your gut...you know you want the C

khearon

That's a great price on the AWD Benz. I haven't seen any listed below $42K.

The new A4 does look good. At first glance, you think R8. Good luck with your purchase. Personally, I'd go with the Benz. I'm just not a fan of spending $40K on a 4-cylinder car...

jherbias

Have you driven one? I drove my friend's B7 2.0 and those engines don't feel like four cylinders at all. And this was just normal daily driving.

I saw the B8 A4 on Monday... very nice.

skillz1318

They are very similar cars and I think it is a matter of personal preference. Here most people will vote for the Benz and on an Audi forum they will say the new A4 is better.

I recommend you do 2 test drives again...doing the C300 first and then the A4 so the C300 is fresh in your head and you will remember if it does indeed drive better or if it was just the rain.

Obviously as I have a C300 I will say I think the Benz is the better car...I do think the new A4's are MUCH improved, but other than the cool headlights I like everything else about the C300.

I did look at the 2008 A4 and I just liked the look of the C300 more...and I see A4's everywhere, I wanted a car less likely to be seen as often.

yxc145

hey

i am in chicago, too! bought my C350 at the Hoffman Estate. I also test drove the A4 3.2. C350 is faster. C class has higher torque than A4.
I originally was gonna get the A4, but the sales pissed me off by saying that if I am looking for discount, A4 is not for me. I should go with MB or BMW. I think Audi is overly cocky about their new A4. I like Audi, I still have an A6 and I know the new A4 is beautiful. But after actually being in one and test drove it. i was very disappointed. I think A4 only won with it's large interior and trunk spacing. A4 has really plastic feeling interior, doesn't even feel like a german car.
For A4 2.0T, I didn't even want to test drive after seeing that it only has single side exhaust system.

So, go with C300. It's a better car.

phranksmbz

My 09 c300 4matic was over 45k but i have it fully loaded to the max in options only, not accessories.

Depending on what you're looking for, i chose the mercedes route because of:

1. Great quality car inside out (i like the styling too)
2. Great online community
3. Great service
4. All wheel drive

Everything else like safety, extra options & accessories are available, Luxury feel, and a name that makes a statement comes with the package.

I was in the same boat. Unless i was getting a S4 it was the c300 4matic for me.

drevil2k2

I parted with my B6 A4 1.8T Quattro. Great car in snow and very easy to mod, if you are into that. It's hard to truly compare price since Audi has different options in their packages, such as leather seats (in Canada). However, I did find MB a bit more reasonable with the a la carte options.

B8 A4 has more torque so a little quicker off the line and the engine sounds less whiny than the B6/7 and maybe better gas and a little roomier. Cool LED lights, but future Audi models will have them. Size of car is getting close to the A6.

I initially ordered both cars at the same time; at that time, the 09 C300 and B8 A4 pricing was not confirmed.

Personally, I chose the C300 4M because of the naturally aspirated engine, styling, competitive pricing and earlier delivery date.

Like others, best to take them out for a nice hard test drive.

good luck!

aowhaus

You should definitely do a back to back test drive and see what suits you.

It's next to impossible to get a deal on the new A4 as it just came out. With the W204 you could get a good deal as the 2009's are coming in and dealerships are trying to clear the 2008's. But considering apples or apples I think the 2009 W204 is a better deal as for the same price the W204 has a V6over the A4.
Don't know if size is an issue or not for you but the new A4 has grown considerably in size where it is almost the same size as the A6. I never have anyone in back seat and I don't haul a lot of stuff so I'd rather prefer a more compact and sportier package so I chose the w204 rather than waiting for the new A4 (I'm have been a fan of VW and Audi cars).

chilledbenz

The fact that your on a MB website asking this question should give you your answer.

Derspeed

The 2.0T is an awesome engine, and trust me, if you want to squeeze more power out of it, it is very easy. Just mild mods can yeild 250 - 275 hp. I am sure APR is already working on a turbo upgrade. If it is the same engine as the B7, the big turbo is already out. That engine is capable of producing well over 300hp, quattro is awesome and the aftermarket is nuts for that car.

Just remember, turbos need a little extra attention, Audis have questionable electrical systems (I am sure they are much improved), and that front over-hang is just ugly.

tanktube67

Both cars are nice, flip the coin

khearon

Yes, I know the engine is great. I just have a personal price limit. Nuff respect to Audi / VW for what they have done with that engine. But do you believe the 3.2 is worth the $7-10K premium over the 2.0?

Overall, I think it's a very nice car....the best A4 I've seen.

GDawgC220

The 3.2 is a $3,300 premium over the 2.0T with the same packages.

2.0T Premium Plus/Prestige is $36,700/$40,000
3.2 Premium Plus/Prestige is $40,000/$43,300

GDawgC220

You should try out the new/updated 2.0 TFSI engine. Much better than the B7 2.0T engine, especially with the 258lb-ft of torque it produces (compared to 207lb-ft in the B7 2.0T)

killacam7479

Thanks everyone for the input, it is much appreciated. I think I am going to go with the C-Class. I went to Audizine forums and read what they thought of the new A4, although it is nice, I think I'd rather have the C. I actually have a few friends that work for MB, and one of them found the following:
2008 C300 Sport 4Matic
P1
MM package
iPod Kit

This car has 3,500 miles on it, and he said it was used as a still display my the MB Marketing team. Compared to the 2009 with the same options, I can save 25%. To me, this sounds like an amazing deal, although I really really wanted a new car. I also don't know the full details on warranty and financing, but I believe it would be sold like a CPO. Any thoughts?

mb_horseshoe

Get the extended 100k warranty if you're going to get that car.

mac911

Well, it will certainly have the 50,000 miles / 4 years. During that period, you could extend it out to the 100,000 miles 7 years.

killacam7479

Do you think they probably beat the crap out of that car? Since it's kind of like a demo?

For the extended warranty, do you happen to know how much somethign like that typically costs? If it were you, would you do it? I just got off the phone with a guy at a regular dealership, and he's willing to give me a pretty decent deal on the 2009 brand new C300 (same options, and he has it at the dealership).

Derspeed

Make sure it's a good warranty from MB or the dealership. As a note: Having owned VWs and Audis previously, enthusiasts usually opt for the 4cy, as it has way more potential than the 6cyl.

yxc145

Well, if you are gonna get the 4 cyclinder 2.0T. 1st mod you should do is to get a dual exhuast system and diffusor to replace that ugly, single sided system.

GDawgC220

Yeah, not sure why they went with a single sided exhaust, like the B5 models. At the very least give it finish tips...its like with the earlier 3-series that came out with unfinished tips.

killacam7479

Not to whine, I appreciate the comments, but going back to the demo deal, I was wondering what you guys though? I have decided on the C, and I can get a 2008 Demo (well, it's a car that the MB Marketing Team uses as still displays, so it's not one that other people drive) with 3.5k miles on it for 25% less than the 2009 new mode. Would you do it? I got the point on the warranty, but I'm just curious what you would do.

yxc145

Hey Killacam

you are in Chicago. did you check MB of Hoffman Estate. last time I went in, they have several 08 with really low milage for sale. 25%. go for it. try 30%!!

GDawgC220

I personally wouldn't take a demo car, regardless of who's been driving it. They say it's been used by the marketing team but you never know how they treated it (proper warm up before hammering it, correct fuel octane, etc)

If you do go for it, I would make sure it has been CPO'd or give you an extended warranty on it.