SICKanthony

Hi Everyone,

New here to this forum. After reading a few threads and doing research on the web, I figured id ask for some suggestions.

Im looking to replace my 2000 Lincoln LS v8 sport. I love the car, but at times dislike it. Seems to never be consistant. Its a love hate thing. Regardless, mileage is getting up there, and I'm looking for a vehicle to replace it.


Today I finally got out and test drove an '09 C300 sport. Didnt have the MM package. Regardless Was a smooth ride, and comfy. Somewhat similar to the ride in my lincoln, if not softer. As for performance, its not that quick but seems to be just as quick as my v8?

I honestly wanted to test a C350, however dealer did not have any. I think the C350 will be a direct replacement. As I want a fun car to drive and own. As I'll have it for 4-5 years.

I have also test drove '06 330i BMW and a '07 335i -- Which I love, However Im unsure about the ride quality and the damn Idrive. its a mixed feeling.

Lastly. Im concerned about MB's 4yr/50k warranty. I wish it was longer to be honest. I read somewhere on here that a members coils went on him after 50k? Just basically dont wish for the car to blow up after warranty goes.

Opinions and suggestions please.

C300Kid

I'd say the C300 Sport is sportier than the Lincoln LS by a long shot..so you shouldn't have any issues with it being fun. Also..4yr/50k is pretty much standard for luxury automakers these days isnt it? I wasn't aware anyone offered a longer warranty. Most automakers offer 3yr/36k..Lastly, I looked at the BMWs for months but came away more interested in the C300..the BMWs are bland and common. I'd look into the Audi A4 as well, but I think you'd be very happy with the Benz. Good luck!

SICKanthony

Thanks for that input.

I just rechecked some local Merc dealers and seen extended warranties on the CPO'd 08's. Puts the warranty to 100k miles Thats a plus.

As for living here in central Florida, BMW 3 series are a Dime a dozen. Im leaning more towards the Merc.

Any other suggestions please? Also, Anyone here think there would ever be a possibility of picking up a CPO'd C350 with MM package for $29-31k? Reason I ask, Is I will be upside down ~3grand on current vehicle.

C300Kid

Prob very likely.

whn

Go for 335i as I am

NickCats

Prices may be cheaper in Florida, but I picked up my CPO 350 with 9k miles without MM for $31k.

Doing a quick search on autotrader, there are 5 CPO 350's available up here :

Highest Price: $34,995

Lowest Price: $32,927

Average Price: $34,031

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...=1251637888763

I wish I had the MM package ( actually, I wish I had the HK sound system since I had the UMI installed after I bought the car ) but the deal was so good I couldn't pass it up...

Nick

SICKanthony

The C350 is such a gorgeous car that is for sure. Or well, The new C class is. It really stands out, which I like.

Just that im torn between cars. Suppose i'll have to wait until I get to test drive the C350 this weekend.


Furthermore, Maybe you guys can chime in on this one. Upon doing a quick google search on the 2008 C300 reliability. Seems not so good =/

People are saying there are problems with the sunroof not closing, Fuel pump failures, button on the sunroof breaking off, problems where you let off the accelerator petal the car still accelerates and does not slow. Have also read about crack manifold and oil leaks etc.

Doesn't seem so good!

Sportstick

You are looking at small sample biased data. Happy owners usually don't write. Check JDPower for the 2009 model for initial quality results.

SICKanthony

per JDpower, The new C-class and BMW scored the same as far as build quality, performance and other factors.


Has anyone here noted any problems with the '08 models? C300 / C350? As its their first year of the redesign.

JoeVal

SICKanthony, SICKanthony, SICKanthony...

You thing you're sick. Your intentions may be honest, but you almost killed me. After I first read your post I walked out to the garage and, fortunately or unfortunately the guard saw me on the screen throwing liquid on my car and run, stopping me from burning it. How could you do this? Don't you know the difference between a bathtub and a placid lagoon on the shores of the Riviera? After reducing and sedating me, I woke up a while ago and I was just authorized to unload my feelings. My only concept of a Lincoln is the Town Car that is rented at almost every Budget outlet and rides you as in a bathtub, and my sole recolection is that of the '80s, when the guy who could not have his brand new one fixed by the dealers or Ford took it to Dearborn and burned it in front of the Corporate Headquarters.

Comparing this line to Mercedes is like comparing Julia Roberts' legs with Rosanne Barr's. One thing I agree, get the 350. I've been enjoying mine for about a year and is more than a car, it is 175 mph of satisfaction and if you need more you can get as much as you wish to pay for.

Look it up well, it's a buyers' market and some options are mandatory if some plastic gets you dizzy.

Get and wish me well. JV

C300Kid

I haven't heard of anyone here having problems

C300Kid

I disagree. The Town Car and the LS were very different beasts. Neither of them are still produced anyway (town car is still sold as a fleet vehicle I believe).

The newer Lincolns are actually pretty nice. I drove an MKS recently and was pleasantly surprised. It definitely felt more expensive/substantial than my C300. Of course I still much prefer my Benz for other reasons.

SICKanthony

@Joe, Put some thought into typing that out, made me laugh =P.

But yes, I know comparing my Lincoln to the Merc. Is far and between. Its definitely a breath of fresh air. I got that feeling as soon as I sat in the C300.

I could just be rambling on and on, I just cant stop myself though as Im just lost between what cars. I suppose I just rather stop rambling on and continue to test drive them.

The reason I ask for any issues with the 08 models is what I read online, also the previous years of MB was known to have issues. Has Chrysler had a hold of them. "sorry for bringing that up "

JoeVal

Well Anthony!

Chrysler has always been a very good car company, if you don't believe me ask anybody with a Dodge pickup (that's probably what they used to give as bonuses in Bamma). I cannot tell you more cause I only buy cars made in the Sindelfingen, Bremen or Stuttgart areas.

But the industry is no picnic and. with few exceptions is getting to be a great infusion of technology into a kaleidoscope of mediocrity, cost savings and copies.

Cheers, JV

SICKanthony

Thanks Joe,

However personal experience with Chrysler has been very poor. More or less in the Dodge pickup trucks.

Im just looking to get as much info as possible.

aowhaus

you won't be disappointed with the C.

It is sportier, firmer and more compact than your Lincoln LS. Fuel economy will be much better as you are getting similar performance but in a V6. Mercedes engines are known to be extremely durable.

With this economy you could negotiate with the dealer on the price and extended warranty, especially on the 09 models.

SICKanthony

I plan to negotiate no doubt! As i will have to dump my current vehicle as a trade in.

I have done all mechanical maintenance on my vehicle. had to replace: plugs, coils, all four corner brakes and rotors. As of now, The Lincoln is having issues with its Dual climate control valve. Blows hot air at random -- Not good added with florida heat =P.

Here with Central FL driving, As I do local service calls for computer work. I average 15-16MPG around town. However, When I jump on the highway, Mileage jumps right to 20-23MPG. Normal Cruising is 85MPH

RLE

My 2008 C300 was delivered in October of '07 and the reliability has been excellent. There have been a few piddling little warranty fixes that were meaningless. This is my eighth MB and the most reliable by a long shot. I am not going to buy an extended warranty on this one because I don't think I'll need it.

As to a used one, there are a lot of strippers around but I would look for one certainly with MM and if you can find it, P2. Forget about the Pano roof.

The 2010 models are in now which should drive used prices down some more (sob) which will help.

whn

335 > C350

tanktube67

I got mine on 10/07 and so far so good and remember you can always get extended warranty.

C300Kid

not the looks..

SICKanthony

have to agree with C300kid on that.

the C class has better looks and functionality; The navigation and media system is much better than the BMW in my opinion.

BenTrovato

The benz is like a gorgeous woman you never get tired of looking at. The 335 is like a girl that looks hot with makeup and a stunning outfit, but after a few months you can't wait to move on.

Krytech

'08 C350 here, approx 17K miles and no real issues here. Squeaky folding mirror mirrors, replaced rear brake pads due to dust build up, and replaced a leaky rear shock. All done under warranty at no charge.

No regrets...(except occasionally I wish I would of waited for a C63 )

soldier2304

I think your comparing 2 cars that IMO, are not even in the same league when it comes down to performance. However, the C300/350 and overall C class in general looks a lot better than the current 335i. Not to mention the comfort and ride not as harsh as the bimmer.