Sprode

Hey all,

My first post on these forums, but I have been around the block with other places.

Anyway, I am looking to buy a car for my mother. She is replacing a 98 jaguar xj8-l. She no longer needs such a big car and I am going to get her into a C class before the jag is worthless.

The real question I had was if I should go with the 07 or 08 models. I realize there was a generation change in there, but I am more concerned with reliability. My mother is not really very concerned with the latest and greatest interior updates and technology. She wants a similar ride (luxury package), awd (4matic), and a warranty.

We drove a c230 in sport, and she didnt like the feel of the suspension or steering, but drove a c300 (not sure what packages it had) and she seemed to like that a lot.

Seems like the c300 costs about 4-5k more for similar mileage, is this worth it?

Sorry I don't have a solid question for you all, was hoping for more of an open ended answer.

c280 vs c300?

C300123

yes, its worth it

NickCats

Both are great cars. I think a lot of it depends on how much you want to spend. I would recommend a CPO ( for the extended warranty ), so a 2007 would be covered for another 2 years or a 2008 for another 3 years.

A CPO 2007 averages around $24k , a CPO 2008+ averages around $33k

Hope that helps ! Good luck...

Nick

C300Sport

From a ride quality standpoint, it sounds like the luxury version of the C300may suit her better.

RLE

It looks like you are not in the US because of the C280 reference.

In any case DO NOT BUY a W203, even the latest ones. The W204 is superior where it matters, reliability, crash safety, resale, looks (subjective, to be sure) etc.

My 2008 C300 Lux is the most reliable MB I've ever owned (it's number seven) by a wide margin and that is typical for the series.

Pete7874

Why? He's looking at 2007-2008 model years. In the US, there was a C280 available in 2007 (W203).

charliele729

If the W204 is way more reliable than the W203, does that goes for the same for all redesign MB such as the W212 and the W211. BTW, no problems with me W204 at 13k. Besides minor stuff like seat squeaks and a stupid rpm flucuation, but other than that it been a solid car.

Sprode

Thanks for all the replies.

Sounds like the 2008 is the winner here, if reliability has increased as shown anecdotally here, it will be worth it in the long run.

Another question: I could not find a link to anything specifically explaining what is contained in the "luxury" versions. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Peabody

The luxury version mostly just uses different aesthetics and suspension. The sport version rides lower and seems a bit more rigid. I think there's some differences in standard features but whatever you're buying used not ordering from the factory.

Sprode

Used or not, all the trims are still out there, and the luxury demands a premium. I am trying to figure out if it is worthwhile. For example, if it is a lot of interior detail, that would likely be expensive and not worthwhile to my mother. If it is simply exterior and ride softness, coming from her jag, that WOULD probably be worthwhile.

kevink2

The W204 lux vs sport:

Lux has a softer and 1/2" higher ride. Softer springs, sways, and likely shocks. Lux also has same size fr & rr wheels, for better x type tire rotation.

Other differences can be found at MBusa.com

If you must have 4matic (snow?), then the W04 7spd auto is far superior to the W203 5spd .... It's the main reason we waited for the W04 4matic. TC lock-up in every gear ... like an electric shift manual trans ... no slip/mush. It was much better than the W203 4matic, based on our test drives.

aranu

So you're asking to get a W203 or a W204? I would say W204 would be the better choice in various aspects as listed above, I have W203 model C class and although it's nice, the w204 feels much better in many different aspects and just overall the better car. The w203 is outdated and the w204 is the best choice in my opinion.

AMGTTV8

beauty of it is, the 204 is technically a 280, not a 300...they just rebadged the car.

RLE

The W221 S-Class and the W204 have proven to be so reliable that many dealers have laid off techs because of the vastly reduced warranty work orders. It's too early to know whether the W212 will be as reliable but I'll bet it will. The W211 E-Class was a disaster for the first few years (like the W203) but the last couple of years of production were good.

RLE

The Luxury model sits a bit higher on it's suspension. The bumper covers and rocker panels are different. The interior has wood trim inside vs aluminum in the Sport model. The grille is different and the traditional MB hood star is mounted instead of a flat badge.

The C300 Sport and Luxury engines and transmissions are identical. The Sport has larger brakes.

There were several colors available for the Luxury that you never see on the Sport model. In early cars, Sport model interiors were only available in black which is why I didn't buy one.

mrkompressor

LOTS of studying, reviewing and personal experience has shown me. If you can get a W204 over a W203. Do it and be done with it. In fact any Mercedes LAUNCHED after the W204 came out in 2008 is a smart buy. This includes the GLK, E-Class, E-Class coupe (a.k.a. CLK...a.k.a. C-Class Coupe) and even the new Uber-Expensive SLS.

A Odman

I just bought a C280 yesterday, manufactured in June 2008, are you telling me it's the same car as c300 made at that time ? I live in Sweden btw.