MacGSX

Hey guys, new member here! I've been on the hunt for a nice C-class for awhile now and right when I was about to purchase a C250, I found myself a beautiful C300 and am now in a pickle. So not knowing to much about the Benz world I was hoping I can get some advice.

Car 1: 2012 C250 sport RWD Turbo 4cyl, white on black with 8k miles. Car Fax clean. The car is emaculate! I'm not sure what package it has but its fairly simple, no nav, no sunroof. Dealer is asking $29,999

Car 2: 2010 C300 Sport 4MATIC Sedan, V6. White on black as well. 12k miles. Premium package 1 and 2 as well as the command package. It also has a set of 18" Amg 5 dual-Spoke Aluminum Wheels on it. This dealer is asking $28995.

So now I'm torn. The 2012 C250 is beautiful as I've read it was just redesigned but the C300 is just as nice! What would you do?


Jordan

AkaSigFreak

I would wait and keep looking. The facelift cars have a drastically improved interior which is a world of difference. Comparing the 2- that would make the decision for me. The 2012+ cars also have the latest facelift on the exterior.
I would look for a 2012 with Premium 1 Package and Multimedia. The dealerships should be working on prices due to 2013s arriving.
Also determine if the cars are Mercedes Certified Pre-Owned (CPO). These should include the 100,000 Mile warranty which should be a must.

Knightmare69

Asking us is pointless IMO, in the end it's going to be your car that you drive. Ask yourself more which you like better. As far as problems within each year, searching will answer most of those. Again, this is your car, alot of us will be biased based on what we drive.

dgghostkilla

I like the c300 inside better, the pop up screen is way cooler than the new style Benzos.
The new 250 has cool LED fog lights
The older c300 is all whee drive, depending on where you live it could use useful in the winter.
The new c250 is more fuel efficient that the v6 c300.
Also consider the price of for both car insurances to see there is even a drastic change if money is an issue.

I have a 2010 c300 4-matic with the packages and nav. I really like my car better.

At the end of the day go for that gut feeling. I bet you are already leaning towards one, go for that one.

snowmuch

No sunroof? No navi? Keep looking I guess. If you're going to buy a Merc might as well put every package on it.

Savage c-300

I would go for the V6.

MacGSX

I'm not asking for anyones opinion on looks, but which may be a better buy in terms of drivability, reliability, etc... I like the looks of the 2010s just as much as the 2012s. But I will say the new interiors are very nice.

I would love to get a 2012 left over with all the packages, but they are to expensive for me. I unfortunetly do not want to spend that kind of money. I'm trying to stay at/below $30k. Thanks for the tip about the CPO cars. I was unaware of that!

As of right now I kicked that c250 to the curb. One option I decided I really do want is a sunroof. I can do without Nav and I can do without automatic rear sun screens etc. I'm still looking at the C300 listed above, along with one 2011 C300 and one C350 I'm going to look at today. So by the end of the week I should HOPEFULLY be driving something sexy around.

Sportstick

Making a confident recommendation is a bit tough, as I don't know where you live and your driving skills. A tenuous driver in northern areas will benefit from the 4MATIC with winter tires. A capable driver in the south should certainly prefer the rear wheel drive. And, there are a variety of combinations in-between...so which are you?

Regarding quality, 2010 was the year the C Class won the JDPower Initial Quality Study...which did not repeat. There were other refinements made along with the 2012 freshening. But, with change comes increased chances of newly-discovered issues. For example, I've noted an uptick in complaints here about the automatic transmission since the launch of the C250 with the turbo4 engine. The importance of the interior appearance is a personal choice for you...some actually like the pre-2012 Teutonic simplicity better than the "mini E Class" style now.

Not decisive, but not enough information yet. Hope the discussion is helping you focus on what's best for you.