Best Luxury Car under $80K
12-06-2012, 02:30 PM
#26
Oxford Dictionary Definition of Luxury:-
Noun
A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense:
Adjective
Luxurious or of the nature of a luxury:
Origin:
Middle English (denoting lechery): from Old French luxurie, luxure, from Latin luxuria, from luxus 'excess'.
I personally do not look upon my C Class as a luxury car but do see it as a very well engineered , tough ,safe, economical & technically advanced motor vehicle which can travel on poor roads , tow & carry great loads , take mud & dust & still look elegant in all settings.It also did not involve great expense.
The alternative large rear wheel drives here in Australia are the US influenced locally produced vehicles which are now irrelevant & have been for some time.They can come with all forms of luxury trappings but do not come up to the standard of the more advanced opposition . This has been the case since Noah was a boy & unfortunately soon there will be less vehicle manufacturing in Australia because they simply have head their heads buried in the sand & are not producing vehicles the public want.
Noun
A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense:
Adjective
Luxurious or of the nature of a luxury:
Origin:
Middle English (denoting lechery): from Old French luxurie, luxure, from Latin luxuria, from luxus 'excess'.
I personally do not look upon my C Class as a luxury car but do see it as a very well engineered , tough ,safe, economical & technically advanced motor vehicle which can travel on poor roads , tow & carry great loads , take mud & dust & still look elegant in all settings.It also did not involve great expense.
The alternative large rear wheel drives here in Australia are the US influenced locally produced vehicles which are now irrelevant & have been for some time.They can come with all forms of luxury trappings but do not come up to the standard of the more advanced opposition . This has been the case since Noah was a boy & unfortunately soon there will be less vehicle manufacturing in Australia because they simply have head their heads buried in the sand & are not producing vehicles the public want.
1. archaic : lechery, lust
2. a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment <lived in luxury>
3. a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary <one of life's luxuries>
b : an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease <had the luxury of rejecting a handful of job offers — Terri Minsky>
From 3a, C class can be considered as a "luxury" car. That's how I feel and how my friends think.
12-07-2012, 11:07 AM
#27
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Judging by the class that it is in and what it is competing with, I would definitely call it a luxury car. It's also significantly nicer than say, a Ford Fusion (not a bad car, but not a luxury car).
I drove the E350 and several CPO S550s several times before I decided on the C250. I didn't really feel that the E was much more luxurious than the C. It definitely felt like a softer car and a bit more isolated, but it wasn't night and day to me. The C to S and E to S were another story though... but not enough for me to want to have a car note.
I've also got a fairly well equipped C, so that may alter part of my perception.
I drove the E350 and several CPO S550s several times before I decided on the C250. I didn't really feel that the E was much more luxurious than the C. It definitely felt like a softer car and a bit more isolated, but it wasn't night and day to me. The C to S and E to S were another story though... but not enough for me to want to have a car note.
I've also got a fairly well equipped C, so that may alter part of my perception.
12-07-2012, 07:17 PM
#28
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Sorry that the Ford Fusion is the ugly duckling brother of the truly wonderful Belgian-built Ford MONDEO. Nicer materials, better design, more comfortable seats, more accurate steering, lovely ride, and fortunately since I bought was able to buy one within a month of buying a new C300 Sport, the Merc now has 7k miles in three years, and the Mondeo nearly 50k miles (and still waiting for its first B service) in three years minus one month.
The Mondeo was "Car of the Year" twice in Top Gear, although sometimes its hard to separate journalistic prejudices from actual fact.
All are anxious to see how much "Mondeo" gets retransferred to the new "Fusion". Hopefully it will retain the European heritage of previous Mondeos, and regain the title of best-selling sedan in England, where it thrashed BMW 3-series sales for many years.
The Mondeo was "Car of the Year" twice in Top Gear, although sometimes its hard to separate journalistic prejudices from actual fact.
All are anxious to see how much "Mondeo" gets retransferred to the new "Fusion". Hopefully it will retain the European heritage of previous Mondeos, and regain the title of best-selling sedan in England, where it thrashed BMW 3-series sales for many years.
12-07-2012, 07:31 PM
#29
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I failed to mention that the Ford Mondeo truly has S-class levels of (q u i e t) and ride. Quiet is something the W204 certainly lacks, out of my 11 vehicles only the Honda Accord is noisier. Its the difference between shouting (Merc) and screaming (Honda) on a concrete highway. One cant even hear oneself think in these two.
What's nice about the W204? Well the looks are SENSATIONAL. Second the brakes. And then there are... hmmm... the brakes. Didnt I already mention the brakes? Yes. Sorry, thats all I can think of.
What's nice about the W204? Well the looks are SENSATIONAL. Second the brakes. And then there are... hmmm... the brakes. Didnt I already mention the brakes? Yes. Sorry, thats all I can think of.
12-08-2012, 12:11 PM
#31
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Unfortunately, the ones in the US (known as Fusion) equipped with the new Ecoboost 1.6liter engine (as are some other models with the same engine) are being recalled already, as some have had engine fires. A disappointing start for what seemed to be a promising marketplace success.
12-08-2012, 01:51 PM
#32
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The engine of choice for the Mondeo/Fusion is the 2.0L 240 HP turbo, same output as the BMW 328i, and more than the C250 (albeit a 1.8L displacement).
Still vote for the A5 Sportback as the "best in class" at that price.
Still vote for the A5 Sportback as the "best in class" at that price.
12-08-2012, 03:25 PM
#33
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At the end of the day, it is not the same class of car, nor is it competing with the C class. We are talking luxury class, and not family sedan class.
A Fusion or Mondeo's engineering pedigree, materials choice, telematics choice, driving characteristics, etc are not in the same class of vehicle. This goes for the 2013... We went in prepared to buy a new Fusion Titanium last week and ended up with a Focus Titanium in my partner's garage spot because it drove so much better.
A Fusion or Mondeo's engineering pedigree, materials choice, telematics choice, driving characteristics, etc are not in the same class of vehicle. This goes for the 2013... We went in prepared to buy a new Fusion Titanium last week and ended up with a Focus Titanium in my partner's garage spot because it drove so much better.
Last edited by MDMercedesGuy; 12-08-2012 at 03:28 PM.
12-08-2012, 04:35 PM
#35
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The root cause has not been publicized yet. However, owners are being told to park and not drive their cars and loaners are being offered.
This discussion that the C Class and Fusion/Mondeo are not the same class of car also reflects on the question of whether the C Class is "luxury". As with the Cruze example, the Fusion/Mondeo can do the same basic transportation tasks as the C Class...but we seem to believe they are not at the same level on the automotive hierarchy.
This discussion that the C Class and Fusion/Mondeo are not the same class of car also reflects on the question of whether the C Class is "luxury". As with the Cruze example, the Fusion/Mondeo can do the same basic transportation tasks as the C Class...but we seem to believe they are not at the same level on the automotive hierarchy.
12-08-2012, 06:20 PM
#37
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Thread Starter
250 CDI =A$75,000 Drive Away.
C63 AMG =A$166,000
C300 =A$94,300.Drive away.
Base Model C 200 = A$64,000.
http://www.driveaway.mercedes-benz.com.au/
I reckon MB C Class are too expensive to be abused , jazzed up & thrown away .
C63 AMG =A$166,000
C300 =A$94,300.Drive away.
Base Model C 200 = A$64,000.
http://www.driveaway.mercedes-benz.com.au/
I reckon MB C Class are too expensive to be abused , jazzed up & thrown away .
12-08-2012, 09:46 PM
#39
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The root cause has not been publicized yet. However, owners are being told to park and not drive their cars and loaners are being offered.
This discussion that the C Class and Fusion/Mondeo are not the same class of car also reflects on the question of whether the C Class is "luxury". As with the Cruze example, the Fusion/Mondeo can do the same basic transportation tasks as the C Class...but we seem to believe they are not at the same level on the automotive hierarchy.
This discussion that the C Class and Fusion/Mondeo are not the same class of car also reflects on the question of whether the C Class is "luxury". As with the Cruze example, the Fusion/Mondeo can do the same basic transportation tasks as the C Class...but we seem to believe they are not at the same level on the automotive hierarchy.
12-08-2012, 09:47 PM
#40
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12-08-2012, 10:10 PM
#41
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What I enjoy & one of the reasons for buying a bottom of the range C Class is that you can have a quality car in the garage for about $60,000 which has the same basic underpinnings, technology, style, safety, economy ect as a $80,000 & $160,000 C Class!.
I feel like a poser !!
I feel like a poser !!
12-08-2012, 11:26 PM
#42
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Our local Car magazine ran an article a few months back that the days of the "Premium" segments of the auto industry are numbered as all manufacturers step up to the plate & offer good cars that are very well appointed, well built & loaded with technology at the respective levels. I'm sure that the German big three will try to delay this but their "Super Saloon" offerings are already somewhat irrelevant in today's world.
Following this line of thinking, ask your wife if the next time you go out someplace, would she just as soon wear a burlap sack or plastic garbage bag, or would she prefer to dress as she always does on those occasions.
We both know the answer.
12-09-2012, 12:23 AM
#44
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Thread Starter
Wish they did !
Australia only builds Ford ,GM ( H) & Toyota.
We used to build , Nissan, Mitsubishi, Peugeot ,Renault, Leyland,Triumph .Chrysler + others .
The high A $ is making it difficult for all our manufacturing to compete with overseas imports & also in the international market place.
Our $ is high because China is taking our raw materials , our interest rate is comparatively high & our banks are rated AAA.
Australia only builds Ford ,GM ( H) & Toyota.
We used to build , Nissan, Mitsubishi, Peugeot ,Renault, Leyland,Triumph .Chrysler + others .
The high A $ is making it difficult for all our manufacturing to compete with overseas imports & also in the international market place.
Our $ is high because China is taking our raw materials , our interest rate is comparatively high & our banks are rated AAA.
12-09-2012, 08:55 AM
#45
Super Moderator
Lets face it. Every single car made does the same thing. A place to sit, in out of the weather, while travelling from A to B. So, an S-Class and a Tata Nano are then in the same class. According to auto mag scribes.
Following this line of thinking, ask your wife if the next time you go out someplace, would she just as soon wear a burlap sack or plastic garbage bag, or would she prefer to dress as she always does on those occasions.
We both know the answer.
Following this line of thinking, ask your wife if the next time you go out someplace, would she just as soon wear a burlap sack or plastic garbage bag, or would she prefer to dress as she always does on those occasions.
We both know the answer.
12-09-2012, 08:56 AM
#46
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12-09-2012, 08:58 AM
#47
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12-09-2012, 01:09 PM
#48
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2024 GLS450
I have great respect for Ford in trying to be a very forward thinking automaker in the US (this coming from a die hard GM fan/GM Family member) - but they need to not rush these things to market if they want to have success and maintain/improve their brand perception.
12-09-2012, 01:37 PM
#49
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Fords fuel lines, as well as all other auto manufacturers, come from outside suppliers that may not have fabricated the tubing according to engineering specifications.
Particularly susceptible to fracture in aluminum fuel lines are right-angle bends where engine vibrations can cause premature fatigue failure.
Particularly susceptible to fracture in aluminum fuel lines are right-angle bends where engine vibrations can cause premature fatigue failure.
12-09-2012, 05:20 PM
#50
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Judging by the class that it is in and what it is competing with, I would definitely call it a luxury car. It's also significantly nicer than say, a Ford Fusion (not a bad car, but not a luxury car).
I drove the E350 and several CPO S550s several times before I decided on the C250. I didn't really feel that the E was much more luxurious than the C. It definitely felt like a softer car and a bit more isolated, but it wasn't night and day to me. The C to S and E to S were another story though... but not enough for me to want to have a car note.
I've also got a fairly well equipped C, so that may alter part of my perception.
I drove the E350 and several CPO S550s several times before I decided on the C250. I didn't really feel that the E was much more luxurious than the C. It definitely felt like a softer car and a bit more isolated, but it wasn't night and day to me. The C to S and E to S were another story though... but not enough for me to want to have a car note.
I've also got a fairly well equipped C, so that may alter part of my perception.
250 CDI =A$75,000 Drive Away.
C63 AMG =A$166,000
C300 =A$94,300.Drive away.
Base Model C 200 = A$64,000.
http://www.driveaway.mercedes-benz.com.au/
I reckon MB C Class are too expensive to be abused , jazzed up & thrown away .
C63 AMG =A$166,000
C300 =A$94,300.Drive away.
Base Model C 200 = A$64,000.
http://www.driveaway.mercedes-benz.com.au/
I reckon MB C Class are too expensive to be abused , jazzed up & thrown away .
Agree with your quote above too, but I may pull the trigger 'eventually' on a set of beautiful custom 3 piece 19's for my coupe from either HRE or ADV.1 and damn that figure above will go even further north
