Hi,

I am a BMW guy and looking to get a Mercedes for the first time and don't know very much about them. I am looking at the C Class and found two I am looking at.

2008 C300, 57K miles, $18,500

2011 C300, 34K miles, $24,000

Would you think I would be fine with the 2008? Or is the $5.5k worth moving up to the 2011?

Please share, thank you for your time.

 

Does both cars have the packages you need? I would go with the c350 because it's got more power and lower mileage but not for 5.5k I would talk to them see if you can get any deals on it.

 

They are both pretty much the same as features go, the 08 has nav and heated seats where the 11 doesn't. I can live without those though.

 

I believe the 08 does not have power adjustable seats if that matters to you. The '11 has LED day time running lights that replaced the 08's classic circular fog lights.

The '11 has a multicolor instrument panel cluster while the 08 has the pre-facelift blue one. You might want to look into the sound system, if either has the harmon kardon premium logic 7 premium sound system that may be a deal breaker.

If you want it for the long haul I'd go with the lower milage. Remind the dealer that the new 2015 c-class total redesign was just announced and try to use it to negotiated to your advantage, good luck!

 

The seats are power adjustable on ours.

Still, between the two, I'd definitely go for the '11 - lower miles and more warranty left.

 

Also 08 was the first year of this model, many people have had lots of issues (parents had an 08 that was constantly in the shop, they traded it for an 11 and have not had a single issue since).

the 11 will most likely give you fewer repair shop visits. and in the long term may end up costing less than the 08.

 

The '11 has the blue one still. The TFT display didn't come until the facelift dash with the 2012s.

OP - go with the 2011. There were a few teething issues with the 2008s that were worked out by the time the 2011 came around. That said, if the 2011 isn't exactly what you want or throws up any flags - pass and find another. There are enough used W204s out there that you should be able to find your perfect match with relative ease (assuming you don't want a really uncommon color combo, a manual transmission or things like a C300 with P2, which it doesn't sound like you do).

 

Go for the 2011, because repairs for the 2008 will equal 5.5