mike82212

New to the forums and thinking of buying my 1st German car

I have been looking for over a year now, but have to get the car soon. I have always had Japanese cars. I have driven both the ES350 and the MB C300. I like the way the C300 handles, but worried about long term cost.

My mechanic tell me not to go German, I'll be sorry

I have looked at the 350 UL. Its a bit roomier and a few more options, like ventilated seats, heated steering wheel and pano roof

To get the 300, I would have to eliminate the pano roof and leather. That keeps both of the MRSP around the same

I really dont know which way to go.

The C300 would be less gas milage along with the expense of a all wheel drive transmission. My passion tells me to pick the C300.

Anyone help me out?

spyked

Depends on how long you plan to keep the car. The C300 will require a lot of money on repairs due to the 4MATIC system.

BUT - don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just because you don't get a C300 doesn't mean you have to get a Lexus ES.

What about an A4? Or a MB C250 or C350. Or at least an IS350 Lexus. Anything but an ES!

Pete7874

Wouldn't the IS350 be more of a direct competitor to the C-Class? The IS should handle more sporty than the ES.

This is the last year of the C-Class. The new redesigned C-Class is just around the corner. At this point, I wouldn't buy the current one.

In terms of reliability, it's a crap shoot really, but on average, I think the Lexus is more reliable. I guess it depends on how long you're planning to keep the car. If you're going to ditch it after the warranty is up, then I'd say it doesn't really matter much.

The extended warranty on our C300 expires at the end of 2014 and we'll certainly be ditching it. This car has had way too many problems during our ownership. We'd go broke if we had to pay for such repairs out of pocket.

mike82212

I have had my current car since May of 05 and have 120,000 miles on it.

I want some luxury, that is why I have gone with the ES or C300.

The C350 is out of my price range

Other then what everyone on these forums has said about the 4Matic, I like the idea of the 4wheel drive

emericr

Why don't you go drive a new IS350 if you have not already. It is a great car and has a better rating that the C over the last 5 years.

w204_Generic

I agree, I would not get the redesigned C class. I love the look of my 2011.

As for the OP, there are so many choices for luxurious cars in this price range, which means you do not have to get a Mercedes-Benz.

In my opinion, that doesn't mean you have to agree with me, I would not buy brand new cars, as they are a waste of money and you do not know if there might some sort of recall. Certified pre-owned(so you know everything about the cars history) is the way to go, since you can save more money and may even get a more luxurious or faster car.

A prime example of this is that I saw a 2012 Mercedes E350 for $28,000 with only 23,000 miles on it. Now that is a deal you can't beat.

mike82212

Since I will put a lot of miles on the car and my age(60), I'm looking new. Might be the last new car I buy. Trying to treat myself to something nice. The Lexus IS350 is too sporty and the GS is out of my price range

MDMercedesGuy

Again, why not look at the C250? That would let you get the options you want in the price range you want, along with better fuel economy and comparable real world performance and refinement to the C300.

I find the ES to be too soft... almost to the point where it feels dangerous.

w204_Generic

I think he likes the idea of the all wheel drive on the C300, that is why the C250 seems to not be an option.

But Mike, if the all wheel drive isn't much of a concern, I would recommend the C250 for the reasons states by MDMercedesGuy.

mike82212

I do like the all wheel drive. I am also scared of the turbo on the 250 and long term. I did just price the 250 and I can get everything I want for about the same MRSLP.

Its a hard choice

spyked

I don't think the AWD is too important, or he wouldn't be looking at the ES. They are super nice Camrys (and that is not a bad thing at all), but they are not AWD either. You need an IS or GS to get AWD in Lexus sedan.

A4 is the obvious answer. Sized between C300 and ES, and has proper AWD system.

mike82212

I would want FWD or AWD. With the weather we get in maryland, would not want to go to RWD

mike82212

Thanks for all of the quick responses! Is the Trans in the C300 THAT bad?

spyked

If you are never out of warranty (factory or extended) then it's not a big deal. But it's a $6000 - $8000 replacement cost when the transfer case eventually fails.

MB might not be the car for you if you want FWD/AWD. The CLA is FWD but it's not really luxurious, more sporty.

ralawren

I had RWD in Md and used winter tires from mid Dec until Mid Mar. They were fine, even in the blizzard a few years ago. The 4Matic is nice thou, even helps in wet conditions. Depends upon your experience with winter driving.

If you are going to keep the car beyond the warranty I would stay with Lexus. They are less costly and you can use some Toyota parts like filters. I did this with an Infiniti. Used Nissan filters, plugs, etc.

Sportstick

Mike,

We're within months of being the same age so don't at all think this is your last car! We'll be buying cars 20 years from now if all goes well!

As you your current decision, it's a matter of personal priority. If you want the closest thing to bulletproof quality with the absolute greatest likelihood of not seeing the service department, and driving is more about getting from A to B comfortably, but not a source of enjoyment in the process, Lexus is the better choice....even a dressed-up Toyota Camry with an ES badge on the back.

If you want to enjoy a different and classically German driving experience from a very high quality car which has an excellent track record for reliability, but perhaps a touch behind the Lexus, the Mercedes-Benz is the preferred alternative. Keep in mind, in 2010, the C Class won the segment for the JDPower Initial Quality Study, so the current car is very well worked-out.

So......appliance-like reliability and driving.....or some fun and enjoyment, with perhaps an extra repair some day? (My 5 year old C Class had it's first significant repair this year....window regulator and door hinge needed attention after 5 years). I think that's the bottom line of your choice this time. Let's talk again for your next car in 5-10 years!

Sportstick

P.S. I have rear wheel drive in Michigan, and did fine this week with our Polar Vortex snowstorm....I have winter tires.

mike82212

I like the reliability of the Lexus, but do find it somewhat boring to drive. The C300, is the a real driving machine and it still looks like a luxury car. Im looking at the C300 Luxury and not the Sport

MDMercedesGuy

Where in Maryland are you?

I've got a 50lb bag of sand in the trunk and am holding down the fort with 18" AMG wheels and my Continental Tires.

Granted, I grew up in Ohio - so I am used to dealing with snow the likes that Maryland will never see - but all in all it's not awful in the snow. I'm more concerned about someone hitting me than me not having control.

mike82212

I live in Baltimore and do have a 25 mile commute each day. I have no place to store winter tires, so the FWD or AWD.

I am just seeing if the Transmission in the 300 is that bad

spyked

It's really not fair to blame the transmission. It's the Transfer Case which happens to require transmission replacement since they are a single unit. RWD transmissions are solid.

I'd pass on the C300 if you are used to Japanese cars. They have served you well for 60 years....why rock the boat?

Sportstick

Sounds like you made a decision! Congratulations and enjoy the drive! Most C Classes don't have a problem with the trans/TC (Far below 50%!). This forum just has the most vocal and involved owners. Maintain it by the book. If you are concerned, just get the extended warranty and be ready to consider something new in 7 years if need be! Chances are, you'll be fine.

He wants to "rock" because he is bored! It's never too late to have a good time!

mike82212

So, with the extended warranty, can that be added before the original warranty is up? If not, Im sure its a negotiable item. My only problem is they dont stock the configuration of the car I want in this area. Luxury, with keyless-go and lighting package. I have checked out several dealers

kev10

Looks like I have a company. I am in high 40s, however. I tried quite a few cars before taking on 2012 C300 Luxury and getting rid of my old 2001 A4. I tried Lexus IS, BMW 328i, 2012 Audi A4, Infiniti G25, Acura TL, and MB C250. The C300 Luxury suits me very well. Besides great look and very comfortable rides, it also slightly cuts down my speeding habit (I was a bit at the aggressive side before).

The car just reached 2 years and 4 months. Not a single problem so far (fingers crossed). But I am getting a bit "scared" by people in this forum whether to keep the car pass the 4yr warranty period. If I do keep it, I will buy an extended warranty.

mike82212

I have tried the Acura TL, looks to "Tech" inside , not enough luxury. Looked at the Lexus GS350 AWD, but out of my price range new. Just "Because" and of the miles I will put on in the next few years before I retire, I really would like "New"