albo23

I plan on upgrading soon from my terrible '06 Chrysler Sebring. I have done some research on used cars around $20-$23k and the C300 is my #1. The interior is great, the handling is amazing, and the reviews of the car are glowing. However, I want to know if any of you have words of advice for me before I go looking for the C300?

My goal is to find one with around 20k-30k miles for around $20k, I am in no rush so I am confident I can find one if I look hard/long enough. Also, AWD/4MATIC is a must in my area.

- Is there a specific year that is known to have reliability issues or be extremely reliable? Reliability is definitely one of my higher focuses.

- To my knowledge, there are two trims -- Sport, Luxury. The only performance difference is the sport vs. luxury suspension -- how noticeable of a difference is this?

- I am leaning more toward recent-year models (2013, 2012, 2011), what are the primary interior/exterior/performance differences over the years? Are they substantial enough to warrant paying a significant higher price?

- I like navigation and backup camera -- is there anything I should know about either feature's performance? Were they more prevalent or better in certain years? Do all cars with navigation also have backup camera?

Skyline45

1) Yes, there is a considerable difference in the way the car rides between Sport and Luxury. I was set on getting a Sport model until I drove one. I almost gave up on buying a C after driving one. However, when I drove the luxury model I was sold. It has more of the traditional "Mercedes ride" that I was looking for.

2)To get newer than a 2010 you're going to be looking at a little over 23k. Unless you find a really good deal. The only difference I can tell from a 2010 and a 2011 is the LED DRL, some have the face lift, and the stereo set up.

3)No all cars do not come standard with these features. I don't know about the backup camera, and I opted out of the navigation because I just use my phone as the system connects to it's bluetooth.

Also note the service record on any car you look at. Make sure that it's had all of it's service done at the correct time. Specially for the 4matics, which you had mentioned that you're looking at. The Transfer case of these models are prone to failure if not services correctly. Make sure the dealership has strictly abides by the WIS for these cars, as a lot of them will only perform the RWD maintenance and not flush the Transfer case.

Also EXPECT to spend money on maintenance. These cars are amazing, but apart of keeping up with the quality that they are known for is the maintenance that comes with them. If not maintained properly you WILL have problems.

xjmoe83

2012-14 are the facelift cars, meaning the front end is different and hey also have a completely different interior. 2013-14 have the newer direct injection engine (248hp rather than 228hp)

Skyline45

Ah, for sure. Couldn't remember if it was 2011 or 2012 where they made the change.

stratman1954

Sport models have a stiff ride in my opinion. These cars are very expensive to maintain, think twice before buying one.

abqhudson

My 2 cents - Buy the 2013 and get the 3.5 Liter motor.
If handling is your thing, get the Sport.
If comfort is your thing, get the Lux.
17" wheels may ride a little softer than 18s.
You will like the C300 4Matic - we do.

Thaa kiid Jlee

honestly, i would get the new volkswagen gti. I looked at it recently and it blows my '11 loaded c class away, for around 30k.

alwazsidwaz

my .02; I was in the same boat as you. Looking at used, prepared to buy a comprehensive warranty. I tested an 09 and there was a humming/vibration coming from the trans. I was also kinda cramped in the car (I'm 6'2"). Fortunately at the time the dealer was running great lease specials. My 13 fit like a glove! I ended up with the AMG sports package on my C300. Looks & handling ticked all the right buttons. It's not crazy fast but quick enough for a fun commuter Sunday back road romper. A lot of my friends harped on me saying I bought it cause it was a "Mercedes" and I'd get tired of it after a few months (knowing I go through cars a lot). However, it's been 2 years. I'm still just as satisfied with it as the day I brought it home. I've since put on some 18" AMG 5 spokes and it just got better. I'm not one for factory NAVS (I use the nav on my IPhone) so the fact mine didn't come with it was no big deal. The factory stereo is great. Leather suede heated seats are fantastic. I wish the paddle shifters were more responsive and I noticed this after the wifes WRX went into the shop and we got a new Legacy for a loaner. The way the Legacy shifted made my C300 feel ancient. I still haven't decided if I'm going to keep it at the end of the lease because realistically there are better "optioned" cars out there for the money. But it's the little things that make it a Mercedes. And I think that's what has kept me so satisfied with it. I hope this helps. Good luck on your search.

codeblue5007

It will be difficult to find a recent C class with low miles at 20k. If you do, it will presumably be under warranty and you will have a year or so of tranquility. The 4Matic handles very well and is superb in the snow with snow tires. On the other hand, downshifting is sluggish and several transfer case failures have been reported necessitating an $8k transmission replacement. General maintenance is expensive. All in all, I would look into a 4WD alternative.

WilliaMooh

buy mine it's 110k I'm planning to buy a c63 there's no issues in the car if your interested. i will send you some pics of it. it's red and black 08' and I'm in ann arbor, Michigan

shotgun_banjo

Buy a extended warranty should be your first priority. Make sure that the required transmission service was done "properly" (TC drained) if you are looking at cars that has 40k miles on them. Have a earfull on how she sounds and shifts during a text drive as there might be a bank-busting problem lurking that might be hiding if you don't pay attention. If you don't need 4matic stay with the RWD version which would have less problems. You can have a backup camera if you don't have it as long as you have a navigation built-in. Buy at least a 2010 model. Let me put it this way a C-class is like hot chick that will please you really well but will cost you a lot of money for each and every pleasure it gives you so be prepared. Folks who buys these machines are or should be prepared to spend 2-3x the normal cost of maintenance compared to a japanese or american brand vehicles so if you are not willing to spend that much then don't even think about it.

tonyteetime

^^^ THIS

The 3.5 L engine in the 2013 is strong and has potential for HP performance to be unlocked. You've mentioned is around 20K , but if you are willing to spend a little more , then you will be happy with this choice.

ceevee

What did you end up getting? Any more advice from you since getting it?

Loud068

You won't find a 2012-2014 C300 with under 40K miles for under 25k. At least in good condition. I looked forever and ended up in a CPO 2012 sport with 36k miles. It has cold weather package, AMG sportline package, Nav, and reverse camera. It also has the unlimited mileage CPO warranty for 2 years. I paid a little under 30k out the door. Every 2013-2014 that I looked at was over 30K. All the 2012s were between 26k and 30k.

Bo$$

When did you buy your CPO 2012 C300?

I'm looking to buy a 2012 C300 Sport with around 30-35K miles. 4MATIC, NAV, REAR CAM are all a must. Keyless go a preference as well as Lane Assist.

I did some research online and it said that people who are trading their 2012 C300 Sports are getting 22,500 for them. Resale at Most MB dealers 27,500 and up. How much do you think I can talk em down?

Also are there any differences in the 2012 vs. the 2013 other than the bigger engine?

Loud068

I bought it in Nov. 4Matic, nav and rear cam are the easy ones. Most people included those in their orders when they originally bought the cars. Keyless go, lane assist and the lighting package are harder to find as most people did not include these in their options.

The dealers won't tend to go down much on the price of CPOs but you can prob. get them down a little depending on your negotiation skills. I was trading in my M3 so I had some leverage. I got them to pay off what I owed on my M3. I also got them to match my 1500 down payment with 2k off the car and they made my first months payment. All in all I got a pretty decent deal considering the car still had the factory warranty as well as the extended CPO unlimited mileage warranty.

As far as I know there isn't any difference between 2012 and 2013 besides the engine and price. The 2013 will most likely be closer to 35k still.

Good luck with your search. There is a lot out there, just make sure you get something that was well taken care of and still has a warranty. I will add that I do kind of regret not getting the C350 instead though. They are only a few grand more and have quite a bit more power. Coming from an M3, it would have been more of a lateral move in terms of HP and Torque numbers.

TheRulesLawyer

Nice thing with the c350 is it got the new engine in 2012 instead of 2013 for the c300. I picked up a 2012 c350 for far less than the 2013 c300s were going for locally. However no 4matic.


Nav and keyless go are options you want from the factory if you want them at all. The rear view cam is an easy retrofit as is adding xenon headlights.

Bo$$

Still looking to buy a Mercedes. Think I am set on a 2013 Arctic White C350 Coupe 4MATIC with the sport package, NAV and lane assist with 30K or less miles.

If I can get keyless go and lighting that would be great but those seem to be hard to find combined with everything I just mentioned.

Saw the NADA resale value was 34K but the trade in value was 29.2 for average and 31.1 for clean. Any idea what I can talk the dealer down to?

MB Marko

get a fully loaded on or at least with the good sound system and sport is the way to go! oh to be honest i would of went the c350 this time around even though the 300 has the power too

thesh0rty

this is basically what I drive now (minus 4MATIC) and trading up soon...still shopping around, but told by Las Vegas dealer that he can get my car for $27K all day long...I was hoping for over $30K for trade in.

W57thNY

I had no idea there was so much of a difference between the Sport, and Luxury package. The Sport package isn't really all that bad, unless you're on really broken roads.

The fog light to LED DRL change was made in 2011. The facelift on the front end was done in 2012. 2012 also introduced a new dashboard with more upscale materials.


The backup camera is part of the Multimedia Package, which also includes navigation. While I don't use the Navigation often, it's nice to have a slightly larger screen.

Bo$$

Get your car for 27K all day long meaning (at auction?) or that's the max they're willing to give you?

This is very close to the car I'm looking for.

http://www.mbofsa.com/used/2013/merc...gj5hb8df973389

except in 4MATIC.

This is the same car as the San Antonio listing however in 4 MATIC and only 20 miles from my house. ( No pictures up yet by the local dealer near me that's why I posted the San Antonio one for reference)

https://www.benzelbusch.com/inventor...-white--u12488


I find it absurd that they are asking 37K....

Only thing it doesn't have is the full brake assist package and keyless go.

I'd hate to deal with Benzel Bush though. Like I had mentioned in a previous post the second my grandma signed the papers on her new C400 they didn't give a **** about anything. And I've read HORRENDOUS service reviews there. Although more than likely I will DIY or use an INDY.

thesh0rty

I am not sure if auction/normal range in that area, but he did say we could discuss...might sell outright and then use money toward new car. Either way, I agree that $37K is high...I think $30-33 is where they should be. Have you considered just straight up offer and see what happens? Also...maybe I missed, but why the 4MATIC if living in Texas?

Bo$$

Haven't even test drove it yet... But have driven the C350 4MATIC 4DR many times. Family member had one for 4 years.

I'm in New Jersey that's why I need the 4MATIC.
The San Antonio post was for reference since a dealer in NJ is posting the same car same price.

thesh0rty

Ok...that makes sense. I am moving back to the US this next week and mine did pretty good in the German snow, but I think the 4MATIC would have been helpful for sure. Now I am moving to Vegas so no need for 4MATIC so it works out. I would get out there and test drive a few to see what feels better to you...especially the sport like mine. The AMG seating and colors make it sporty and the seats lock you in place. I went from a 08' C300 sport to this 13' C350 sport and hands down no contest. much quicker off the jump and a sheer blast on the autobahn here....might prove to be dissapointing once back to normal daily driving.