Thinking about a C-Class as a second car
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 222
Likes: 7
2007 ML 350 - VIN 4JGBB86E17A211020
Thinking about a C-Class as a second car
We have a 2007 ML350 w 250K miles. My daughter pranged my 1991 190E (she is OK, car was a write off)...so now we are looking at a second vehicle. 
Financials around a new 300C look unattractive... :\
We were thinking about a 2016 300C. I have seem some threads sharing the 2015's were better cars.
Any advice on mileage, things to watch out for welcome.
Financials around a new 300C look unattractive... :\
We were thinking about a 2016 300C. I have seem some threads sharing the 2015's were better cars.
Any advice on mileage, things to watch out for welcome.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
Maybe look at a 2014.
Place for a spare tire;
Good tires - not run flats.
No turbo
3.5 V-6 engine should be good for the long haul. 2013 had the 3.0 engine.
Find a low miles CPO and you will be good to go.
Lux for a more gentlemanly ride and ability to rotate tires or the more common Sport Version for a spirited ride.
I like my Lux very much.
Ymmv
Place for a spare tire;
Good tires - not run flats.
No turbo
3.5 V-6 engine should be good for the long haul. 2013 had the 3.0 engine.
Find a low miles CPO and you will be good to go.
Lux for a more gentlemanly ride and ability to rotate tires or the more common Sport Version for a spirited ride.
I like my Lux very much.
Ymmv
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,366
Likes: 251
From: Canada
A car
We have a 2007 ML350 w 250K miles. My daughter pranged my 1991 190E (she is OK, car was a write off)...so now we are looking at a second vehicle.
Financials around a new 300C look unattractive... :\
We were thinking about a 2016 300C. I have seem some threads sharing the 2015's were better cars.
Any advice on mileage, things to watch out for welcome.
Financials around a new 300C look unattractive... :\
We were thinking about a 2016 300C. I have seem some threads sharing the 2015's were better cars.
Any advice on mileage, things to watch out for welcome.
Get a non direct injected W204. 2012 C300 for me was my bet on a long term reliable car. It has proved well for me. (and one of the last non direct injected C classes)
Super Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 536
Likes: 41
From: Perkasie, PA
2014 C300 Sport
Maybe look at a 2014.
Place for a spare tire;
Good tires - not run flats.
No turbo
3.5 V-6 engine should be good for the long haul. 2013 had the 3.0 engine.
Find a low miles CPO and you will be good to go.
Lux for a more gentlemanly ride and ability to rotate tires or the more common Sport Version for a spirited ride.
I like my Lux very much.
Ymmv
Place for a spare tire;
Good tires - not run flats.
No turbo
3.5 V-6 engine should be good for the long haul. 2013 had the 3.0 engine.
Find a low miles CPO and you will be good to go.
Lux for a more gentlemanly ride and ability to rotate tires or the more common Sport Version for a spirited ride.
I like my Lux very much.
Ymmv
I personally have a 2014 C300 Sport and love it. This is coming from someone who has had 5 Japanese cars prior. I used to work at Mercedes, and yes some cars are risky to buy mainteance wise $$. This car has been nothing but reliable and normal wear and tear maintenance so far. Just avoid the CLA's at all costs for her.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,366
Likes: 251
From: Canada
A car
No 2008-2011 were 3.0l. 2012-2014 were 3.5l.
I personally have a 2014 C300 Sport and love it. This is coming from someone who has had 5 Japanese cars prior. I used to work at Mercedes, and yes some cars are risky to buy mainteance wise $$. This car has been nothing but reliable and normal wear and tear maintenance so far. Just avoid the CLA's at all costs for her.
I personally have a 2014 C300 Sport and love it. This is coming from someone who has had 5 Japanese cars prior. I used to work at Mercedes, and yes some cars are risky to buy mainteance wise $$. This car has been nothing but reliable and normal wear and tear maintenance so far. Just avoid the CLA's at all costs for her.
Bullcrap. My W204 has been to the shop probably 5% as often as that POS did.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 848
Likes: 87
From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
No 2008-2011 were 3.0l. 2012-2014 were 3.5l.
I personally have a 2014 C300 Sport and love it. This is coming from someone who has had 5 Japanese cars prior. I used to work at Mercedes, and yes some cars are risky to buy mainteance wise $$. This car has been nothing but reliable and normal wear and tear maintenance so far. Just avoid the CLA's at all costs for her.
I personally have a 2014 C300 Sport and love it. This is coming from someone who has had 5 Japanese cars prior. I used to work at Mercedes, and yes some cars are risky to buy mainteance wise $$. This car has been nothing but reliable and normal wear and tear maintenance so far. Just avoid the CLA's at all costs for her.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 565
From: Milwaukee, WI
2010 C300 4MATIC........ 2011 C63 AMG.............. 2015 CLS400 4MATIC.....
Yeah I like my 300C's as well. our current is a touring spec but we plan on getting an S when the time comes for these new gens.
Here's a pic of the 2016 C's, I like them. But S is a wayyy cooler choice.
OHHHHHHHHHH you meant the C300 LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O
*sarcasm*
Here's a pic of the 2016 C's, I like them. But S is a wayyy cooler choice.
OHHHHHHHHHH you meant the C300 LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O
*sarcasm*
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 463
Likes: 62
From: Elizabethtown, Kentucky
2014 C300
I have a 2014 C300 Sport. It replaced my 2007 C230 Sport. I really enjoyed the C230 but the C300 is head and shoulders above it. The 3.5L engine is a better fit for the car than the 2,5 that was in the 230. I've gone from brand to brand over the years but the C300 was the first time that I've gone with the same brand for my next car.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
None at the moment
So I'm in a similar position, I'm looking to get a 2013-2014 C300 as a second car and this will be my first MB. I'm considering some other makes/models as well, but for the price/value it seems like the C300 is the winner in this age range.
Essentially I'm looking for a car with AWD, good engine and low kms that will be reliable for the next few years and this looks like a perfect fit. Is there anything I should know about the 13/14 C300 or be looking out for?
And why on earth are the '13/'14 CLA250s going for more $ on the used car market? They're inferior cars, as mentioned could have more issues/problems, yet they are priced a few thousand $ more than the C class cars in the same years. Are people just paying for the new model styling?
Essentially I'm looking for a car with AWD, good engine and low kms that will be reliable for the next few years and this looks like a perfect fit. Is there anything I should know about the 13/14 C300 or be looking out for?
And why on earth are the '13/'14 CLA250s going for more $ on the used car market? They're inferior cars, as mentioned could have more issues/problems, yet they are priced a few thousand $ more than the C class cars in the same years. Are people just paying for the new model styling?
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 929
Likes: 51
From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
It's mainly due to the carbon buildup. Some cars will be more severe than others, but the bottom line, the badmouth stems from those not wanting to move forward with technology
I for one have already accumulated 80k miles on my DI motor and will continue to do so until I hit the 1st high mileage award (155k mikes), and promise to report my experience (good or bad) throughout the entire journey. So far, nothing to report though.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 848
Likes: 111
From: NYC
18 E63S
It's mainly due to the carbon buildup. Some cars will be more severe than others, but the bottom line, the badmouth stems from those not wanting to move forward with technology
I for one have already accumulated 80k miles on my DI motor and will continue to do so until I hit the 1st high mileage award (155k mikes), and promise to report my experience (good or bad) throughout the entire journey. So far, nothing to report though.
I for one have already accumulated 80k miles on my DI motor and will continue to do so until I hit the 1st high mileage award (155k mikes), and promise to report my experience (good or bad) throughout the entire journey. So far, nothing to report though.
me scared to move forward on DI
look at my signature on my second car.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 929
Likes: 51
From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
Don't understand you bud.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,366
Likes: 251
From: Canada
A car
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 929
Likes: 51
From: Silicon Valley, California
Factory ordered 2012 MB C350 w/Dynamic Handling Package
Quite understandable. I however, have never experienced it myself and this W204 will be my 1st DI motor. If my experience is similar to yours then I may join the !DI club, but until then, I'll try to be unbiased and share my experience regardless.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
My W204 spends an incredible amount of time in the shop so I'm often driving W205 C300 loaner cars. I rarely get one with more than a few thousand miles on the odometer.
