alexasa

iTrader: (1)

checking alignment =/= doing an alignment. I'm done here.

again, agree to disagree, really don't want to start anything here, especially over something so stupid.

MASSC450

The "checking" of alignment my MB dealership performs right in the drop-off bays involves a machine and the mounting of lasers to the wheels.

Now I'm done here too.

topsider

delete post.

jwmwu

Hi All MB enthusiasts:

I'm running into a dilemma of choosing either a brand new C43 (MSRP $61K) or a C450 CPO (MSRP $63K). Both vehicles have identical options pkg except the C450 comes with Disctronics which is a function I'll likely never use. The dealer offers me the C43 at Invoice ($57K) and the CPO C450 (3.5k mi w/unlimited miles 5 yrs warranty) from a different dealer offers $52K incl transportation to my state. I'm looking at a $5K difference, Any recommendation on which one I should go for?

Any advice will certainly be appreciated...

splunge

I assume c43 is 2017 and c450 is 2016, in which case everything else being equal ,the c43 would be valued at least $5-10K more .On that basis alone its worth it . The fact that its an AMG should make it a better investment in future . Just my personal opinion .

jwmwu

Thx splunge. Yes, the C450 is a 2016 car.

C43 has all the options and configurations that I cared about since it's built to order but I have to wait til Dec delivery. C450 I can get it in a week since they have to put it on a truck. Pure economics will say the C450 is still better due to the initial depreciation (almost $11K from MSRP or $8K from Discounted price). I ran KBB trade in with a mid point value of $50K so essentially I'm buying at trade in value and get to drive the car in a week vs. wait for 3 mths. Give me more supporting evidence to go for C43... I'm torn..,

jwmwu

All MB/AMG Fans

I was never a MB guy before and always told my wife that we are not getting MB unless we are over 60yo. But this time I admit I was so wrong after test driving the C450 (aka C43 in 2017). My wife insists to visit MB so it's completely random and unplanned. The C450 is a very high performance car hands down better than the S4/S5 and M5 (M3/M4 could be better). I definitely don't agree with people or even MB trying to down play or deny C43 as a true AMG (get the 1 person 1 engine thing) but set that aside, for a 4matic (AWD) it is a true AMG breed...(for the ppl living in the wet and snow country). I fell in love with C43/450 and it completely changed my perception of MB's ability to make high performance sports car, not just luxury cars.

Just my 2 cents....

Tej7

Literally the only noticeable difference with the 43 is the 9 speed trans. The only downside I can see from getting the 43 is that you'll be taking the big depreciation hit, whereas the owner of the CPO 450 took the initial hit for you.

iluvdaBenz

Many thanks for your comments. It is exactly the feedback I was looking for! What is your opinion about the road noise and ride comfort? I am looking for something quieter than the OEM runflats and a softer, more comfortable ride.

iluvdaBenz

Thanks for your suggestion. I have an 18" wheels and the DWS 06 is only available in 19" on tirerack.

Appreciate the suggestion. How does the road noise and ride quality compare to the OEM runflats?

Thanks for your comments. I will ask the MB dealership if they will include an alignment check.

iluvdaBenz

How much does it cost you to have all 4 tires mounted at a tire shop?

InTheBenz0

much quieter and softer, the runflats suck. for a daily driver this is the best tire on the market

splunge

jwmwu.
Having thought about it further I would definitely go with the C43,unless the 3 month delivery time is an important factor .
The lack of distronic option ( which you don't want ) is offset by having a 9 speed versus 7 speed ; you will have a brand new car ( complete with AMG badges - haha ) and most importantly a 1 year newer car in the event of future trade in values .
To me , this more than offsets the $5K premium.
For full disclosure i'm waiting for the C43 cabrio .
Either way it seems like a great car - good luck with your decision .

S500Sport

Def get the C450, only diff in the C43 is the 9G trans. Get a new one off the lot (don't know why you want CPO). I got a 13.7% discount off MSRP and got a C450 2 weeks ago, very happy with it. The c43 may be a few tenths faster, but will you really sense the difference? No. Get a C450 IMHO. Plus the C43 will cost you more I'm guessing.

As for the driver's assist pkg, I can say that it has helped avoid accidents in the 2 week period I've owned the car. The blind spot assist really helped, to the point of making a sound when I'm blinded by a car ready to side swipe me. In a fast car like the C450 you need all the safety tech you can get.

S500Sport

Hey guys, does anyone know how rare the C450 is? I don't see any in my neighborhood, I saw one out of state (in PA) and I live in NYC, how are there so few of them out there? How many were produced? Anyone know?

autopal

To each his own, so definitely get what you think is best for u. If it was me, it would be a no brainer, I would wait on the C43. For me, if I'm spending that kind of money, it's important to get exactly what I want. There is a thing called buyers remorse, and it is not a good feeling. Yes, the C450 is cheaper, but how will you feel about the car 6 or 12 months time? Will you be spending on things like upgraded exhaust? In a few years time when u want to sell or trade in, how much less will the 2016 C450 worth, compared to a 2017 C43 with the 9 speed? Motor vehicles are depreciating assets, but my guess is that the difference in price then, will be close to the difference in price now. What I'm saying is, if the cheaper price now is critical, based on your financial situation today, then get the C450, if not, you would be better off waiting on the C43

Tej7

Very rare in my city (I'm Canadian). I have only spotted 1 or 2 so far, there are MANY more c300s running around. I see more GTRs and Huracans than the c450s lol

inhartwetrust

Never seen a C450 and I live in a top 15 US city. Only seen 1 C400. Both are "rare" cars to see in the wild, but not really a good kind of rare (IMO).

bluebirdaz

Hello all,
Just wanted to say hi and thank everyone for the useful info on this forum. After a pretty bad buying experience at the dealership and a delay of 3 1/2 weeks of our car being "lost", we finally got our C450 in May. My wife and I came out of a 2013 BMW 335i with the PPK (power performance kit tune from the BMW dealer). This is our first Mercedes. We were so frustrated with the lease process and delivery of the car but the car itself has made up for all that. We had it built to our specs with Lunar Blue exterior and cranberry red interior. With 3k miles on the car, I am just starting to get on it and using sport+ mode more often. I love the burble and downshift revs!
Here's a couple pics.

jwmwu

ditto... I got rid of all my previous run-flat as soon as the car arrives. It's heavier tire and much less selection. Cost more for nothing...

jwmwu

There's like 1 C450 in my area so dealers aren't willing to make deals. Plenty of C300s.
I have to email and call the Midwest and East coast dealers but inventory is running down and most of them already started out saying SOLD OUT, last one left...worst position to negotiate. The best I found is the CPO w/3.5k mi at $52K and I pay my own sales tax. I'm now thinking buying the C450 CPO now and later trade it in for C43 in Dec. Has anyone done that before? I ran a KBB trade in value and instant cash offer with the VIN, it comes back with $50K at 9k miles. I'm attempting to do some predictive analysis here for the future trade value. Makes sense? More advices welcome...

-=Hot|Ice=-

AMG's don't hold their value at all. So, not really. Then again, a car isn't really an investment. It's a depreciating asset.

jwmwu

Agree. The question is which one depreciates faster. Given the C450 has a $8-11K depreciation already taken off (with 3.5k mi) and a 5 yr unlimited miles warranty. Would you pay $5K more for 9G transmission and get hit with initial depreciation for a new C43?

autopal

I'm not sure if there is a right or a wrong answer, just do what your gut tells you to do. How much more will the C43 cost over the c450? $5 grand? $10 grand? Then figure out if the 9speed and better exhaust is important to you. I would not worry too much about depreciation. As I said in a previous post, cars are a depreciating asset, and my guess is that a 2017 C43 will be worth 7 to 10 grand more than a 2016 C450 on trade in time in 4 years or so, so your cost of ownership will not be significantly different.

jwmwu

autopal
I thought the only diff in C43 is the 9G transmission. Better exhaust is a $3k option, correct? Where can I see the detail STD spec comparison between C43 and C450? Cost diff is about $7K I'm now starting to lean toward the C43. Thanks