This so happens to be my very first post, so hello to everyone. The wife and I are slowly looking into getting a second vehicle. We haven't needed a second one, but now with jobs, school, and conflicting schedules it looks like we are going to be needing one soon. At first we were set on getting an suv, mainly because having the room just in case a little one comes along. We currently don't have any children and our only car is a Prius. So after driving everything under the sun between 30 and 50k we were set on an Audi Q5. After more talk were going to be waiting a few more years so we can both finish school, mainly her PhD so I've all but talked her out of a SUV. So now the search sort of starts over again.

I'm not a fan of BMW. Nothing against the company, they make great vehicles, just not fond of the looks. I don't want to spend the money on an A6 and can't see spending the money on an S4. So with Audi its just the A4 to consider. I sat in it, once, didn't even drive it. Didn't get the "I want this car" feeling at all. I like the new Acura ILX but its small, like really small. The TLX is ok but something is still missing. So then its down to two, Mercedes and Lexus. I''m impartial to Lexus because its a Toyota and that is reliable. The GS looks ok from the outside but I wasn't too sold on the inside. The IS just does it for me. Love the look and love the feel. I can't see spending the extra money for the 350 over the 250 because coming from driving a Prius the 250 is a huge step up in power. I love the inside of the IS and the LFA ques. I drove the CLA250 when it first came out. Loved the look, not a fan of the non needed back door because of the complete lack of rear seating room. And I despised the transmission. I know fuel economy blah blah blah, hated it. So I drove the GLA, a bit better on room but still the trans killed it for me. Back when I was at MB I didn't even look at the C because of the bump in price. So I've been talking with Lexus for some time to narrow down options, color, pricing... and most are between 42-44k for a 250 F Sport with nav. Now heres the wrench to be thrown in. I recently checked with USAA and between USAA and my employer I am looking at a huge price difference off MSRP on a C. It puts it just north of what I would pay for the Lexus. So this past weekend I ventured into MB and drove one... now I am in love.

Now with all of that back story I am at a cross road. I love the IS and I'm comfortable with the price, but now the C is near the price of the IS and in my opinion a ton more car for a little less price, I'm not sure what to do. Im leaning towards MB because for what the dealership has rough ball parked numbers it would be stupid not to pass up the deal. Has anyone made the switch from Lexus to MB and never looked back? I've had a few Lexus in the past, IS300, SC400, SC300 and loved every min of it. Ive never owned a MB.

 

Nice dilemma to have! I'm sure your answers on the MB forum different than the Lexus forum.

Most here like their 2015 C class. It's a different experience. No perfect car. The MB is much more exciting, engaging, engineered, emotional and if optioned up, well advanced. Though we all here wish this wasn't true, this car has had some issues, and will not hold a candle to the IS in reliability and QC of the build. Items which you know are a flaw will be described to you as "normal". If you think the extra pizzaz of the benz is worth the significant extra costs of ownership and more dealer visits, get it, you only live once. IF you're just about as excited by the IS, you'll probably do better there in the long run financially and sanity wise.

 

It seems like based on your post that you've already made up your mind. However, keep in mind that it is very likely that Lexus will put in the new twin turbo in-line 4 with 235hp 258lb ft of torque in the 2016 MY IS, which will bring much better performance and fuel efficiency than the current 250. I crossed the IS off my list because I will need a car before the new year comes in and would not want the current engine in the 250. The Lexus will have better reliability, cheaper cost of ownership, and higher resale value than the C-Class. Lexus in general has the best resale values and dependability of any luxury brand. The current 2015 MY C-Class has had a plethora of issues (some of which MB is claiming to be "features" or "by design") that will hopefully be ironed out by the 2016 MY. I am betting that the current C-Class will have low reliability stats at the end of this year.

Considering you are considering the Lexus IS, another car you may want to take a close look at is the Audi A3 2.0 Quattro. You could get a really nice fully loaded A3 for the same price as a nicely loaded IS.

 

Don't they use the same 7G tronic transmission in the C class as in the GLA and CLA? I thought they only had two kind of transmissions, 7G and the new 9G.

 

You said it "I am in love" there's no going back

 

Before I was set with the IS, but after one visit at MB I was swayed to the C. After spending a shift reading the issues with the new model I may stay with the IS and in a few years give MB another shot. I would just feel regret knowing that spending that much on a car and having issues with it right off the bat. I wanted the 14 IS but the remote start and enform app were still in development. Knowing the turbo 4 from the NX is coming to the 2016.... I'm not sure how long before I'm in a situation where I'll need to buy something.

 

That really would be wisest. I was like you in that I initially fell in love with the C-Class, but following this forum and reading about all the issues people have been finding with the car has that MB has been ignoring and claiming it's not a problem has made me really second guessing purchasing one. The chirping Keyless Go is not too big of a problem, but the wind noise definitely is. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that MB ends up doing something about it.

Just do more research.

 

Only thing about the A3 is its a bit small to me. Other than that its an amazing car for what it is. Worst thing about being a car guy is appreciating a well built car and knowing what you want to own vs admire.

 

I am coming from a GS to the C class. Our GS was in the shop more than my 6.0 Ford diesel. With that being said for those of you that know the 6.0 reputation I was more than happy to give MB a shot.

 

When you're in the $40+K market, there are many good choices out there. You really have to figure out what your own priorities are. Exterior and interior style, performance and economy, seat comfort, handling, availability of AWD, warranty and service, sound system, amenities and advanced electronics, and the manufacturer's reputation for reliability and customer support are all factors that must be considered. Another thing, and one that is not totally brand dependent, is the ability of the local dealer to provide exceptional service and support if and when needed.

After many years of BMW's, Audi's, and my last car ... a 2012 Volvo S60 ... I decided to go for my first Mercedes product. I was attracted to the new C-Class for many reasons, and have found that it basically delivers everything it promises. It is a very well rounded, comfortable, and sporty compact sedan that blends performance and fuel economy. But ....

Unfortunately, build quality has not matched the car's design excellence. Discounting the few recalls and service bulletins that have had little impact on anything, there have been several nagging issues that the factory has been slow to address. These are not issues that in any way make the car inoperable, and few have ever been stranded because of any mechanical or electronic problems. Having a rear bumper cover that doesn't line up perfectly will probably not have you calling roadside assistance for a flatbed. Likewise, too much "air" between the top of the wheels and the fenders is not likely going to put your car out of service.

The fiasco involving plasticizer leaching out of the MB-Tex seats was a major headache, but that has been resolved and is not an issue with any car produced after 1/5/15. Cars produced prior to that date are having the seat covers replaced under warranty. The major complaint currently being discussed is excess wind noise in some cars. Not every C-Class has this problem, but some do and it has yet to be addressed by MB. If you are looking at a C-Class, a simple test drive at speeds over 50 mph will let you know if this is an issue.

There are other small, but annoying, issues that have been reported ... including some speaker problems with the sound system and assorted smartphone or external storage device issues.

At this point, I think the random wind noise problems are arguably the most annoying ones that are still not resolved. Personally, I've test driven four different C-300's, and only one had what I would consider any wind noise at all. My own car is quiet, unless I get hit with very high crosswinds, which I can hear. Normally, at any speed, it's very quiet.

Anyway, most of us here own a C-Class because it offers us more than its competition does. It's a very modern and advanced design, and is a pleasure to drive. The only design drawback I can see is that it does not offer a particularly compliant ride, and tends to feel stiff to most drivers. This is at least partially due to the use of run flat tires, which tend to have much less compliance than standard ones. Other than that, I think MB really nailed it as far as designing a truly competitive, upscale and affordable compact sedan. It does make other cars seem very dated.

So, yes, there have been some very bothersome issues with the build quality, but not the actual reliability of the car. I've had my share of problems, and have spent way too much time at my dealer's service department. Still, if I had to buy another sedan today, it would very likely be another C-Class in spite of that.

 

I am pretty sure GLA and CLA both have the 7G-Tronic DCT while the older C W204 had the 7G-Tronic the new W205 the 7G-Tronic Plus.

 

I thought the IS is terrible. Control scheme and driving style was really like in a MB several generations behind. Absolutely a car made for moving, not driving, when MB has been fixing a lot of things. And even when MB had control and feel like that they did still offer a manual transmission.

I'm not a friend of the C class either but the IS is just terrible. I really don't see that it is better than a random Toyota driving wise.

Saving money for a (relatively) well-moving car I would look at a V6 Accord coupe. The interior isn't all that terrible either.

 

As some others have noted, my impression is that you are comfortable with Lexus and should stick with that. Over the years I have been tempted by Lexus. The nearest MB dealer is about 1.25 miles from my home and the nearest Lexus dealer is about 12 or 13 miles. I like being close for service. I am the sort of person who wants to take a car in promptly for even small items. And with the proximity for me of a MB dealer I don't hesitate to do that. Having said that for a long time I have wanted an LS even though it is more money than I can afford to spend. The tech looks old too but the car looks comfortable.

 

I wouldn't touch that Lexus... a 250 has an ancient engine. Why don't you consider a Q50 or something if you wanted something more affordable?

 

Infiniti q50 is plagued with their own electronic gremlins ... Do some homework there. I drove it a it was lack luster...

They're still making the Infiniti g37x sedan this year if you want bullet proof reliability and solid performance and don't mind a great price low 30's and mildly dated looks

I would get the benz with a 7 year warranty if it's in your budget and be prepared for some things to go wrong here and there

 

I don't think he was looking at just affordable, the reliability was part of his equation. The C is a sexier car than the IS.

The Infiniti wouldn't address the reliability as well as a Lexus, though the Q50 nicer than previous G37's.

To call the Lexus line a tarted up Toyota isn't far off calling Mercedes a tarted up Daimler Chrysler product, or Audi a VW. They all have their strength and weaknesses.

I'd get which you want, but know that with the C you'll get to know your service advisor much better than the IS.

 

I didn't say that because of some parts reuse.

I said that because the IS *actually* drives like a random Toyota.

A Mercedes doesn't drive like a Chrysler. Audi/VW is a bit more complex.

 

Having owned my fair share of Lexus, Mercedes and Audi, I can tell you this: Lexus is much more reliable. Service is also better.

BUT, in terms of a car that makes you go wow every time you get in it, Mercedes is it!

 

both are great cars - materials, equipments, style, etc.

i do not see your selection criteria other than:
- feeling, seems you're ok with both
- reliability - lexus has a plus here ( according to various analysis ).

so, according to your post, I would go for lexus. but as you're analysing the situation, I would go for h2h comparison in the same budget. details / more options might make the difference for you.

my 2 cents: i've seen and driven both cars, lexus is great however I could not go for IS 250 that for me it is an old, non-optimised gas engine - huge fuel consumption for limited power and performance it delivers. of course, this conservative way to build things might provide a more reliable product.

amo

 

New Lexus IS doesn't drive like a random Toyota any more or less than a E350 drives like a random Chrysler 300 or and A4 a Jetta. None of this matters though to original poster, who should pick what fits his desires.

 

I really have to disagree with that blanket statement. Our GS300 had everything from the steering to reringing the engine to tranny and rear end problems. On the last go around before we got rid of it, the tech agreed that there was a problem but since it didn't throw a code he could not help us. Then when it started using water but there were no leaks, that was the last straw. As far as service, when there was a code or recall they were great but so far MB has been great too. Only time will tell but for what the GS cost, they only get one crack at me.

 

There are definitely exceptions, but take plot out the issues on a graph and no disputing the Lexus is way up the bell curve on average reliability than Mercedes. Not as big of a spread as it was several years ago, but still marked. If you could get both MB sexiness and Lexus build, quietness, reliability and customer service, we wouldn't need both.

 

You know the old saying, "Burn me once your fault, burn me twice, my fault"

 

I do understand. My car before last (Hyundai Genesis which was bulletproof) was a lemon law buyback (Mercedes E class). New C got me back. Sweet looking. I guess I didn't learn. It will be gone by summer if they can't get the wind noise fixed.

 

I wish you luck on that. So far we haven't had any of the problems listed on this site. Knock on wood. The only problems we've had was a scratch on the console and a license plate mounted off center. The dealer replaced them both with no hassles involved.