Flyersman

Posted this on an infiniti forum so I thought I would check here to see your guys thoughts. I have had an 05 TL for a while now that I own but now it's time for something new.

So I am completely torn 50/50 between leasing (15k) a 2015 Q50s or C300 sport. I am completely drawn to both exteriors and interiors, handling and packages. Each lit it up this year and did amazing work on their designs. For the Q50s AWD I have looked at a Red exterior, black interior with Navigation, Touring Package, kick plates, all weather, spare and roof.

For the C300 4matic I have priced out a black exterior, red interior with navigation, multimedia, leather, sport and premium packages. Everything is pretty much dead even except Mercedes needs about 1800 in service over three years.

Here is the deal I was given

36 month 15k

Here is the summary,

2015 C300 Sport 4matic

MSRP $52000
Destination delivery $965
Total $52965
Sale's price $44949
Fee $261.55 (doc fee?)
Pa tax $2701.94
NET SALES $47912.49

DUE AT SIGNING INCLUDING 1ST MONTH
$1972

Monthly $503.91

MF. 00126
Residual 62% - $31779

Extra $1240 if I want three year tire and rim package.

I'm in pa here so we get about 3 good months of cold weather, snow and potholes. Hopefully I'm doing right by going the Sport route in either. Really don't think I will be getting airmatic.

huyuci

Since you're asking for opinions, I'm going to give mine straight. Even if the Q50 is 5K cheaper, I wouldn't touch it. It's nowhere as classy as the W205 in the look department. Heck, I even defected from BMW for it. The only car I would consider if there wasn't w205 is the Lexus IS. But then it's just me. People have different likes and tastes. Otherwise, we'd all be driving the same car, and I wouldn't be able to feel proud that my car is cooler than the guy next to me

mihaelb

Q50 definitely looks above average in styling, and does stand out. The C class looks great, and has a lot more little touches that show attention to detail, making the Q50 seem average (after looking at the C for a while).
Interior is much nicer-looking in the Mercedes.

All of the above is subjective, ofcourse.

hans007

i wouldn't even put the new q50 in the same league as the C class. I finally sat in a w205 this weekend as a friend bought one. burmiester is nice. seemed to have just as much power and honestly had a more comfortable ride than my car (i drive 2013 328i sport, so basically a direct competitor). interior is way way better than the bmw i'd say (i had a 2010 audi also, and its nicer than that, i think maybe the only thing that is remotely close is the new lexus)

its riding on a 10 year old FM platform, with an engine that hasn't had an update in what 6-7 years. i had an 05 G35, and as much as that car was great in 2005, the new one is really not that much different. not to mention the new one has that weird feeling all electric steering.

yeah the interior is different, but honestly it just doesn't feel like its even in the same league as the other cars that are in its class outside of MAYBE the acura tlx. just sit in one. plastic inside door handles! its the little things.

The c class will only cost barely any more and if you are leasing reliability isn't even a concern (not that im saying mercedes is unreliable...). i bet the c300 will get 5mpg more too, since the VQ is not a particularly efficient engine.

Unless you are getting a huge huge discount, get the C class.

DBOC205

I recently looked at virtually all the competitors to the C Class in close detail including the Infinity line. I liked the Q50 from exterior but interior is not up to scratch compared to the W205. There's no HUD in the Infinity, the radar cruise is clunky and definitely worse interior plastics (cheaper looking and feeling chrome plastics from Nissan stock), design + fit and finish. . The cup holders are the worst placement of any interior design ever! (bar the Lexus perhaps; right in the passenger elbow position). Seats are not as comfortable in the Q50 either, plus its only on the drivers side you get 10 way adjust. Engine is OK but only a lower spec to what you can get in the C. The whole vehicle lags behinds the Benz in quite a number of points IMO... no comparison - Go the Benz..

ManiacGT

I've never been a fan of infiniti styling, its just so droopy and in-cohesive to my eyes. Sure its got Japanese build quality to bolster its sales but its still quite plasticky because of that.

Flyersman

So I live in Pennsylvania where the roads can be unforgiving around winter especially with snow. How will the sport fair vs luxury.

Also is airmatic a game changer. It's an expensive add one.

The numbers are around the same other than $1800 in service the Benz needs. Above is a deal I got at a local place. Thoughts?

Would like to keep payment at 500 or below. Need to add in Tire and Wheel protection so might take off red leather.

Unnimon

I am also in PA. Here is the person who gave me the absolutely lowest quote. It is a different story that I bought the car from another dealership, but that was because of other personal reasons. May be you can work with him to see if you can get a lower quote and then negotiate using that with the dealer near you. I am just saying.

Jason Richardson
Sales Manager
Mercedes-Benz of Catonsville
Jim Koons Automotive Companies
6631 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, MD 21228

Flyersman

Thanks. You would be perfect to answer my Pennsylvania weather and snow question :-) above. For instance how are the all whether run flats in pothole country.

Unnimon

I only have the 17" wheels. But as everybody knows, even with it, the ride is not really plush with all the potholes and unevenness on the road. But it is bearable and I am not sure how it would be with the 18" or 19" wheels.

Regarding snow, the 4MATIC does a very good job in keeping the vehicle steady. I have tried pushing the car a little too hard around corners when there was snow (It was an unused empty road.) The car behaved well and I have no complaints there. Even during icy conditions I could feel the electronics kicking in and helping the car stay on course.

Flyersman

Do you have the sport? Does it come with the 17"?

Unnimon

Mine is the Base and hence the 17" wheels !

equetefue

You will get mostly biased feedback in here.

I will give you the real deal as I had a Q50 for 1 year before it got bought back as a lemon.

The Q was my 3rd Infiniti (G37s, M37s, Q50s). All fully optioned out, and still have an EX37 at home.

The Q was a phenomenal car for the price, with amazing options that can't be found on most vehicles. The problem with the car was that it was rushed to production and infotainment and DAS was not working as it should.

With that said I would not consider another one until they get all of that sorted out. IMO you are better off with the C class but you will miss the power and ride of the Q, which was great. It had great seats, stereo, options, and attention to detail. Best part is the service cost is very low compare to the Mercedes.

If you have additional questions please PM me. I had the car for a full 1 year and put 14k on it during that time.

BlackjackM

FYI, unless it has changed VERY recently, the Residual for 15k and 36 months is 60%, not 62%- that's for 12k miles. Just double check because that will affect your payment.

That said, I look at Infiniti (like Acura) as a "Premium brand" whereas Mercedes, BMW, etc are "Luxury brands"....definite difference in quality in my eyes.

PeterUbers

We have 3 g35x's in the family and they are all stupid reliable and exceptionally boring interior and exterior

The q, as mentioned, has many electronic gremlins and an inferior interior to the w205. The q will have better hp and tq unless you consider the c400... But for daily driving the w205 is a solid choice

Get the w205 ...

omg516

Infiniti does make decent cars, but IMHO the Q50 is not as compelling as the previous generation G was when it debuted. I read that they're actually bringing the old hydraulic steering rack from the G37 back for the 2016 Q50s which would be interesting. For 2015 though I don't think it's even a comparison, w205 all the way.

Flyersman

Awesome responses. Let's say the deal I got is still available. Is that a good price?

Also does anyone live up north or a place where it shows and gets potholes, comment on the Sport wheels and tires? Don't want to bottom out either since it sits lower.

Is airmatic a true must have for the price. Never had issues in my acura or any other steel spring vehicles.

omg516

It really depends on your tolerance. When I lived in Chicago (horrible roads) I had a e90 335i with sport suspension/wheels and drove that year round. It was stiff and I do recall a few potholes that rattled my brain but for the most part it was fine. Now I have 2 baby seats in my C300 sport and the kids never complain, but I will say this car is actually stiffer than my MKV GTI which I thought was surprising.

Flyersman

Chicago is a good benchmark for ****ty roads :-)

Do you have airmatic?

omg516

Nope, C300 sport with steel springs and 18" wheels. I think more than the suspension, it's the run flat tires give it that slight jittery feeling over certain bumps, I remember the 335 doing the same thing with RFT's. It almost feels like the sidewalls are so stiff that they lose contact with the road for a split second? But honestly just whip it around a few turns and you won't really care about the ride being a little stiff, this thing can surprisingly handle!

BluetecKING

People are mentioning reliability but if you are leasing, who cares about reliability. The only situation that the q50 beats the c is reliability. Like I said if you are leasing who cares? If it were a choice between the q50 and cla i would choose the q50.

equetefue

Sorry to say but that is not the case with the Q. I lost steering three times.

Flyersman

Did you had DAS and was it the 14 or 15 model. I read they ironed out a ton of kinks in the 15

equetefue

I had DAS. It was a 14'. The problem mostly occurred temperature related, so the problem came back with some 15' models as well. Also some of the gremlins with the infotainment have yet to be resolved.

Real shame cause the car was really good to drive when it all work as designed.

Flyersman

Since this is first time leasing at what point in negotiations for the lease cap price should you then start negotiations for trade in of a car?

Also when would I negotiate price Tire and dent protection packages? Are they worth it on 36 month lease and how much should each cost?