Wolfman

I am not in the market but since someone in our company wants to get one, I started to look at the options.

I also understand that the C43 was delayed and cars are just starting to roll in.

That said, most C300's seem to be equipped to around $51-$53k but a C43 with a P2 package is less than $55k. Or make it decently equipped with a P3 for $57k.

This is much more car (great engine and lots of AMG tidbits) for just a bit more money. Seems like a no brainer? Or?

I assume that the MF/residual may be a bit worse, but nothing like "real" AMG's

SoDakBenz

3/4K difference usually turns in to 100-120$ payment difference on a lease. But the money factor, residual, and discounts make the c300 more appealing for payments. Plus lease specials are typically on the base models with very few options.
But I agree once u option a c300 it's not much cheaper than going to the c43 but it all comes down to the payment

Mike5215

I just flat out preferred the C300. Don't need the sound and fury of the boosted V6. Exhaust was too loud, the exhaust note itself too shrill, suspension too stiff. Performance was very good and I understand the car's appeal, especially for younger buyers who otherwise would never in a million years have the wherewithal to drive a new AMG car. Not all of us are in that category though.

uptownman

I totally get it.... For myself, I went with the C400 as at the time, the C450 (now the C43) was 6-8 months away...
Don't get me wrong, I love my C400, but the C450/C43 would have been exactly what I wanted, especially since I came from 3 previous AMG vehicles and didn't want to go with a rear drive C63.
What I don't understand is why the powers that be at Mercedes-Benz axed the C400.
Not everyone would want a C300 due to the 4 cylinder turbo and the only way now to bump up to the V6TT is to get a C43, but that may be too "sporty" or "rough" for someone who wants the C300 look but the power of the V6TT.... Which would have made the C400 ideal. There is plenty of power, but no "fury" as it has to be the quietest car I've ever driven (no exhaust pops like the C450/C43).
And funny enough, they are keeping the E400 around and still adding the E43 to the E-Class lineup....

Tej7

My gf's c300 cost 15k less than my c43 coupe, with nearly the same packages.. You guys must have odd pricing in the states lol.

Usher93

I'm in Canada and I was keen on the c43. But there is a large price difference here, especially when you consider you get way more negotiation room with the c300. In the end I couldn't justify paying $200-$250 more a month for basically an engine that I would never use as I don't drive fast.

Wolfman

True. In the end, the cars needs to fit the liking and purpose.
I was looking at it from a price perspective and the C43 just offers a better value (in MRSP, not the lease deals, etc.) as many options are part of the base price and even the base interior with dynamica is a nice feature.

Personally I have to admit that I like nice leather interiors and am no fan of MBtex. We have that in the ML and appreciate its practicality but still...

Mike5215

I hear you. It's sort of like asking why they bother to make soups other than clam chowder, because clam chowder is so delicious. Seriously though, in my experience, when you feel that strongly about a car, that's definitely the right car for you. It's like when I met my first wife. I couldn't believe any guy could possibly pass her up. Okay, that was maybe the wrong example.

hans007

i look at it this way. a C43 base i figure the equivalent C300 is one with P1 , 4matic, airmatic and sport pack and heated seats

Its maybe a $6k difference for a better engine, the AMG tuned steering / suspension and 9g tronic and a few other things (like dinamica seats instead of mb tex, and black window trim, etc).

So for me its a great value I wanted all those things anyway and another $6k for the performance stuff is a great deal. Then again if you are just someone who wants "any C class" like oh most people who just want a benz that isnt a CLA...

well a C class with nothing on it is a C300 without all those things. So you are looking at a $14k difference. Here in california I see tons of fairly base lease special type C300s. They are fine cars and the are tons of them on the lots ready to be impulsively bought

You can't decontent a C43 (I think I've seen literally 1 C450 on the road .. ever). You can get a base C300 which is cheap and impulse buyable by the vast majority of "i want a luxury car" people

And that is why C300s get bought.

Mike5215

My C 300 was $60k and special ordered, and if I wanted to "pose" as a luxury car owner I would have kept my S.





Obviously the base C300 is sometimes purchased by people who otherwise couldn't swing a Mercedes, much in the same way the C43 attracts a buyer who couldn't otherwise swing a full fledged AMG car.

Wolfman

That was an interesting move to the C. I would have a harder time moving from the big body. Just like the size even if it is less agile

Mike5215

That was my third S in a row. I got a C300 loaner while it was in the shop for a couple of weeks and really enjoyed how much fun it was to handle and how fresh the design and tech was.

uptownman

Same here! Had brought my E63 in and got a brand new C300 with sport package as a loaner and was pleasantly surprised!
The 4cyl turbo and the transmission really complement each other and the handling was really good!
I ended up going with the C400 because of the sheer power as it was the closest to my previous AMGs, as I had a C63 before the E63. The C400 ran a 13.20 in the 1/4 mile bone stock when I brought it to the track, so for me, it was the right choice! But I've always had a tendency of going for more power! Lol!

Mike5215

Yeah, a C400 might have been my first choice but they ceased to exist new and I was looking to lease.

BF3PDZ

Here in Australia, a fully optioned C43 sedan is over $21k AUD more expensive than a fully optioned C250, we don't even get the C 300 sedan over here.

uptownman

Ya, that's why I don't understand why the decision makers at M-Benz eliminated the C400 as an option.... Would have been basically a C300 4matic with all options plus the V6TT.... Not everyone wants to go C43 just to get the V6TT... And now they are just flooding the market with C43s....

Mike5215

Absolutely. Nothing for the buyer who wants the power and smoothness of the TTV6 without the tuner business, and has more money to spend.

Some of the early car press on the C300 and C400 gave the "fun to drive" nod to the 300 and pondered why the 400 was even necessary, but the car press tends to bias toward track cars vs daily drivers. I never got a chance to drive a 400 but I'm guessing I'd like it.