brianbh1378

Hey Everyone. I am very very excited about purchasing a new car. What caught my eyes since day 1 was definitely the C300. Dealership around me are selling some certified pre-owned 2017 C300 for less then $35k which falls right into my budget. I do have some questions regarding about reliability. A lot of people have told me Mercedes are generally money pit where they can't last more then 100k and once you past the warranty for your car, you will spend your pay check to pay check to repair/maintenance for your fancy toy. I really want to hear what are some of your honest opinion on it. Do you suggest another car or my friends are simply bull****ers? Thank you very much! Any reply helps! My other option is 2016 Lexus IS350F Sport but I am leaning toward the C300

Mike5215

Every German luxury brand, including Mercedes, is expensive to repair outside of warranty. The number of repair incidents isn't especially high relative to non German makes but the repair costs themselves are very high. Parts aren't stocked on the shelf at Pep Boys. Labor isn't cheap.

As far as being a great, reliable, bulletproof high mileage prospect, maybe 20 years ago a Mercedes would fit the bill. Not now. Too complex and too many electronics to go buggy.

My advice is to only buy CPO cars, and factor in adding the maximum two years of extension, and plan on unloading the car before the warranty expires. A CPO car runs around $2k more in asking price, and another $4k or so for the extension.

You don't want the payment term to outrun the warranty coverage if possible. The CPO warranty starts when the original 4/50 factory warranty ends.

robairex

Started off looking at a CPO 2017 C300 as well. But, local dealer offered to sell a brand new one to us at same price as CPO, and we bought it. You might consider looking at that. I think most cars with time, out of warranty can get expensive. We still have our 2002 Honda CRV. Out of warranty spent ~$1700 fixing all window locks/power windows that stopped working, $1800 on a new catalytic converter.

IMO, avoid dealership after warranty, and find a good indy mechanic. Had a BMW 328 for 9 years. Out of warranty, dealer stated valve cover gasket was leaking oil. Told $1200 to fix. Indy mechanic said he'd do it for $790. When he inspected it, said no repair was needed at all. I had the car another 2 years, never leaked one drop of oil. There were some expensive repairs on the BMW eventually after about 7 years. $1200 for failed electric water pump and thermostat. $530 for failed control arm bushings. $1100 for new brakes and rotors.

Hoping for the best on this new C300. So far so good after 150 miles.