02' C32 vs. 05' C230K - Which to Buy?
#1
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Im not sure what to do. Please help. My budget is around $18-20,000
The general options usually are:
an 02' c32 w/ over 65,000mi
or
an 05' C230K w/ under 40,000mi
Which would you do and why?
Thanks
The general options usually are:
an 02' c32 w/ over 65,000mi
or
an 05' C230K w/ under 40,000mi
Which would you do and why?
Thanks
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
C32
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
#3
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2002 C32 ///AMG
C32
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
You gotta ask yourself this: reliability or fun? Which one do you want more? They are both reliable and fun, but they seem to each focus on one aspect more than the other
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#5
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C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Assumed both are one-owner cars, in terms of milege, 65K miles for five years is a pretty reasonable number to me vs 40K miles for two years. If on going maintenace cost is a concern, and frequent use for long trips, I would take the C230K with better fuel economy. However, fun factor of a C32 is unbeatable. After all, a five year , 65K mi car is not really over-aged, so long the paint and interior condition are right, you just need to replace the brake/discs or replace with the same new stock suspension; and it will be as good as a brand new car.
#6
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C32, Cobra, 700hp Vespa
C32
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
Cons: Dated? (Lights, grille, blinkers); Warranty expired; Miles; Warranty-?
Pros: Bloody fast. AMG Owner (rare car, once top of the line).
C230
Cons: Considerately slower, I mean very!
Pros: New look (Lights, grille, blinkers, AMG kit, Interior), Warranty intact, Low miles.
At the end of the day, they are almost 2 different cars, if the C32 doesn't have a warranty I wouldn't mess with it, it'll cost you an arm and a leg to take car of that car. It's true you can update the exterior of the car -- new mesh grilles, new fog-lights and head-lights, and all that, but the C230 will give you that newer look (which may make a difference once the 2008 C-Class is released). So if you plan on not doing much to the car once purchased, go with the C230. If you want speed and don't care about all those little enhancements, go with the C32.
Lastly, the C32 will probably depreciate slower (in case you want an out).
Good luck!
Tee_Tz.
Now if you dont do any of your own work, or know someone that can help you, then get a warrantied C32.
Either way, get a C32 lol
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#7
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'08 M5, '10 Land Cruiser
C32 all the way. I don't think it's dated at all, and the only thing you may want is the clear headlamp clusters. Far cooler car and hella fast. If you're buying private then take it to Mercedes before you buy and see if they'll let you buy an extended warranty off them. I know you can do that in Europe if the car has a clean and full history.
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#8
It all comes down to your repair budget. As long as both are reliable, your MAINTENANCE budget should be about the same. And a lot of the repair issues (suspension, etc.) will also be the same. The big delta is the supercharger. You may have no problems (and it seems that most here don't) or you may have problems. So, unless you have an emergency $5,000 fund sitting around, you might want to go with the newer, warranteed vehicle.
#9
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I don't think there is any comparison whatsoever.. Get the c32.. It's a 55k car for 20k! I have driven many C230's as loaners.. Would be a nice commuter car, but that's about it IMO.
I have updated my car to look like the new c class models: Updated mirror blinkers, clear bi-xenon headlights, updated clear fog lights, rear spoiler.. all for less than $1000 total.. (with some smart shopping obviously) Really the only must have IMO is the bi-xenons.. which you probably wouldn't get on a C230 anyways..
I have updated my car to look like the new c class models: Updated mirror blinkers, clear bi-xenon headlights, updated clear fog lights, rear spoiler.. all for less than $1000 total.. (with some smart shopping obviously) Really the only must have IMO is the bi-xenons.. which you probably wouldn't get on a C230 anyways..
#10
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I don't think there is any comparison whatsoever.. Get the c32.. It's a 55k car for 20k! I have driven many C230's as loaners.. Would be a nice commuter car, but that's about it IMO.
I have updated my car to look like the new c class models: Updated mirror blinkers, clear bi-xenon headlights, updated clear fog lights, rear spoiler.. all for less than $1000 total.. (with some smart shopping obviously) Really the only must have IMO is the bi-xenons.. which you probably wouldn't get on a C230 anyways..
I have updated my car to look like the new c class models: Updated mirror blinkers, clear bi-xenon headlights, updated clear fog lights, rear spoiler.. all for less than $1000 total.. (with some smart shopping obviously) Really the only must have IMO is the bi-xenons.. which you probably wouldn't get on a C230 anyways..
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But as most have said, if you have money to take care of the car and/or are able to do some of the maintenance yourself, then yes - get the C32, it actually is a better car.
Tee_Tz.
#11
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C32 AMG
How did you even come to compare these two completely differnt cars to one another? Just looking at price? Being how you are asking this question in a C32 forum, your answers here should be obvious.lol
Get an extended warranty and jump on the 32. Other than the headlights, they look the same from a distance, thought the AMG is still better looking withthe body kit and sleeker front air dam.
Get an extended warranty and jump on the 32. Other than the headlights, they look the same from a distance, thought the AMG is still better looking withthe body kit and sleeker front air dam.
#12
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How did you even come to compare these two completely differnt cars to one another? Just looking at price? Being how you are asking this question in a C32 forum, your answers here should be obvious.lol
Get an extended warranty and jump on the 32. Other than the headlights, they look the same from a distance, thought the AMG is still better looking withthe body kit and sleeker front air dam.
Get an extended warranty and jump on the 32. Other than the headlights, they look the same from a distance, thought the AMG is still better looking withthe body kit and sleeker front air dam.
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Tee_Tz.
#13
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Nissan GT-R cobb/midpipe/ic piping/wastegate actuators/tials
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ur the guy that offered me 18k for my '02 w/45k miles..haha. i told you to go get a c230..is that why you made this thread? anyhow- there is a world of difference between the two cars. it's like comparing a vette to a cobalt.
Last edited by itsmeek; 02-22-2007 at 02:48 PM.
#14
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2003 C32
If the OP has a budget of around 20k and is asking this question (limited funds and skill), I wouldn't even recommend either a C32 or a C230. Or any european car. The car purchase is nowhere as significant as car upkeep costs. Find a nice Honda/Toyota/Mazda/Scion (under 15k) till you can factor in some decent annual cash to maintain a european car. Take the extra money to make it a little flashy (audio, wheels etc)
If you break it, you have to fix it (you don't want to be learning-along-the-way on basic car services). Remember, if you can't fix it yourself or break what you tried to fix, someone else has to ($$$).
If you break it, you have to fix it (you don't want to be learning-along-the-way on basic car services). Remember, if you can't fix it yourself or break what you tried to fix, someone else has to ($$$).
#15
Thank you for all your input guys. I know they are not comparable, but i just wanted to see people's reasoning.
Sounds like if I can get an extended warranty go for the C32.
Itsmeek: I made this thread before I talked to you. Dont think you're special.
Sounds like if I can get an extended warranty go for the C32.
Itsmeek: I made this thread before I talked to you. Dont think you're special.
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Nissan GT-R cobb/midpipe/ic piping/wastegate actuators/tials
i don't think i'm special. i also don't think you're realistic asking to pay 18k for a car that is worth 25k. buy a used 330i at that price. it's what i would do.
#18
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2002 C32 ///AMG
He was probably going low, expecting a counter-offer that is higher. Can't blame a man for offering to buy your car, even if it is lower than expected.
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2005 C230 SS
how about the interiors....the pre 2005 interiors were not easy on the eyes.
Speed vs. Looks......tough call
It is hard to say no to any AMG car...
Speed vs. Looks......tough call
It is hard to say no to any AMG car...
#22
C32 reliability
You guys make it sound like if he buys a C32 ///AMG, he should expect expensive repairs. I bought my C32 in Dec. 2001, and now have 75k miles on it. I drive it hard (when I can), and also drive it like a Mercedes too. I love the car, and it has been dead reliable. No problems, not even a squeak. I expect to keep it for at least 3 more years, maybe more. So when considering the C class new (C230) or old (C32), I highly recommend the C32. Mine has been great so far. If you want the extra warranty for comfort, then go for it.
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2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
I have an '04 C230 SS 6-speed and I'm considering replacing it with a C32. I'm starting to lean against the idea because of the money factor. Interest rates are too high and I hate the idea of tying up my home equity line. If I could get a deal like TJ did on his, I'd surely look at it more seriously. But for now, I don't know if it's going to make sense. I may hold the C230 until the warranty expires next year and then revisit it.
If I was on your budget, I'd probably go with a C230. It's reasonably fun (with the operative word here being "reasonably"), reliable, and you could get a top flight example in your price range -- especially if you're willing to drop down a year. Having owned mine for 3 years now, I'd recommend it to anyone. It's a nice little car, though I have to say that gas mileage isn't particularly impressive -- about 20-22 MPG in real world driving. My '06 RSX Type-S is much faster and gets 3 MPG better. If you do go C230, definitely hold out for the 6-speed!
I have no idea what kind of C32 you'd end up with for $18-20k. I don't think I've even seen one that cheap. As soft as the market is for these cars, nice ones with low mileage are still in the mid to high 20s. You're probably going to get a high mileage, well used '02 in #3 condition. If you can't afford the best examples of a given car, you're better off looking elsewhere than taking the one from the bottom quarter. It won't be as nice overall and you'll end up spending more at the end of the day than if you sucked it up and sprang the extra cash for a mint one. Just my $.02.
If I was on your budget, I'd probably go with a C230. It's reasonably fun (with the operative word here being "reasonably"), reliable, and you could get a top flight example in your price range -- especially if you're willing to drop down a year. Having owned mine for 3 years now, I'd recommend it to anyone. It's a nice little car, though I have to say that gas mileage isn't particularly impressive -- about 20-22 MPG in real world driving. My '06 RSX Type-S is much faster and gets 3 MPG better. If you do go C230, definitely hold out for the 6-speed!
I have no idea what kind of C32 you'd end up with for $18-20k. I don't think I've even seen one that cheap. As soft as the market is for these cars, nice ones with low mileage are still in the mid to high 20s. You're probably going to get a high mileage, well used '02 in #3 condition. If you can't afford the best examples of a given car, you're better off looking elsewhere than taking the one from the bottom quarter. It won't be as nice overall and you'll end up spending more at the end of the day than if you sucked it up and sprang the extra cash for a mint one. Just my $.02.