natedwm

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

tee_tz

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.

TJ_Andrews

That's a good summary, here's my experience so far (I've had my 2002 C32 for only a week though). My car has 32,500 miles on it, and rides like new, no problems whatsoever (yet). There are expected failures that I keep reading about though, such as: radiator needs to be replaced (but is like $200 for parts, labor shouldn't be too much if it isn't MB doing it), Intercooler pump will give out at 40k miles (which costs $99 for the lightning one, and a 30 minute DIY if you know what you're doing), supercharger might give problems, but could be fixed cheaply depending on the problem, and the transmission needs to be updated to 2003 software to fix some problems. That said, if you're mechanically savvy, you can probably do most of the work yourself, and save tons of money (there's a lot of help on this forum).

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

jgsx

If you can get an extended warranty on the C32, go for it. If you can't, I would go with the newer and slower car.

cntlaw

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.

Code3 Performance

If you can do a lot of your own work, then there is no reason to shy away from a C32 with no warranty. Most of the cost of repair is the labor, not the part. Sure, there are some parts which are expensive. But most of the parts that fail on the C32 are not. I have done plugs, wires, filters, oil change, IC pump, end links, and SB bushings. It cost me nothing more than the cost of those parts and some beer. I am about to do CA bushings, springs, shocks, and SC bearing replacement. Same deal, bought the parts, do my pwn work.

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

Carl Lassiter

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.

Fifth Ring

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.

amgmark

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..

tee_tz

That's exactly the problem. It's liking winning a Ferrari 360 Modena for free. Sure you got it for $0, but the problem is maintaining the car -- the gas, service, insurance, maintenance, parts, etc. -- it's for someone who "kinda" can afford a $200K car. So just because the C32 is now $20K 'technically' it's still a $55K car, which means it's parts, it's service, it's maintenance are still the cost of a $55K car, only you're not a $55K buyer. I don't know -- it makes more sense in my head ... My point is, the C32 is a car that you want to be able to handle, not buy it and put cheap gas or cut corners, you'll only fool yourself.

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.

SilverBulletAMG

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.

tee_tz

And the lighter and better looking AMG wheels.


Tee_Tz.

itsmeek

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.

flush

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 ($$$).

natedwm

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.

///AMG4EVER

Expect to spend more than $20K by just owning a Benz... insurance, gas, services, everything goes up in your regular operating budget.

itsmeek

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.

TJ_Andrews

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.

TopGun32

get a C230 with a hole bunch of warranty..

speed is nice.. but head aches are not.

MCONDE01

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...

natedwm

yeah I know tough call.

thank you TJ.

SACAMG

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.

Slater126

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.

NY C32

02 C32's selling for <$20k?

amgmark

I have only seen them for less than 20k if they have close to or over 100k miles.