C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Looking to switch from 04 CTS-V to 03 C32 AMG

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Old 07-08-2009, 01:00 PM
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bigbadboss101
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Looking to switch from 04 CTS-V to 03 C32 AMG

Hello MB folks, I just joined this forum as I want to read up on the C32/C55 AMG. Currently I have a 04 Caddy CTS-V. Wasn't even considering a Caddy and then next thing you know I picked it up. I have not considered a MB and after seeing a couple sales ads now my interest is peaked.

So likely I would need to put in between $5,000 to $10,000 on top of my car for say a 03 C32, or a C55 (don't recall what year they came out). Other cars that I am considering include 04-05 Audi S4, new Honda Accord, new Subaru WRX 265. The latter two are different types of car.

So for around $20-28k US (I am in Canada) would the C32 be a good choice? Are there other MB worth considering? I drive my Caddy in the winter and it's challenging. We see snow up to 8 months of the year. I assume it would just be as challenging with the AMG. I do have a 98 Subaru Outback but it's in a different city.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Old 07-08-2009, 01:14 PM
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keep the caddy, use the money you were gonna use for the benz to put a maggie on and you will be set, but if the snow thing is a big of an issue as you say, get the AWD STI. TC
Old 07-08-2009, 02:20 PM
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2019 E63s AMG
Something with 4 wheel drive without question based on where you live. Given the salt, rough roads and general wear and tear northern cars recieve I would get something like the STI or Audi
Old 07-08-2009, 02:31 PM
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Boss - you definitely need something awd. My vote goes to the S4.
Old 07-08-2009, 02:58 PM
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Do what I do; drive a cheap 4x4/awd car in the fall/winter months and drive the caddy/amg during the spring/summer!

I wouldn't really recommend the new Sti. I drove an '09 for a little a while and if you're used to a lot of torque, the sti has relatively little, compared to our cars. I drove a new is350 and the sti in the same day and the is350 actually "felt" faster in the straights and felt pretty competant in the corners. The sti felt like a naturally aspirated 4 banger instead of a turboed and its stock engine noise was pretty pathetic.
Old 07-08-2009, 03:03 PM
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No, you don't need 4/awd. I drove my C32 in the winter time here (I'm in Regina and you know about our winters)with no problems! Just put on a good set of Blizzacks and use some common sense. Or, just get a winter beater. Heck, the salesman I purchased my C55 from drives his 211 E55. Granted an awd would be better but not a requirement. Now, back to your dilemma. To me, going from a CTS-V to a C32/C55 really wouldnt be that different from what you have performance/handling wise...
Old 07-10-2009, 06:09 PM
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bigbadboss101
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Thanks guys.

The S4 is nice. Might not be as fast as some of the competitors but AWD is nice in cold weather.

I test drove a 03 with 90,000 km today. We didn't get onto the highway so I didn't go over 40 mph. May be car needed tuneup but it didn't feel fast. Perhaps because it's smooth I didn't feel the acceleration. Got up to 70 km (42 mph) and that's about it.
It had rusty rotors and calipers. The rest of the car look decent.

Looked at another one but didn't bother testing it. Some rust on body, higher mileage, and rusty rotors, calipers.

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