Hi everyone,

I've been lurking for quite some time now to gather information about the AMG w203 models. I've decided to post to ask for some opinons and help regarding a purchase of one fo these fine automobiles.

First off, the car is going to be for my wife. She currently drives a MBZ C230k coupe (2002) but wants to upgrade. After much discussion, she settled on the C32/C55 AMG because of teh following reasons: performance, rarity, and her love of anything MBZ. I myself am an avid Audi fan (drive a moderately modified 04 A4).

While she can afford a new 05 C55 AMG, we are trying to decide what would be the best value in a car. Here's our thining so far:

1) New C55 AMG.
She loves the updated interior... V8 doesn't really matter to her but she does worry that the MPG is worse than the C32. She and myself like the looks of the C55 better. She also prefers a new car. Downside is the expense (she still has 8k left to pay for her C230k) to buy new now and also the fact that the car will depreciate quite a bit the first year.

2) Used C32 AMG.
She doesn't like the interior all that much, as she feels that it looks exactly like hers (which for the most part it is) right now. The benefit is that the car is used and cheaper and all maintenance (before 4yrs/50k) will be paid for, which the C55 doesn't have.

3) Used C55 AMG.
The last option is to wait a year or so and see what comes out on the market for a Starmark C55 AMG. This would allow us to bypass the gas guzzler tax and also let us avoid the first year depreciation. She likes this optino best, however, my concern is that there are going to be very few C55 AMG used on the market within the next year.

So here are my questions:

1) What would you do in her situation?
2) How many C55's will be built?
3) Is the MPG similar enough between the C32 and C55?
4) If we order a car through a dealership, can they charge a markup? Or is the markup only on cars that they have in inventory?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
I'm very excited that hopefully within the next year... we'll be able to get an AMG!!

 

1) What would you do in her situation?
-option 3

2) How many C55's will be built?
-don't know

3) Is the MPG similar enough between the C32 and C55?
-should be on mbusa site

4) If we order a car through a dealership, can they charge a markup? Or is the markup only on cars that they have in inventory?
-no they cannot markup if ordered

 

Go with the C55 wait until they get the bugs out of the C55. If you go with a C32 get an 03 or 04 model. I think they fixed some of the kinks on the C32 with the new models.

 

I also had an 02' C230 coupe before my C55. I personally wouldjust buy the new C55. Nothing like a new car. The maintenance is not even expensive, and u bairly need it. Anything major goes wrong thats what the warrenty is for. I also like the fact that the C55 interior is different from the C230 and vs C32.

 

Thanks for all the comments. It looks like we're headed towards a C55... we'll just see if it'll be used or new....

One more question... how long is the order wait now?

Thanks.

 

Get a C32