IntoTheBlue

I'll be buying either one of these cars early next year once prices drop a bit, but I'm totally undecided if I want a CLA or E350 coupe (2011 or so), what would you guys do if in the same boat?

The E350 is obviously a higher tier car, I love the pillarless design and can be had for ~$8k less than what a nicely optioned CLA would cost. The advantages of the CLA being the better fuel mileage, longer available warranty, and updated looks to match the latest Mercedes styling cues, but the E350 coupe is a gorgeous car in itself despite already being a generation old.

I'm also considering a 2011 BMW 328i/335i coupe which I've seen as low as $25k with a year of warranty left, would anyone even consider that vs. the Benz options?

_Bondo_

I would get at least a 2012 for the E Coupe--revised interior, and Direct Injection means 302 hp instead of 268; and better MPG to boot.

hyperion667

I'd go for the 350 with it's slightly more power, and use the 8K savings towards extending the warranty and also saving some for future costs or upgrades for the car.
The CLA are nice looking cars, but if you're looking to upgrade from C230, you might like the E better. How many miles are on the E you're considering?

whatever you do, good luck with it

IntoTheBlue

I never thought about/knew the 2012 had engine/mechanical upgrades, although the cheapest a 2012 is going for is about $38k where a 2011 can occasionally be found for $30k. The prospect of all those extra horses is definitely appealing though.

I have no problem buying a used car with 60k miles on it, especially if it was CPO, but ideally would like to aim at the 30-40k mile mark with a year left on the factory warranty. Earliest I would look at buying a car would be March timeframe, so who knows what prices will look like then for 2012's. If I could get a nearly fully loaded CLA for $35k, either new or slightly used, that would really make my decision tough.

MBNUT1

no brainer E350 coupe. The two cars aren't even in the same league.

tc1728

E all day...