2008 Base E class or fully loaded C 350?
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2003 W211
Obviously I'm biased, but I would go with the E... I think it would hold its value better and it will give you more space for the kids... I had a similar dilemma (older E or newer C) but based on my needs/wants I went with the E... Good luck...
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From: Lawn Guyland,NY
'07 E350W4
Although I have not driven the latest iteration of the C class, I compared the C to the E couple years ago and found the E "head and shoulders" better than the C in every way.
Our E350w4 is the best car I've EVER owned.
Just my 8 cents worth(considering inflation)
Our E350w4 is the best car I've EVER owned.
Just my 8 cents worth(considering inflation)
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Out Of Control!!
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From: Silicon Valley, CA
1999 C280 Previous / 2008 E350
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The C will hold its value much better than the E. Nobody will want the E once it is the old model, especially a base. The C will be current when you are ready to change out.
The new W204 also handles far better than an E.
The new W204 also handles far better than an E.
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Huh? I guess those '06 S Classes are rotting away now..... There is something to be said for the more "premium" classes as opposed to "entry level" vehicles in terms of value. And the handling? They handle different but my opinion is not that they handle better. Of course, that depends on your own taste.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NY
'12 Mustang 5.0, '89 Supra Turbo, C55,
IF "Base" includes the V8 motors, then go with the E550 or E500. V8 power of either engine is amazing. After that, test drive a C350, then thank me after you post your new E class acquisition. 
(OR, give the C55/C32 a serious look - they will spank the mighty E550/E500). So to prioritize:
1 C55/C32
2 E500/E550
3 C350
If you have to buy new, then the decision becomes one of space and luxury appointments vs. handling/driving fun, bec. both C350 and E350 have the same V6 motor. IMO, prestige goes with the E-class.
Good luck!
(OR, give the C55/C32 a serious look - they will spank the mighty E550/E500). So to prioritize:
1 C55/C32
2 E500/E550
3 C350
If you have to buy new, then the decision becomes one of space and luxury appointments vs. handling/driving fun, bec. both C350 and E350 have the same V6 motor. IMO, prestige goes with the E-class.
Good luck!
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From: Long Beach, CA
07 E350, 03 Lexus ES300, 04 CLK 320 (gone)
The C's new style is cool, but for the space factor -- also having 2 kids-- the E will do you justice!!!
No complaints about my E....looks and drives great....(if only the wifey agreed with me getting an E55 instead!!!
)
good luck!!!
No complaints about my E....looks and drives great....(if only the wifey agreed with me getting an E55 instead!!!
)good luck!!!
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Huh? I guess those '06 S Classes are rotting away now..... There is something to be said for the more "premium" classes as opposed to "entry level" vehicles in terms of value. And the handling? They handle different but my opinion is not that they handle better. Of course, that depends on your own taste.
Bigger is not better, just because an S is larger than an E or C, does not make it better. The 211 was far better than the 220 in terms of design.
I personally love the CL & S classes, and the 211, but it is a matter of personal taste and the applicaiton of the car. If someone wants a more nimble car, the C is better. The C will also hold its value better than an E since the E will soon be replaced by a newer model. This did not stop me from ordering a new E, but cars are not univerally applicable.
Last edited by Untertürkheim; Apr 25, 2008 at 04:56 PM.
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
my best buys have been 3-4 yr old MBs off-lease returns. right now, i see many E500's around $25-30k...i'd invest the $20k that would otherwise go toward the new car. this way, in 3 yrs, that $20k could buy you really nice MB..or 2. in the mean time, you'd still have a really nice E-class to drive that most people wouldn't know was any different than new 08.
p.s. with 2 kids, a new car would look like a used car in about 2 weeks anyways
p.s. with 2 kids, a new car would look like a used car in about 2 weeks anyways
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my best buys have been 3-4 yr old MBs off-lease returns. right now, i see many E500's around $25-30k...i'd invest the $20k that would otherwise go toward the new car. this way, in 3 yrs, that $20k could buy you really nice MB..or 2. in the mean time, you'd still have a really nice E-class to drive that most people wouldn't know was any different than new 08.
p.s. with 2 kids, a new car would look like a used car in about 2 weeks anyways
p.s. with 2 kids, a new car would look like a used car in about 2 weeks anyways
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: HELL A
GLC 2026
Thanks for all the advice....check out this lease deal they were gonna give me...I have a 07 r350 as a trade in, it was a lease with 16 months left. The E350 had an msrp of $54,000. Drive off fees of $3,000 and payment of 700 for 27 months. What do you guys think should I bite or make them go lower?
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From: Boston and SWFlorida
2025 GLC300 white, 2023 Taycan RWD black
There is no such thing as a good deal when you are trading a vehicle with 16 months remaining on the lease.
Keep the R and get the new model E lease when it comes out next year.
JMHO
Keep the R and get the new model E lease when it comes out next year.
JMHO
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Really? Hmmmm.... Not around here. Or on this board. Matter of fact, I just bought a set of wheels from somebody on this board who replaced his E500 with a pre-owned W221. Methinks you're confusing your own opinion (which may be well founded) with the general public.
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From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Coming from a C-Class I can tell you flat out that both of those statements are false.
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I happen to love the W221, except for the interior, which, while well made, does not look like a Mercedes, let alone an S class.
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From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
