pbloskas

Hey guys,

This is really a comparison question, and I wasn't sure where to put it so I put it here. I have the opportunity to get a 2012 CPO C250 (16k miles) from a dealer. I could also get a 2010 E350 (41k miles) from a reputable private used car company here in Dallas. Prices are the same (27k). The C class is almost bare- comes with metallic paint and Bluetooth audio (cool, right?). The E class is almost fully loaded. Xenons, heated/massage seats, Nav, parking sensors, power trunk, back up camera, etc. I like both cars. I have not driven the E class, but I REALLY like the C.
Personal info: I'm in College, almost about to graduate in a year. I am single, so no need for a huge car. I want something fun to drive, yet still reputable and prestigious.
My question is this:

Which car would you guys go with if you were me? Given what I need/value?
I know it's a very subjective question, but I have only owned a CLK before and I'm not sure how to rank these cars.

Dema

E, no contest.

pbloskas

Why do you say that, just out of curiosity?

GregTR

While they look like they cost the same the E will cost more to own than the C. For starters you'd have to buy at least a 3 year 75k mile warranty just to get the same coverage that you'd get with the C-class.

I'd still go for the E with the warranty, I couldn't get a car with halogen headlights, or without parking sensors.

mb_21

I had this same problem not to long ago. After totaling my S550 that was paid off I got a check from my insurance company. The check was just engough to pay for a 2013 C300 4Matic. The only problem was coming from an S-class I had a lot of expectations from my next car, it just didn't seem okay to pay $35k plus for a car that doesn't come with Bi-Xenons or Navi!!

From the options you stated sounds like the car has P2 and low miles. You honestly can't go wrong with the price either. Keep in mind someone paid nearly double the asking price 3 years ago.

One other issue is that the car is very small and more "girly" then the E-Class.

But don't get me wrong ive gotten the C250 as rental while my car has been in service and its fun to drive but when I get back into my E the smile on my face gets a lot bigger =]

pbloskas

Are there any problems with the E class that might cost me, seeing as it is out of warranty? Also, do you feel like the E class is a bit big? I will definitely be test driving it, to see for myself.

Dema

I was getting C as a loaner, and each time I felt really uncomfortable driving the car, it looked much cheaper, less comfortable, and less powerful. Generally I didn't have much objections to power, but overall impression was negative. My E was 2010. Since I had a chance driving C of current and previous generations, I can say that current looked a little better from performance and handling stand point. Perhaps getting C63 makes sense if you want fast and nimble car, but C250

Munich77

No comparison - get the E. If in doubt drive both back to back especially on the highway. In 2008, all it took was a highway drive to decide between the C and E.

Firestopper0383

My 2010 has experienced no problems except the occasional software updating and routine maintenance. When I go in for service, I get C300 4Matic loaner. They are very nice cars but, they are no E Class. Ride and acceleration is adequate but the E is powerful and ride is very smooth and comfortable.

drsaab

The c250 is a peppy engine. Fun to drive. But also cheaper interior and there everywhere. Plus near end of its 7 yr cycle. E is quieter, smoother, and the best representative of a true Benz as it's there "bread and butter car". Comes down to your tolerance or risk on CPO vs non warranty e350. 2010 268hp E is no faster than the c250. A Good extended wrty would be 4-5 k for the e350.

No one can answer if you prefer sporty small and nimble or quiet and tight luxury cruiser.

Nuru

I would recommend the E, in this case - more features, more room, less mpg though.

pbloskas

Any of y'all think the E class is really big? I've honestly never driven a car it's size.

pbloskas

Oh, and just for reference, the E comes with the P2 package, and it is the special order Cuprite Brown color.

GregTR

Did you ask the same question in the C-class subgroup? I mean what do you reasonably expect the answer to be? All you're getting is our personal opinion which is biased based on the simple fact that we all bought an E-class. What works for you may or may not be different.

Why don't you go and test drive the cars and see what they feel like. People make it out that there is a huge difference in size but there really isn't. You're talking about inches, not feet. I can say coming from an E90 MBW the E-class feels less nimble and less responsive, it is a different feel and drive but I love it in a different way. If you want something smaller and tighter I would strongly advise for you to look at an E90, those cars drive amazing and way better than any C-class.

Munich77

Take it for test drive and see how you like it. The E-class is big on the inside and not a small car - but I think size wise it is about perfect. Large but not too large for it to be cumbersome around town. The car sure sounds nicely optioned -probably someone's special order.

Munich77

Take it for test drive and see how you like it. The E-class is big on the inside and not a small car - but I think size wise it is about perfect. Large but not too large for it to be cumbersome around town. The car sure sounds nicely optioned -probably someone's special order.

pbloskas

I did post this in the C class subgroup to account for any bias there may be. I am just looking for other people's opinion when it comes to ownership experience and reliability. I am definitely going to test drive it. Thanks guys for the opinions!

Tomspo04

I have one of each. The E is mine, the C is my wife's. The c is a great looking ride, and my wife's is fairly well optioned, but still feels like an economy car compared to my E...not even close. I love my E- Class!!!

Dema

I do not think the respectful forum members started telling get E, if OP asked something what is better W221 10 or W212 14? Obviously everyone would suggest taking S. Or if he asked what is better take 535i, A6 or E350. In this case I could observe some E bias.

Wig

I've owned both. There really is no comparison. C has a very stiff ride and feels much cheaper. The E is way more comfortable.

The 4-pot C also has a rough engine compared to the V6 in the E. The only reason to get the C is fuel economy and better handling.

mleskovar

Owned both. I have an E350 with sports suspension and like its' handling better than the C320. GregTR is right, the size difference is inches even though it feels like more. If you've "never driven a car it's size" it sounds like it may be a problem for you so go do your drive then ask.

N_Jay

Get the E.


We have a '07 E350 we bought at 42K miles (Now has 92K)
Our dealer uses brand new C loaners, (So we have driven 10's, 11'2, 12's and 13's) and my wife can't wait to get back her "Real Mercedes".


Ours is a loaded P2 and the loaners are an assortment.


When I was getting the GL serviced the lady in the waiting area with me was trading in her 4 year old basic C, on a 2 year old loaded C because she did not realize how much the features were worth when she got the first C.


So . . . . .


1) It is an E


and


2) It is loaded

C280 Sport

E Class. It is not even a contest and is like day and night! No way in hell would I ever buy another C Class! Do not get me wrong the C is a blast to drive but quality, feel, size, space and comfort is something the C Class does not have. If you are coming out of a S Class I do not care what C Class you look at even the C63 will feel cheap to you.

stale-bread

+1. Drive then ask, you may not even need to inquire afterwards.

D&G

I agree with your comments. I feel the same way. The C And E class is night and day and I love my E. You definitely need to test drive both.