alnamdds

Hi. Time to buy that first Benz! I'd buy a new E Class but they're going to be re-designed very soon.

Therefore would you lease a new C300 4Matic or buy a used 2010-2011 E Class given they'd cost about the same intially.

How reliable are the used E Class cars? Is it a terrible idea to buy non-Certified Pre-owneds?

rediesel

You want a 2012-2013 E-class (updated engines) and it should still cost less than a new C. My 2012 E550 4M was less than a new C.

The new C has some initial quality issues reported on the W205 forum.

MBSebas87

+1 You can get a fully loaded E for less than the new w205. I'm not really impressed with their new design.

Streamliner

I would jump on a new 2016. MB always pulls out all the stops in making extremely good lease deals before a new model comes out. I would bet that discounts in the 12% to 15% off MSRP will be available. And they will probably be offering 18 & 24 month leases, as incentives to get you into a 2017 or 2018 later on.

Firestopper0383

A friend had a 2012 E350 and traded it for a 2015 C300. Loves the new car with all it's upgraded toys but, does say the major difference is in size and ride comfort. The E350 compared to the C300 is very different and took some time getting used to it. His wife does not care for the new car, she felt safer in the larger car.

Streamliner

+1 on that. There is a huge difference moving from a C to an E. The E, especially in this last version of the W212, is hitting on all cylinders, very refined, extremely solid and a car that does feel very safe. In the C, which I get as a loaner, I always feel like I'm in a car were corners were cut and EVERY expense was spared, trying to compete with Asian makers.
Definitely go for a used E over a new C.

Mud

Personal subjective opinion


I MUCH prefer my "old" E-350 to the 2014 and 2015 C classes I've had as loaners. I went from an EX-L Accord to the E-350 and I think that the new Accords are a better value than the C-class. I was underwhelmed by the C-class cars in almost every category. When I picked up my car again I felt that I was truly back in a Benz.

Streamliner

I think the current Accord Sedan is an absolutely gorgeous car. BUT, when I think of one crossing the double line and hitting me head on, I want to be in the E, hands down.

Beemie

I just rented a 2010 E350 4matic sedan for a day while in San Francisco, and I was in awe of its safe, solid feel both in the city and during our day trip up the coast traveling on the super winding and hilly Route 1 (sometimes in dense fog and pouring rain!). Despite its size, it felt very maneuverable and just so solid in the turns. Back seat passengers were comfortable too, despite the incredibly windy roads. I can't compare it to the new C-class, and my current ride is a 13 year old 3-series, but I found the car more comfortable - and comforting - to drive than my husband's BMW 6-series, for whatever that is worth. I really loved it! Good luck with your choice.

Russ103

^^^Exactly this^^^

2012 E-350 here, and while the 15 C-300 is nice for it's class, it's not meant to be in the same league as it's bigger brother E.

This would also apply if you were comparing a brand new E to a used S-Class... All the E owners here would tell you to go for the S.

After getting the E services and spending all day driving the new C, it feels really nice getting back into the E.

Go for a 2012-13 CPO E-350, maybe a 14 facelift one if you find one in the right price range.

PeterUbers

Don't let the sex appeal of the new c class fool you.. It's still a c class....

Don't forget all the drama too that is going on with the w205 ... Mbtex issues, electronic gremlins, qc issues ... Ugh

CarolinaBluetec

In terms of fit/finish, initial quality, and overall reliability you are much better off buying a car at the end of the model run rather than the beginning. I have found this strategy has held up with BMW,Saab,Volvo and Mercedes. There is a price to be paid getting one the first year after a model change. In any case get an E class, either a late model CPO or a new 2015.

ddeliber

Good timing. I just got our E back from service and we had a new C-Class luxury as a loaner. Now I really like the new C both in terms of style (by far best in its class and many would argue above its class) and its overall driving characteristics. The tradeoffs MB made with the new car are in line with my tastes - comfortable yet still sporty and powerful (according to my butt dyno anyway). In C400 or C450 form it is what I think I want for my next daily driver. However, I asked my wife (who mostly drives the E) what she thought and she strongly prefers the E-class. Bigger, more comfortable, smoother, more solid/safe and more refined.

IMO this is not a case of better or worse, they are different cars with different driving characteristics and styling. IMO the C is sportier, more nimble, faster and better looking, where the E is bigger more refined and the smoothest in its class. If you haven't already I suggest that you drive them back to back and work out what is most important to you. Oh, and don't forget to let us know what you think.

Johnny Rad

Interesting dilemma.

I didn't vote because I didn't want to confound my vote between "leasing vs buying" and "a new C vs a 5 year old E."

If I was buying today, I would not consider a C300 due to its powerplant being down way too many horses. It's simply too darn slow for me. There's lots of nice tech, but not enough to overcome its lack of get up and go.

If the budget would allow a C400 or C450 (though I haven't driven one...), I'd strongly consider it over an older E350.

rediesel

But at the end of the day you (and I both) actually bought nice used E-class rather than the new C.

Johnny Rad

Red - You are so right. Oh so right.

550 > 250, 350 and 400

Just saying.

I was (am?) a Lexus homer through and through, but Merc's biturbo M278 was rather convincing. I'd give a serious look at anything Merc wrapped around it.

AudiA4Turbo22

I had a C-Class loaner a few weeks back and I LOVED that car. The interior is leaps and bounds better than the W204 and better than the W212.

Do yourself a favor and get a C400 not a C300.

If I didn't have my E-Class I would have no problem getting a new C-class.

Great car.

MBSebas87

i think you heard from the ppl .....E class hands down! lol

Tjdehya

Everyone has their own personal opinion but IMO Any Mercedes with a warranty is better than a used one without a warranty.
The W205 is on par with a W212. So the W205 is a much better buy than an old W212.
A late model W212 (2014-15) is a better buy than a new W205. However a new W205 is a much better buy than an old W212.

CarolinaBluetec

Have to disagree slightly. The face lift was for the model year 2013, so you could get a CPO car with up to 3 years of warranty included and also purchase an additional 2 years before the initial warranty ran out. I had a C280 which I loved and my daughter still drives with over 115K. I just can't warm up to the later versions of the C class.

rediesel

My used 2012 E550 4M came with 1yr original warranty left, plus an additional 1 year CPO unlimited mileage, and 2 years free maintainance. That takes me to Dec 30 2016 with no out of pocket expenses. At which point I can extend for another year maybe two.

The W205 is better than the W204, but it's not better than a W212. The interior is fresher in design, but suffering from serious quality issues. Expanding on what A4tt22 said if someone wants a W205 get a C400 or a C450 for a 6 cyl and with leather to avoid the issues with C-class MBtex, and make sure your bumpers are aligned properly when you buy it.

DerekACS

Yes, how true ! If you get beyond the interior sizzle on the W205 and closely examine the fit, finish, quality of materials used, fittings, plastic edges, etc., one can see where the costs have been cut. There is no way that the quality of the W205 comes close to that of a 2014-2015 W212.

MBUSA has employed serious cost cutting for the production of the W205 in Alabama. The QC issues that have arisen are inexcusable for such a premier manufacturer. Sourcing the MBTex seats from Mexico is just one example where the cost accountants overcame any serious efforts for QC. The sloppy fitting of the rear bumpers and tail lights would never have passed final inspection @ a German MB plant.

Tjdehya

The facelift is 2014+.
The poster of this thread is looking at a W205 or a 2010-2011 E Class.
Therefore what I posted is relevant... IMO I would choose a W205 instead of an old, used, outdated, and out of warranty W212. JMO

Cocca

I just had a brand new C300 4matic as a loaner while my 2011 E550 4matic was serviced. I had the C for a total of 5 days. I probably drove 200 miles with it. Burmeister radio, the works.

I still love the V-8 much better than the 4 cyl turbo and the E-class refinement. If they made a C550, I would still choose an E-class. If the choice is E550 v C300 or 400, then it's the E550 all the way. If, however, I had a 4 or 6 cyl as my only options, then I'd probably go for a brand new C400 over a used E350. It's all about the V-8.....................

El Cid

Whenever I take my "E" in for service, the dealership gives me a "C" for a loaner. Latest was a 2015. While the '15 is much better than previous ones, it is still no where near as nice as an "E" class. That's why DAG makes both an "E" and a "C."
You really need to spend sometime in both before deciding.
Before getting a "C," I would seriously consider a Hyundai Genesis.
Not to mention some really terrible reviews and reliability issues for the new "C."