dbldpr

Grandson is going to be 16 soon. I am looking to buy him a Mercedes Benz. Does anyone have a suggestion on which one would be best for his first car?

homeofstone

One with a small diesel engine that is slow.

thenew3

A certified pre-owned C250, E250, GLK250 or ML250 depending on what type of roads and weather conditions he will be driving on.

thefisch

I think a C250 would be about right - smaller size with 4 banger. Smaller cars are better for new drivers IMO.

This is a very nice gesture. By any chance, are you open to adopting?

thenew3

If he is in northwest Illinois like the OP then they may get snowy winters in which case a AWD 4matic model would probably be better/safer.

GLK250 with the 4 cylinder diesel, or ML250 with the same 4 cylinder diesel. Not very fast cars, but very safe.

Maybe even a CLA/GLA250 4matic.

That's very nice of you to do for you grandson.

My parents have already told my 8 year old that if he gets straight A's in school all the way till he turns 16 (junior year in HS) then they will buy him a new MB/BMW of his choice (minus AMG/M). So far he is in 3rd grade and has gotten straight A's. It's an excellent motivational tool.

unr1

so when is the MTV episode airing?

dbldpr

Grandson lives with us. Gets almost all A's except when he gets a bad teacher that is new. Told him he had to maintain a least a B average and so far he has done it. He is currently learning to drive on the E350 we have. As far as adopting that is open. We are starting to get a little to old for that.

dbldpr

I will probably go with the c250 4 cylinder It is smaller but still looks nice. Will decide within the next 2 months. Will probably start looking soon.

Arrie

Mr. bdldpr,

I know there is a lot of bad blood between us and you don't like my comments but I comment anyway. A C-class is a very small car inside and if not the new body style is a very boring car very quickly. I know your grand son will enjoy whatever you get for him though.

If I was in your situation I would try to get a GLA. It is a very stylish car and feel bigger inside.

Now, please don't get mad about this post...

HAILERS2

2015 S550 Coupe. It's a safe car.

cc16177

beejAMG

^and a very expensive one as well!

Timeplson

Lol, best suggestion ever)

Airmousam

CLA250 4matic with sport pkg. At 16 he'll love the styling of that over the C.

rediesel

I immediately thought of a W123 diesel.

KEY08

I think anything with the 4Matic due to our weather here is the way to go depending on your budget parameters. Size of engine is less important than safe traction in snow and heavy rain. I hope you are also paying the insurance bill. When I added my daughter to my policy the premium jumped $2,500/year. How awesome is that!

dbldpr

I agree the traction is needed in our weather. will let you know when it is decided on which vehicle we buy

JALLEN4

The right model would be a used Toyota Camry. Having the resources to buy a 16 year old a luxury first car does not make it a wise decision. You need to think about the expectations you are instituting in the Grandson and the reactions of his peers. I have eight of them and hope I can resist that temptation.

dbldpr

Bought my son a new BMW for his first car so Figured I would up it and get a Mercedes for his son. Would not do it if he wasn't a great kid. I can't take the money with me. It's only 3 months worth of dividends for the car

KEY08

My son had inherited his great Aunt's 1996 Lincoln Town Car. I always felt he was safe in that tank and he drove it for 5 years before we had to unload it due to the constant repairs it required. It was a great car for him and he never had an accident. My 18 yo daughter drives a 2015 Honda Fit. She loves it. Good luck with your choice and what a great guy you are to see he has some nice wheels.

dbldpr

Hopefully he will appreciate it. Time will tell

YYZ-E55

GLC300.

pamiboy

He will definitely appreciate it anyway. But be mindful that he is only 16 and is an adolescent. His social / behavioral development may not be complete and still evolving. I don't know if it's appropriate to shower him with expensive gifts (that depreciate quickly) at this age. The value of money is learned well when you have to work for it. You have the resources. Good for you. Best would be to buy a regular car and put that extra money in an investment account in his name.
He may not fully appreciate it now but will be really thankful in another 5-10 years.
Somehow I feel your grandson is going to be a great person. Good luck.

bob2011

Buy him a sls AMG, he'll love you guys forever!

ManiacGT

With the exception possibly of the C450 and C63 these C class cars are intended to be family daily drivers. You can't get that excited about that if you own or have owned something more special.