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which car would be best

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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 03:31 PM
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which car would be best

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?
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 05:06 PM
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One with a small diesel engine that is slow.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 05:18 PM
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A certified pre-owned C250, E250, GLK250 or ML250 depending on what type of roads and weather conditions he will be driving on.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 05:26 PM
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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?
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 05:32 PM
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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.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 06:16 PM
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so when is the MTV episode airing?
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 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?
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.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 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.
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.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by 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.
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...
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 09:31 PM
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2015 S550 Coupe. It's a safe car.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 09:50 PM
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Originally Posted by HAILERS2
2015 S550 Coupe. It's a safe car.
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 11:25 PM
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^and a very expensive one as well!
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Old Sep 10, 2015 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by HAILERS2
2015 S550 Coupe. It's a safe car.
Lol, best suggestion ever)
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 07:33 AM
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CLA250 4matic with sport pkg. At 16 he'll love the styling of that over the C.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 08:14 AM
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I immediately thought of a W123 diesel.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 09:20 AM
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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!
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by 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!
I agree the traction is needed in our weather. will let you know when it is decided on which vehicle we buy
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 11:02 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 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.
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
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 11:25 AM
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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.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by 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.
Hopefully he will appreciate it. Time will tell
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 12:57 PM
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by dbldpr
Hopefully he will appreciate it. Time will tell
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.
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Old Sep 11, 2015 | 04:23 PM
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Buy him a sls AMG, he'll love you guys forever!
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Old Sep 13, 2015 | 06:38 AM
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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.
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