jarednt1

Hey there! Need some purchasing advise. I am looking at a 2014 C300 with 63k miles or a 2013 E350 4Matic with 31,000 miles. Am I better off with the c or is the e the better buy? The E is a tiny bit more expensive, both have good service history's.

Thanks!

W205C43PFL

Just based on the mileage alone I would go with the E-Class but I think we need more information so you said the carfax is good? Got some pictures of the vehicle? Confirmed no repaint? Whatever you choose make sure to do a pre-purchase inspection.

cetialpha5

Really depends on the vin and the options. Sorta depends on why you're buying it. If you're just going for the name, then a stripper C class is fine. I ended up with 2 E class cars because I couldn't bring myself to save 1-2k just to get a stripper C class. E was a little bit more cash for a lot more standard and optional options. But I think lots of people buy it for the name plate because there are lots of base model Mercedes out there. To me, what's the point of buying a luxury car with no luxury options? Unless the only thing that matters is the marque.

juanmor40

Barring options differences, drive both on the highway with some turns and low traffic so you have enough room for a ticket.
A short street drive is meaningless in these cars, they are meant to be driven, consciously, and to enjoy them.

Mandatory pre-purchase inspection, and in particular rear subframe, and engine front. Likely powered by early M276 with timing chain tensioner issue, pil check valve and oil leak into harness.

I always get a feeling the E class has better interior finish than C class. Personal opinion though

jarednt1

This the EClass:WDDHF8JB9DA686626
This is the C Class:WDDGF8AB9EA892204

No respray, good carfax on both. Will be getting a PPI for sure.

cetialpha5

Are you sure that the E class is still available? Says purchase in progress. That wasn't a bad one though, had a few options like the track package, keyless go and folding rear seat. The C class just had the pano roof which isn't that big a deal. They're both Pzev cars though which is good because Pzev covers a lot of other components for 15 years/150k, regular cars pretty much get nothing beyond the standard 4 year/50k.

jarednt1

I am the purchase of the E, figured I would give a shot. What is the track package? My only thing I would like to fix is the the bubbling on the steering wheel buttons.

cetialpha5

Lane tracking package I guess. Blind-Spot Alert & Lane Departure Warning System.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/merc...z/e-class/2013

https://www.lastvin.com/

https://www.auto-brochures.com/mercedes-benz.html

juanmor40

you can buy the steering wheel, the buttons or even the fascia. Nothing to fix, unless you buy the AliExpress decals

Examples
https://www.ebay.com/itm/37445065626...mis&media=COPY

https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/MB-09946400139107

DFWdude

I you are 6 feet tall or more... or have friends you like, buy the E-Class. I've had both, and friends don't fit well in the back seat of the C-Class.

There's no accounting for more interior room in the E-Class.

C280 Sport

E Class all day. Always a E Class over a C Class.

kajtek1

I am 5-10 but with long legs and could not fit in C class, although did not check latest models.
Was uncomfortable with Hummer leg room as well.

BenzV12

Nothing beats versatility of an E Class .I like C Class models in general but E Class gives you more for less money over an S Class as well

W205C43PFL

Although I have a C-Class, E-Class is the way to go hands down. C-Class was always built with a budget in mind, E-Class was the "true" Mercedes, recent years the C-Class went upmarket after the A-Class came but for the generation of C vs E you were shopping with, the C-Class was their entry level model. The fit and finish, luxury and ride everything is better in the E-Class.

W205C43PFL

Just read that you went ahead with the E 350, congrats!

W205C43PFL

That is a great spec too on the E-Class, enjoy in good health OP and please share pictures when you take delivery.

Adi-Benz

Congrats on your purchase;

I don't see any quality differences in w204 and w212 unless you buy a 550 or 63 with premium leather interior and stitching. Rest is same.

I would say the biggest thing is if you need 1) a large or small sedan and 2) what kind of driving you prefer

E class is floaty even with sports package. It has a better ride. C class outhandles it significantly if you get the sport package. Way better road feel. It very much depends what you're looking for.

jarednt1

I picked up the car the other day. I have a PPI scheduled for tomorrow, however I have looked underneath the car and found no rust what so ever, no leaks etc.

juanmor40

Enjoy it.

CaliBenzDriver

Goood for you: a comfort trim with sturdy wheels... I have the same combination. It's a really sofisticated car available with hundreds of systems options ... everyone is nearly unique. Assembled by the very best in the world.

EuroDriverSD

Congrats on your purchase! Drive it in good health.

I had a W212. I sold it and really miss it. Then I recently purchased a W204 4matic. It's doesn't offer quite as much as the E class but really close. I'm really enjoying driving it.

Can't go wrong with either one, they're just designed for different audiences with a lot of overlap,rear space being the biggest factor.

BenzV12

Congrats,
Your car looks solid and I love its color as well
Happy Driving

MBNUT1

You made a great choice. I made the same trade in my mind and the E was a hands down winner. It is such a nicer car.

One other perk. The W212 forum members are the best and I am not kidding. Not afraid to work on their own cars and always willing to help.