Recommendations needed
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: NC
Volvo 850
Recommendations needed
We are shopping for a (new) used vehicle. I had driven several BMWs over the last few days; fun, but too spartan. While at Networld I was given the opportunity to drive most of the 2003 MB lineup - WOW! Nothing like tooling around the course in a nice new SLK500...or the S430. *drool*
After that experience I've decided to purchase a MB. This is where ya'll come in.
I have 20k to spend. I'd like a sedan; there are 3 of us, my wife, my soon to be 4 daughter and me. I'd be the primary driver; this car would get take me to work daily (30 mile RT) and it will be out sometimes vacation car.
What model would you suggest? I've seen several Cs in this range. I'm not too familiar with the larger E or S class, I don't think there is a MB dealer near us.
(I'm going to start doing some research now).
Also, we are moving to central Virginia; can anyone recommend a good MB shop up that way.
Thanks, looking forward to the replies.
-rick
After that experience I've decided to purchase a MB. This is where ya'll come in.
I have 20k to spend. I'd like a sedan; there are 3 of us, my wife, my soon to be 4 daughter and me. I'd be the primary driver; this car would get take me to work daily (30 mile RT) and it will be out sometimes vacation car.
What model would you suggest? I've seen several Cs in this range. I'm not too familiar with the larger E or S class, I don't think there is a MB dealer near us.
(I'm going to start doing some research now).
Also, we are moving to central Virginia; can anyone recommend a good MB shop up that way.
Thanks, looking forward to the replies.
-rick
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Re: Recommendations needed
Originally posted by rickm
While at Networld I was given the opportunity to drive most of the 2003 MB lineup - WOW! Nothing like tooling around the course in a nice new SLK500...or the S430. *drool*
While at Networld I was given the opportunity to drive most of the 2003 MB lineup - WOW! Nothing like tooling around the course in a nice new SLK500...or the S430. *drool*
For under 20K, I did a search on Carmax.com. They have a few C230s from 98 that fall into this price range. I didn't see any Es though. My suggestion would be to go for a used C class. If you wanted an E, you probably would not be able to find one newer than a 97.
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
there could be a high milage w203 C240 around somewhere. Check ebay.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: NC
Volvo 850
OOps
I *swore* it said 500 on it. It looked a lot larger than the pictures show, I'll upload them when I can. Whatever it was, it was 87k and they said there was a 3 year or so wait. So d*mn sexy.
Is the engine in the c230 enough to drive it? I was reading some reviews late last night and it seems they aren't overly peppy.
I'll find one and go drive it.
Is the engine in the c230 enough to drive it? I was reading some reviews late last night and it seems they aren't overly peppy.
I'll find one and go drive it.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,161
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Well, anything for 20K is not going to compare to the SL 500, or any S class. The only way to be sure if the engine in the C230 sedan is good enough for you would be to take one for a test drive. You may want to keep your eyes open for a C280 also, and maybe compare. I haven't driven either, so I have no opinion. As for the W203 C240s, I would be very cautious if you see one for 20k or less. Good luck, and let us know what you find...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Sitting behind thing freakin desk of mine. Dreaming I was playing my Taylors, and driving my Benz. Long Live The VRAA!!!!!!
C230 Sports Coupe
I have driven both the w202 c230K and the C280. I was going to get the C280 myself, but if you get a C230K you can always put a pulley on it or chip it. They made pullies for that car right?
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John Deere
I test drove a c230K back in 98 or so. I thought it had nice pep to it. My '95 c280 also had nice pep. Coming from a 190hp Maxima to a 194hp c280, they were quite similar, as would be expected from the similar power ratings.
My c240 loaner also was able to get out of its' own way.
As one who tends not to tear away at green lights, or travel at triple-digit speeds (unlike most of the nuts on this forum
), I never had a complaint about the pulling power.
One could spank around Accords and Camrys if you were so inclined.
But obviously it's such a subjective matter. If you're already jaded by the pull of the SL engines, the C might feel like a slug.
My advice? Rent a base Cavalier from Enterprise for 2 weeks, drive around alot, then buy a used C you can afford. You will be amazed at the beastly powe under your heiney.
(I have no idea how to spell that word)
My c240 loaner also was able to get out of its' own way.
As one who tends not to tear away at green lights, or travel at triple-digit speeds (unlike most of the nuts on this forum
), I never had a complaint about the pulling power.One could spank around Accords and Camrys if you were so inclined.
But obviously it's such a subjective matter. If you're already jaded by the pull of the SL engines, the C might feel like a slug.
My advice? Rent a base Cavalier from Enterprise for 2 weeks, drive around alot, then buy a used C you can afford. You will be amazed at the beastly powe under your heiney.
(I have no idea how to spell that word)
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: NC
Volvo 850
Jaded is an understatement. Great pull, very smooth, not jerky in the least bit. But I don't have 90k.
I found a c230 and a c240 at a dealership within an hour's ride of me, we are going to do a test drive this evening.
I found a c230 and a c240 at a dealership within an hour's ride of me, we are going to do a test drive this evening.
