Thanks in advance guys and gals. This is a great forum.

Months earlier, I had posted a question regarding an upcoming vehicle purchase. I couldn't make up my mind, it got cold outside, and I decided to wait a bit longer. Well, now it's warming up, and I'm ready for a new ride. So I'm 27, and recently graduated from medical school. I've been driving the same car from day 1 (16yo)! - 1994 Altima. It's been a great car, and has given me hardly any trouble at all. Needless to say, I'm ready for something new. I really love nice cars, but I've kept myself pretty restrained for several years about getting something newer/nicer. Anyway, now is the time.

I've spent months looking at cars online, reviews, ads, etc. My interests have changed alot during this time, as well. A few quick specs I'm looking for: $35k or less, coupe or sedan, adequate reliability (my Altima has cost me hardly anything to upkeep, so I realize I shouldn't expect this, just something reasonable), solid to intense power, under 40k miles, non-convertible, German. For a while, I couldn't get past a G35 coupe - thought it was the one. Over time, however, it just didn't do it for me. So now, I've concluded, it has to be German. Period.

VW - wife had a lemon before, so never again
Audi - too boring exterior for my tastes
Porsche - nice, but could only afford Boxter, and they're meh
MB - Possible
BMW - Possible

So which MB or BMW have I been considering? For each, I've got the option of getting a lower model/class that is newer or something with a little more age in a higher model/class. For MB, the newer option would be the C-class: I actually think the exterior is pretty sharp, however the power isn't quite up to snuff (350 is, but price gets up there for newer ones), and interior hasn't won me over. The aged one would be a 2003 CLK55 or 2004 CLK500 -> the CLK55 is definitely my MB of choice, with my only hesitation being maintenance costs and finding one in my price range and mileage (they exist, but somewhat rare). But man, the power. CLK500 isn't bad either - not AMG, but nice nonetheless. C55 is another option, but very rare to find one in that price range and mileage (seen maybe 2). C32 - don't think I want to risk the reliability (plus, not drooling about the exterior any more)

For BMW, it's either a 2006 330i or 2004/5 530i or 545i. I actually like the face of the 3 series better, but the total package of a 5 series with the right rims is a sweet combo. 545 is obviously the strongest of the bunch, but does come at a price for the lower mileage. And before you suggest, yes, I love the 335, but it's out of the price range.
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To recap:
2006/7 C Class
2006 330i
2005/4 530i
2005 C55
2004 545i
2004 CLK500
2003 CLK55
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So any suggestions? Thoughts on the reliability/age topic, especially between brands. Experience with each. I'd really appreciate any input on this - as I mentioned, I don't do this every day (next car will come much sooner though ). Oh, I currently plan on financing. Thanks a million.

 

Bump. Come on guys... you can go 3 pages deep on some tool with a terribly badged, neoned C Class for his "wifey" but can't give me 1 reply?

 

Could it be because of this statement in your first post: Months earlier, I had posted a question regarding an upcoming vehicle purchase. I couldn't make up my mind, it got cold outside, and I decided to wait a bit longer.

At least the other thread is about somebody who professes to own an MB.

 

No, I doubt it. If you read my post, you'll see that I've changed my mind since then. Besides, the replies I got months earlier weren't that insightful. This time, i tried to be as specific as possible. I feel the best place to get answers for my type of question is on a forum such as this.

 

I don't know you or your tastes, but if it was me...I'd spring for the CLK500 or CLK55...beautiful car.

 

Get a Mercedes diesel.

It will project the right image for a young doctor.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

Can you make a 335 coupe work within your budget?

 

Get the C55. Get it debadged and it will be a real sleeper car...perfect image for a young doctor...not too flash, but flash enough. Since you really like the CLK, I think you should go with that.....if your heart is in the car, then nothing else matters, IMHO.

 

The benz in my openion will fit your image more than the beemer. I choose to drive a benz because I love the car and being an executive I think it fits me. The clk is a great choice.