Hi everyone...I am new to this forum (and to the world of Mercedes Benz :o )
Actually I am here for my mom. She is looking to get a new car and she wants a MB. My mom is in her fifties and my dad is in his seventies. My mom drives my dad around all the time and my dad sits in the back. So for her, comfort is the most important factor. With safety as well as back space being equally important.
Our targets are the new 2003 C320 or E320. I know they both have the same 3.2 V6 with E320 having a little bit more power. The E320 is bigger (much?) than C320, but the price on the E320 is much much more
I really want to help my mom to get the best car for her and my dad. I will be taking my mom to the dealers next week and let her decide if E320 is what she needs or C320 is enough...
I just want to know people's general impression of these 2 cars. Does MB's luxury/comfort level really blow everything out of the water? Reliability? Dealer service?
My mom mentions she would like AWD (due to my constant blubbering about my AWD subaru impreza :p).
- 2003's C320 (sedan) has a 4matic option...how are they?
- 2003's E320 (sedan) has no 4matic?
- It looks like it is better to pick from dealer stock since there is a $1500 special order sur-charge???
- How are dealer service in general?
- Any luck on price haggling?
- I did not see a local forums...so this is for people in NYC/Long Island? Can you guys recommend a good dealer? I live in Queens and there is a Helms Bros MB Dealership close to my house and I think I will visit them first
Thanks everyone
Actually I am here for my mom. She is looking to get a new car and she wants a MB. My mom is in her fifties and my dad is in his seventies. My mom drives my dad around all the time and my dad sits in the back. So for her, comfort is the most important factor. With safety as well as back space being equally important.
Our targets are the new 2003 C320 or E320. I know they both have the same 3.2 V6 with E320 having a little bit more power. The E320 is bigger (much?) than C320, but the price on the E320 is much much more

I really want to help my mom to get the best car for her and my dad. I will be taking my mom to the dealers next week and let her decide if E320 is what she needs or C320 is enough...
I just want to know people's general impression of these 2 cars. Does MB's luxury/comfort level really blow everything out of the water? Reliability? Dealer service?
My mom mentions she would like AWD (due to my constant blubbering about my AWD subaru impreza :p).
- 2003's C320 (sedan) has a 4matic option...how are they?
- 2003's E320 (sedan) has no 4matic?
- It looks like it is better to pick from dealer stock since there is a $1500 special order sur-charge???

- How are dealer service in general?
- Any luck on price haggling?
- I did not see a local forums...so this is for people in NYC/Long Island? Can you guys recommend a good dealer? I live in Queens and there is a Helms Bros MB Dealership close to my house and I think I will visit them first
Thanks everyone
Member
I originally was going to get the C320 but after sitting in and test driving an E320, the E-class was the choice for me. The C is too small for my needs. If your mom is looking for comfort and room, I think the E is the better choice. There is a big difference in comfort/handling compared to a subaru/toyota/etc. As for service, I've always received great dealer service with free E-class loaners anytime it's in for service. As for reliability, I've only brought it in for minor glitches (replacing a relay.. nothing big). My only advice is drive both the C and E class but don't impulse buy the car. Wait a few days to think it over.
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