Nerdboss

I'm looking at a replacement for my 2011 3 series that I bought as a CPO several years ago. I have back problems at a really young age and need something taller but don't want to give up that sublime German driving experience. Normally I'd go for the x3 but it feels extremely dated now.

Drove a GLC and fell in love. Looking at lightly used CPO models right now. I don't really need a lot of options, just looking for LED headlamps, heated seats and the pano sunroof.

My question is this. Is it bad to buy a newer car from Benz? I know that 2016 was the first model year but from my understanding this is just a c class underneath? I'll keep this car up to 100k miles. Is that too much to ask from a modern Benz? I know back in the late 90s the quality tanked, but I had heard rumors that it had been coming back in recent years. Any weird quirks I should know about the GLC before I decide?

ralawren

I had a 2009, 2011 and 2013 C300 as well as a 2012 C350. All without any serious mechanical or electronic issues. They were under warranty the entire time and any issues were addressed by the MB Dealer without any major issues. I am trading the 2013 in on a 2017 GLC I ordered. The GLCs are assembled in Germany, just like my C350 Coupe (first year) so I am pretty confident I will continue to have a solid automobile. Just one opinion but I also had a 2010 BMW 128 and now a 2015 228 during the same time period and I have had more issues with the BMWs than the MBs.

Nerdboss

How did the 2013 hold it's value? My 328i has had a surprising number of issues if I'm honest. Wonderful to drive but I've had many trips to the dealer. What kind of options are you getting on your GLC? I'm going to be pretty light on options and trying to find a retired service loaner with just a couple thousand miles. I've seen a few for 35k which I'm interested in.

I test drove one, even in base form it's pretty well quipped. It drive better than any BMW I've driven as well. =)

ralawren

Residual value has been very poor. I paid about $43k for the 2013 and 3.5 years later it is only worth 41.5% as a trade. Oh well. We plan on keeping the GLC for five years so not worrid about resale.

Nerdboss

I figured as much. SUVs tend to hold resale much better for some reason. It's why I don't buy these cars brand new but rather a year old and with 5-10k on the clock. I save myself a ton of money and have what is still a new car. I'll keep it until 100k and then buy something else. Sounds like you're pretty confident in the build quality of modern benzes.

fabbrisd1

For your info GLC is actually based on new E-Class platform - not on C-Class platform.

In your "drive 100K miles" - then Mercedes CPO Unlimited Mileage Warranty goes out 5yrs from original owner in-service date - and warranty extendable at added cost up to 2yrs more.

Happy hunting !

Nerdboss

I had no idea it was based on the E class. It handles and drives incredible well.

I'll have to find one with the extended warranty. Can I extend it later towards the end of the warranty period if I buy a retired service loaner?

BCRCornet

Question: I was under the impression that the GLC, the current C-Class, and the new E-Class are all on variations of the MRA platform, with the wheelbase of the GLC somewhere between those of the C-Class and E-Class. Correct or incorrect?

MBtech1098

Actually not correct the, X253 is basically a mirror of the W205 chassis. And yes these along with the E class are on the MRA platform (Modular Rear Wheel Architecture) as mentioned earlier.

ralawren

I read that that the C and E are definitely sharing the MRA Platform and the X253 Chassis is slightly larger than the W205 but not as large as the E Class. The Engine, transmission and interior are C Class but the Chassis is slightly larger. That is why there is a couple extra inches of rear leg room in the GLC than in a C300.