Tino Or

Hi my name is Tino, I am new to this forum. My father has been driving Mercedes S-Classes for about 40 years now and I am almost 16 now preparing to buy my first car next summer. I was looking around for a new C300 as thats what my sister got and then I was just curious I saw some S550s online for ~40,000 (about the same as C300), I was wondering whens the next generation going to come out? If I bought it, how much is it to change the taillights to the new 2010+ ones. Also does anyone know the price for carbon fiber wrap? (ex. for the roof, chrome door handles, rear diffuser, etc)

ML_captain

Get the S550 + extended warranty. You'll be the coolest dude in school.

Tino Or

do you think if I bought it around Aug '12 I could get a 08 or 07 with ~50-60k miles for under $40,000?

jchochla

One of my friends bought his son a 2011 Audi S5. He told me some peoples jaws drop when they see a 16yr old driving a S5. LOL

Tino Or

I may be weird or something but I actually prefer 4 door saloons, I was also looking at BMW M5s but I always think why would I get a M5 if I could get a S550... Any other cars that are decent for about 40,000?

CarboyS

That's not weird at all. Keep in mind you don't want something with too much power. You're 16, you have plenty of time for other cars. Just start off with something nice enough and work your way up.

LandSeaAir

I was in the same position as you, my dad has been driving S's for years and now has an S550. I am 17 now, but when was looking for a car last year I knew it had to be a Benz. At first I looked at used CL500 and S500, but after putting research into I realized those cars could be very costly in repairs and maintenance and I really wouldn't be able to afford those repairs as a young kid, nor would I expect my dad to pay for them as he paid for the car. So I went with the C300, I really love it, there is a lot less to worry about going wrong and I was able to get a newer nicer car, plus your a young kid so you would probably rather have a smaller car that handles well. The point is if your getting an S550 for ~$40k chances are its out or almost out of warranty and has a pretty high odometer, unless your dad is willing to pay for the repairs also its a bad idea.

Quadcammer

Get the C-class.

jchochla

Even better, wait till spring and get the 2012 C Class Coupe 4Matic if they end up making it

listerone

Good God,kid.....at your age you should be driving a used Chevy or Toyota and start saving for the future.Unless/until you become a surgeon or win the lottery in the near future you're in no position to even consider a Mercedes at least until you reach your 40's.

C230Kompressed

I agree, I would start with something smaller, easier, and cheaper to drive. When you start driving, you have a lot to learn about the road, so you will get scratches and dings here and there. Not to mention High school and College parking lots are a nightmare when it comes to door dings. ... even your friends inside your car will disrespect it in one way or another.. (drinking, smoking, having uhhhh fun )

skrontz

And now look at me not being a surgeon or ever winning anything and having driven both a 750Li and an S550 all in my twenties ;-)

I firmly believe that age has nothing to do with the preferences (I absolutely loved W140 when I was 15) or the purchasing power. What does raise a red flag is the immediate plan to wrap the W221 in carbon fiber. It's an executive sedan, not a sports car; carbon fiber would look incredibly out of place. There is nothing wrong with wanting to go with the sports look (especially at this age), but there are much better cars for that.

LandSeaAir

I am the same way, although I got a C300 as my first car, I love the big executive sedans, the W221 is my favorite car in the world. Also love the W140, W126, the E38 740/750, I must get a big sedan when I am in my twenties!

haris3344

Once you start driving S class, you won't like any other car. You are too young to be driving an S class, got plenty of time go with something sporty.

CarboyS

He could always drive his dad's S-Class if he doesn't actually need the car.

sakodik

You are damn right about that. I just finished college driving my family's S class for 4 years before buying my own (03 AMG) S. I still don't like any other car lol.

bigigg

Go with something smaller/sportier.. C class is perfect, you will have the rest of our life to drive a S class's. Also the S isnt really a car you "mod", you will have plenty of fun modding the C.

Tino Or

haha thanks guys, so should I get a 3 series or a C-class or A4? Also there is no need for a C63 right, C250 or 350 will do me well? Why is it so hard to choose the right car these days? Thanks for helping everyone, I really appreciate it!

Tino Or

Also if both a new C-Class and a used S-Class is the same price it is SO tempting to get an S-Class haha, I guess I should build my way up to an S-Class as I make more money or have a higher financial asset in the future...

LandSeaAir

I'd say get the 2012 C350 Coupe or Sedan depending on your preference (I like the sedan). It's just about as fast to 60mph as is the S550 with the 5.5 V8 (5.4 sec), but 20 city and 29 high , pretty damn good mpg and yes the C-Class is the Benz to mod, just visit the W204 forum and you'll see how many people love modding them.

In my opinion an A4 doesn't compare to any C-Class, now if you're talking S4, that's a different story, pretty much the only Audi I like, the S4

And I just like the C more than the 3 series, though you see a lot of C's out there, it seems the 3 series are more mundane and blend into the crowd, even though there are tons of C's they seem to just glisten a little more Normally I would say the BMW is better for driving, but the new C350 is just as good, that thing is great. And forget the C63, another car like the S you don't want to start out with.

Tino Or

Okay so I guess the C350 is the way to go... wait S4 is pretty nice too... ahh this is impossible I guess I'll just wait till next summer and test drive both out... But I think the 2012 3 series is so nice looking with the headlights connected to the grill. Okay thanks for the help, I think I know what direction I am headed now.

Ahmedito

I have an S550 my self and Iam 25 but if I were you I would get an 09 C63 for ~$40. If you have not tried it yet I recommend you to test drive it.

jchochla

I agree. Either a used S4, S5(little over 40k used), used C63 or M3. The best way is to test drive every single car. That what I did when I was buying my E63. I tested like 4 or 5 similar to the E, and the E was my choice.

MBNUT1

Very wise advise for the OP

hyperion667

wow, my first car was a ford granada.....of course I did buy it myself......
and have to pay my own insurance......
but I'm way better off because of those facts today