Mercedes C230 Coupe

[Baz]

What's the wisdom in here about them.
Wife caught a glimpse of one, I looked at it....
2003, $14k, 47k miles, 1.8 Kompressor 4 banger.
She fancies it, I'm indifferent, just wondered what you all thought of them as she's determined to be rid of her GMC SUV.
Thanks...

 

[Bret]

Although it was an 2007 - I actually liked the C230 I rented a couple of months ago. I can truely say it was the nicest rental car I've ever gotten.

 

[Steve]

Not the build quality that there used to be, but it's still a Benz, and nicer than most.

 

[RonMacPherson]

Make sure you buy an extensive aftermarket warranty coverage plan that covers electrical, electronic and wiring components, in depth....Hopefully, gaskets and seals, suspension components also.

 

[Baz]

Only aftermarket warranty that is available only covers one year after factory, and doesn't cover my worst fear... MB labour.
I have this car for the day on saturday, so I'll autocross it, thrash the living daylights out of it, then see...
It's really a commuter for me. I think the MGB is going to go, so a classy, manly commuter is needed now; this fits the bill with the approval of the missus.
Your right Steve, a Benz is still a Benz and I can't find your thread Bret, I remember you posted such in the pub. It must have been a while.
Thanks anyway, I think I'm sold for the aethetics, see how she handles (literally) on saturday eh?

 

[JPSmit]

apparantly the SLK roadster, had terribly uncomfortable seats. I've heard them called "one hour" seats. MB near where I used to live actually had them altered before they sold the cars, don't think they are the same as in the C Class but probably worth checking

 

[DrEntropy]

Baz in a Benz... hmm...

It beats the SUV hands-down. But be forewarned: they ain't cheap to fix, as has been mentioned. Local dealership here is up to over $100/hour now. Diesela gets what she requires right here at the hovel. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

They're typically (German) over engineered, newer ones are all electronically stitched up. That gives me hives. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/devilgrin.gif

 

[Steve]

How about a 3-series Bimmer?

 

[GB1]

Steve, they are also another electrical barage. I have driven the model previous to the current and hated it. There was to much muck between sports and luxury that seemed unresolved. The new ones are great. All of this is of course IMHO.

Pat

 

[Baz]

The local 'award-winning' dearlership charges $149 per hour. That was the main reason for my concern regarding warranties.
I hear you Steve, but for some reason they are way more expensive than the (4-cyl) C class, may be a proportionate price indexed to the number of cylinders.
I will be giving it a thorough inspection tonight and tommorow, and am prepared to walk.
No I'm not.
I'm so hooked on that thing, here's a pic....

Now, I'm going to give you the web address of the guy selling this car, and I want you to scroll down and see his (undiscovered to me until only 20 minutes ago) BRITISH CARS!!! Including a 1300 Princess VDP, you were looking for something different Steve?
https://www.girardauto.net/stock.asp?m=8

 

[JPSmit]

drool, thanks for sharing and I understand the attraction!

 

[JPSmit]

I'm not addicted, really I'm not, I'll stop tomorrow I promise...

 

[GB1]

Very Nice,

Thanks for sharing the web site, I kiked quite a few cars on it and the prices seemed very reasonable. I wish I was closer, maybe a good thing that I am not.

Patrick

 

[RonMacPherson]

Huh?

MB has the Starmark extended warranty. Any MB F&I man would be more than happy to sell you a policy. GE Capital, Geico, Carefree(Fidelity)Are some of the companies that I inspect broken cars for just about every day. Someone, somewhere in your area sells these companies policies. Might try an insurance broker.

 

[Steve]

Pretty car, Barry. Pretty car. I can see why you're hooked! A friend's wife had one of these, and she loved it.

 

[DrEntropy]

If ya just GOTTA have one, buy NEW, fob it off before the warranty is about to expire.

...'sall I gotta say.

 

[Baz]

It's a NO-GO.
There's a little play in the right front wheel. The sales lizard says it may be a bushing.
Whatever it is, he's putting it down to wear and tear and my $ to fix.
Nice try.