mercedes c300 2014. good deal?

[wstce92]

Originally Posted by WolfGang

The beamer and benz are pigs. The a4 is lighter more torquey and more of a pleasure to drive. Mostly because of how well quattro + DSG + TFSI engine work together.

Have you even driven a f30 328i?
I recommend you go test one with the sport package and 6spd.

A4 in any trim makes me fall asleep. I've driven them all. The most exciting is the S4 6spd, but it's still not as good to drive as a equivalent 335, so why bother.

Hell, even the f30 320i is better to drive than the A4

[Speed2K]

Originally Posted by death_blossom

I sat in a C300 before. I wasn't impressed with its interior. lots of plastic and dated interior.

I would suggest a new 328i as well. or maybe head to the Lexus dealership and check out the new IS250/350. they are great cars from what I hear.

Did you sit in a pre-2011 model year? I agree that the interior in the pre-2011 looks real dated, 2011 & on wards is nicer by a lot!

[Eff-1]

I can understand why one might want to by a 2014 instead. You could argue the reliability of a final year production model will be better than the first year of a brand new production model. Not to mention if you wait until the 2015s start arriving on the lots, the dealers will be eager to negotiate a good deal on the 2014s.

Personally I wouldn't by a car in the last year of it's production before a new generation for the reasons already mentioned. But I'd never by the first year of a brand new production model either. Negotiating is difficult and reliability is always going to be a question mark.

[ntan]

OP, was the $3500 inclusive 3-payments waived factory incentive, or just the dealer discount?

[is350]

I think everyone wants a 328i because everyone else has a 328i (especially chinese family). They didn't buy it because it's sportier than the others, most of them bought it because magazines rate it the best in class and it's the most popular.

As for the pricing, I'm pretty sure a 328i will cost you a few more grands more than a MB, audi or all the Japanese brands.

Agreed with lomac on the HP thing. For everyday driving, from traffic light to traffic light, torque is more important, that's what get you off the line. For that, Audi has similar torque as the bimmer and MB.

how can you compare a 185 torque 320i compared to 247 torque in the audi a4?

[wstce92]

Originally Posted by bmwx1

I think everyone wants a 328i because everyone else has a 328i (especially chinese family). They didn't buy it because it's sportier than the others, most of them bought it because magazines rate it the best in class and it's the most popular.

As for the pricing, I'm pretty sure a 328i will cost you a few more grands more than a MB, audi or all the Japanese brands.

Agreed with lomac on the HP thing. For everyday driving, from traffic light to traffic light, torque is more important, that's what get you off the line. For that, Audi has similar torque as the bimmer and MB.

how can you compare a 185 torque 320i compared to 247 torque in the audi a4?

The A4 realistically slots inbetween the 320i and 328i. It's faster than the 320i and slower than the 328i.
A4 is 1595kg for fwd and 1645kg for awd. 320i/328i is 1474kg/1524kg.

But I'm not saying which is faster than which, I'm not saying the 320i is faster than the A4. I'm saying I drove both, and the 320i was still fun while I was falling asleep in the A4.

And maybe everyone has a 328i and everyone recommends the 328i because it's the better car? Why would you avoid buying the better car just because everyone has it? Go buy a Pontiac Aztec, no one has that

[bcrdukes]

Originally Posted by wstce92

Go buy a Pontiac Aztec, no one has that

QFT

[Purely]

My friend was basically leadfooting it/pushing the 328i through curvy roads etc.. and the gas mileage was something like 10-11~L/100km at the end of the 1.5 hr cruise... Performance was definitely there as well. If stock isn't enough.. getting the 328i chipped is more than enough for DD

[is350]

l

[acurael]

Originally Posted by ntan

OP, was the $3500 inclusive 3-payments waived factory incentive, or just the dealer discount?

$3500 discount and 5 year term with 0.99% financing.
No mention of three payments waived, so i doubt it. I'm a repeat customer so I think he gave me a good deal for that reason.

[acurael]

Not a huge fan of the Audi A4 looks and I only like it with the S line package and that jacks up the price.

Originally looking at used C300 4matic (2012 or 2013) but not any available with lower kms and I need bi-xenon headlights.

Looking at around 40 grand range (before taxes) and that's why the salesman suggested 2014 since it is close to that range and we would get full warranty which is important with german cars.The 2015 does look nice but then I usually don't like getting a car in its first model year since there can be issues. We can't wait another year.

Also have looked at the infiniti Q50 but with everything in its close to 59 (only like the sport model with all the options). The Lexus IS 250 or 350 was another choice but its ugly and nice at the same time, so not sure.
Used IS350 AWD (2011-2012) would be great but impossible to find.

I will look into the BMW 328 x-drive a bit more. I hate the front of the car unless its sport package. Trying to keep price down also and it looks like the BMW is higher priced than the benz. I guess the BMW also includes 4 year maintenance at no cost.........

confused

[Shorn]

The 3 is so popular because it's good. Simple as that.. Why are there so many civics and Corollas? Cause they are good cars in their own right as well. A car being popular or not should not be a factor in deciding what car to buy..
Posted via RS Mobile

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by acurael

Originally looking at used C300 4matic (2012 or 2013) but not any available with lower kms and I need bi-xenon headlights.

Just a suggestion but if you find a '12 or '13 with all the other specs you require but without bixenon lights, buy it and instead import some german E-Code lights (stamp E1) instead. Chances are even after having them shipped over, you'll be paying less than if the car came stock with DOT lights. Much better beam spread on the E1 lights vs what we get here.

Something to think about should bixenon's be a deal breaker.

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by bmwx1

Everyone on road drives a 328i, I don't get the point that everyone is recommending 328i. Enough of them already. Buy something that you like and will enjoy the most.

Agree with the last sentence.

Completely disagree with the rest. Who cares if there's a million of them on the road? If you enjoy a car that you'll see ten of in the first block of your drive, so be it. Why do you think there are so many FRS/BRZ's and Mz3's on RS? Because people enjoy driving 'em.

[Marshall Placid]

Originally Posted by acurael

Looking at around 40 grand range (before taxes) and that's why the salesman suggested 2014 since it is close to that range and we would get full warranty which is important with german cars.

Your $40k range, assuming the 2014 and 2015 pricing will stay the same, will buy you:

Mercedes-Benz Canada - Configurator - C-Class Sedan

Add in PDI, some options, and extras, and you are looking at low $50k's for a C250 or a C300.

And, that is before taxes.

If you factor in your discounts, this negates the taxes, so the TOTAL price will be the low $50ks, out of the $40k range.

Just some food for thought before you get pressured by the salesman to sign on the dotted line.

And, happy car hunting!

[Lomac]

Originally Posted by Marshall Placid

Your $40k range, assuming the 2014 and 2015 pricing will stay the same, will buy you:

Mercedes-Benz Canada - Configurator - C-Class Sedan

Add in PDI, some options, and extras, and you are looking at low $50k's for a C250 or a C300.

And, that is before taxes.

If you factor in your discounts, this negates the taxes, so the TOTAL price will be the low $50ks, out of the $40k range.

Just some food for thought before you get pressured by the salesman to sign on the dotted line.

And, happy car hunting!

Starting at $42.5 for a C300 without bi-xenon?

[HonestTea]

I'd probably get a slightly used '13 model as well if you're completely set on the C-Class since I don't think theirs any changes on the '14 model and the '15 models are gonna be completely different.

[Marshall Placid]

OP, keep in mind with buying new, the "extra" options, costs, PDI, taxes, etc. usually increase your BASE price by about 20% to 30%.

[GS8]

Originally Posted by wstce92

Go buy a Pontiac G8, no one has that

Fixed that for you

[Timbits93]

Actually shopped for a vehicle in this class during the summer. And in fairness, the C300, A4, IS250 and 328i are all very good cars and are good at being what they are. It mostly comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I went with the 328i xDrive Sport Line. Not here to blend in with the sea of BMWs, but there were several reasons I went with one, coming from a G35.

- Looks: It's only an evolution of the E90, but it is definitely one of the fresher designs. It looks mature while not being too radical, which most of the vehicles in this segment try to do.

- Fuel Economy: While the price tag would suggest anyone driving one should be able to afford the gas for it, its just the sort of feeling you get when you find out you go to the pump less often - along with a smaller tank. It feels good that something producing such power averages around 10L/100km in the city.

- Performance: I did look at the numbers, while they played a slight factor in my decision, the 2.0L turbo has GOBS of power. One thing of consideration was the availability of torque over a wider band. The VQ35 felt like you needed to tap into it just slightly more, but with the N20 - it's available at levels as low as 1500rpm. If it weren't for its coarse sounding I4, you would think its one of BMW's I6 engines!

- Handling and Stability: As I actually was able to test drive the vehicle overnight AND it was pouring hard (Thank You Vancouver!), was able to test how it would handle both in the dry and the wet. And I was very pleased compared to the G35, which was RWD. The 328 seemed to be glued to the road in that weather. And for what it's worth, that was the selling point for me. xDrive may not be the best system in it's class, but it does the job and that's all that really matters at the end of the day.

However, there are a few trade-offs with one. As such, the N20 is quite a coarse engine and the sound isn't too pleasant sometimes. It'll remind you this isn't a smooth and silky 6 cylinder. The electric-assisted steering is also bit too light in the normal Comfort and Eco settings, however in Sport, it is weighed nicely but the trade-off is the extremely responsive throttle - I just want to get off the line smooth in the city, don't need to race from light to light on demand!

Regardless, they're all good cars! Just comes down to your preferences! - my 2 cents - Sorry for the lengthy post

Originally Posted by HonestTea

I'd probably get a slightly used '13 model as well if you're completely set on the C-Class since I don't think theirs any changes on the '14 model and the '15 models are gonna be completely different.

What I found out when I was shopping for a vehicle in this class, 2012 C300s (not talking 250 or 350 models) actually came better equipped than the 13s and 14s.

Two things that the immediately caught my eye in changes were:
- Seat Switches moved from door panel to seat, Memory function stripped.
- Panoramic Sunroof removed as an option

I know there were a few other things, however it just drifted my attention away from them. Other than a relative having an 08 C300.

[acurael]

Originally Posted by Marshall Placid

Your $40k range, assuming the 2014 and 2015 pricing will stay the same, will buy you:

Mercedes-Benz Canada - Configurator - C-Class Sedan

Add in PDI, some options, and extras, and you are looking at low $50k's for a C250 or a C300.

And, that is before taxes.

If you factor in your discounts, this negates the taxes, so the TOTAL price will be the low $50ks, out of the $40k range.

Just some food for thought before you get pressured by the salesman to sign on the dotted line.

And, happy car hunting!

You are correct. It comes out to 48,900 total. The freight PDI is around 2300. That sucks. When I say 40 range its before taxes and extras so I would say maximum 50 grand all in, although we would prefer to be in the mid to low 40s if possible.

[acurael]

Originally Posted by Timbits93

Actually shopped for a vehicle in this class during the summer. And in fairness, the C300, A4, IS250 and 328i are all very good cars and are good at being what they are. It mostly comes down to personal preference.

Personally, I went with the 328i xDrive Sport Line. Not here to blend in with the sea of BMWs, but there were several reasons I went with one, coming from a G35.

- Looks: It's only an evolution of the E90, but it is definitely one of the fresher designs. It looks mature while not being too radical, which most of the vehicles in this segment try to do.

- Fuel Economy: While the price tag would suggest anyone driving one should be able to afford the gas for it, its just the sort of feeling you get when you find out you go to the pump less often - along with a smaller tank. It feels good that something producing such power averages around 10L/100km in the city.

- Performance: I did look at the numbers, while they played a slight factor in my decision, the 2.0L turbo has GOBS of power. One thing of consideration was the availability of torque over a wider band. The VQ35 felt like you needed to tap into it just slightly more, but with the N20 - it's available at levels as low as 1500rpm. If it weren't for its coarse sounding I4, you would think its one of BMW's I6 engines!

- Handling and Stability: As I actually was able to test drive the vehicle overnight AND it was pouring hard (Thank You Vancouver!), was able to test how it would handle both in the dry and the wet. And I was very pleased compared to the G35, which was RWD. The 328 seemed to be glued to the road in that weather. And for what it's worth, that was the selling point for me. xDrive may not be the best system in it's class, but it does the job and that's all that really matters at the end of the day.

However, there are a few trade-offs with one. As such, the N20 is quite a coarse engine and the sound isn't too pleasant sometimes. It'll remind you this isn't a smooth and silky 6 cylinder. The electric-assisted steering is also bit too light in the normal Comfort and Eco settings, however in Sport, it is weighed nicely but the trade-off is the extremely responsive throttle - I just want to get off the line smooth in the city, don't need to race from light to light on demand!

Regardless, they're all good cars! Just comes down to your preferences! - my 2 cents - Sorry for the lengthy post



What I found out when I was shopping for a vehicle in this class, 2012 C300s (not talking 250 or 350 models) actually came better equipped than the 13s and 14s.

Two things that the immediately caught my eye in changes were:
- Seat Switches moved from door panel to seat, Memory function stripped.
- Panoramic Sunroof removed as an option

I know there were a few other things, however it just drifted my attention away from them. Other than a relative having an 08 C300.

thanks for the post. You are right about the 2012 C300 being the best equipped (the salesperson told me the same thing, but then couldn't find anything in stock). I just can't find any with bi-xenon lights. Might just wait it out another month. In the mean time I should check out the 328 x drive.

[acurael]

thought i would update the thread for anyone interested.

We ended up going with a 2014 C300 fully loaded. Was looking at 2012/2013 300 and 350 models but the price difference was very small compared to the 2014 since I was given a good discount ($5,000 off) and 0.9 percent financing. Figured better to have full warranty for 4 years and brand new car. Guess they want to clear them out by end of year and before the 2015's arrive. Needed to purchase soon, and although the new styling looks nice, the old style is quite nice already.

BMW 328xi with similar options was pushing the price too high for the initial budget, so that got axed.

[noclue]

hmm wasn't it better off to lease? Heard they have excellent lease deals like 0 down $439+tax for 39months. apparently they have quite the inventory to get rid of the current gen to make way for the next generation.

[J____]

Originally Posted by acurael

thought i would update the thread for anyone interested.

We ended up going with a 2014 C300 fully loaded. Was looking at 2012/2013 300 and 350 models but the price difference was very small compared to the 2014 since I was given a good discount ($5,000 off) and 0.9 percent financing. Figured better to have full warranty for 4 years and brand new car. Guess they want to clear them out by end of year and before the 2015's arrive. Needed to purchase soon, and although the new styling looks nice, the old style is quite nice already.

BMW 328xi with similar options was pushing the price too high for the initial budget, so that got axed.

solid car, I have a '12 C200 (same as the C250). Decent car and good drive, I would of much rather waited for the 2015's but since you can't no biggy. New models tend to have a few new issues here and there anyway.

Only issue I have is there's a design flaw with the front shock strut mount. The bearing tends to give out easily and makes horrible noises. I lowered mine on H&R sport springs so it accelerated the problem. My advice is if you plan on lowering it, do it with coilovers as it replaces the OEM shock strut mount, otherwise you'll get issues and dealership won't replace it under warranty claiming it to be caused by your mods where in reality it's a design flaw. There's a service bulletin for the pre-facelift w204's but the design-flaw seemed to have slipped through after the face-lifts. My friend's C300 here had his stock struts replaced twice in 50k kms, he swapped over to coil overs set to stock height after his warranty expired and the problem came up again.