I have 2-4 days. to buy site unseen (photos only) very reaonably priced VERY low milaged Friend's 2002 C230 for teenage son. Its automatic. does it have steptronic? whats with the shifter...I could not find low or first. How do these handle in the snow? I own a 911, volvo, cl500, lexus,I do not want this to be too fast for a teenager with a lead foot. I like the speed ofmy 1.4L T Volvo for him. Is this car realiable? Is it a "chick" car? (Sorry guys if you own one)Can you put a ski rack on it? I have a knowledgable friend looking at it this weekend...what should he look for? How do they do in roll over crashes? or wrecks in general? The car is emaculate with all records. I am quite knowledgabel about autos so hit me with anything mechanical also. Thank you in advance 4 ur time.

 

It's a mercede's man! What more to say? 0-60 in 7.5 . I wish I had one when I was a teenager. I'm sure this'll set his standards high if you get 'em it. just cant turn back after you've gone mercedes! although I wouldn't mention that it's s'charged.........

 

How do you like your S40? I was looking at one.....just couldn't keep Turbo failure off my mind. Opted for the C280.

 

The S40 is a great little car...Its my second one. The first 2001 took a pause for the turbo to spool up. but a nice dependable car. Had to replace the engine mounts (I've found standard in mostolder volvos after 60,000). This second s40 is the second generation also (2002) but so much smoother. Has similar power as the c230 but I feel I could "drift" a little more with the 230. AND deffinitally stop quicker in the 230 even though it is 600 lbs heaver. the nose goes down in a hard break in the 230 giving the idea of lost controll...but you haven't. Whereas the Volvo s40 keeps flatter on a hard break. Saffer for an unexperienced driver. Both have same head room within.2 of an inch as well as similar passenger compartment/ trunk. Was a tough decisission 4 me but since my son has already totaled one Volvo,and walked away,I'm going back for another one. The C230 is beaaautiful but frankly not as comfortable as the Volvo (go figure).

 

WOW and my first car was a 81 corolla. 15 year old car at that time.