Hi im 18 and for my first car i was thinking of getting a 2000 c230. Anybody know how much these things are gonna cost:

insurance
maintanance (will i even need a whole lot?)
upgrades (you know to make it go faster, not body kits.)

Also, can you just give me an overall summary of this car, (is it fast, luxurious, reliable)? And should i get this or some other car, like bmw 325 or audi a4? I am mainly looking for luxury and speed, but reliability is a factor too. Thanks!

 

welcome nicksta.

W203 is a good car.

 

isn't 2000C230 a 202, Sleep?

nickee boy, just dont buy 2001-2004 MB, that time was the valley in MB's quality. every auto guru knows it.

 

I have 75K miles on my 2000 C230 and have had no real issues with it. The Kompressor provides for great pick-up for this car and although the car isn't expansive it is luxurious for this class of auto. In my opinion this should be a great first car for you, it is quick, tight, and reliable! Also, the insurance is reasonable.

Enjoy your ride!

 

yes... my mistake again

always got mixed up with many models everyday.

 

If you play the averages, owning and maintaining a luxury car is more expensive than, for example a Honda or Toyota;which have lower maintenance costs and generally use regular gas. But many parts on a'98-'00 C-Class are no more expensive to buy and install than a Camry (Provided you DIY, or find a good independent garage, and don't use the stealer ship) However, what becomes expensive to repair are electric parts their ECUs.
Luxury cars have far more of these than a typical car and M-B is no exception. The main problems with the 2001-2004 M-Bs (which Fly_Major_Fly notes were bad years for M-B) were the electronics. All that said, the C-Class' made between '98 and '00 seem to have a pretty solid track record. I'd buy another W202 from that period in a minute

 

Agreed.

202's are excellent cars. the only exception is the early ones with the I6 where they tend to have harness issue. kompressors are exceptionally good 202s too.

 

I have heard of an aftermarket pulley kit for the Kompressor that gives it some more power.

 

Those pulleys don't "give" more power. They redirect it. The accessories get less energy at the expense of the rear wheels getting more. Some people have accessory problems because of the way they drive with the aftermarket pulleys. If you drive at low rpms a lot then the battery will drain, and power steering and A/C won't be as efficient.

 

thanks for your help i now i feel more confident getting the benz. Do you guys know about insurance costs at all, like wat is it roughly gonna cost a month (keep in mind im only 18). Also, can someone tell me where i can find a good deal on a c230. Is buying a mercedes from a certified benz dealer better ,or is any dealership ok?