In the Market for a C230
 

[size=2]Hi Guys, i'm in the Market for a C230, looking for a fairly newer car (2004 and up), heard some bad things about the 1.8 L kompressor engine (too slow, doesn't pick up quick enough), and also some quality concerns for MB, i'm also intersted in some good gas milage...thanks to all:D[/size]

RE: In the Market for a C230
 

From what I have heard you want to stay away from 2001 to 2004 MB, I really enjoyed my 2000 Kompressor C230 and never had any problems. If you find a 05 Kompressor you should have all the pick up you need but they quit making C230 Kompressors after 05. GOOD LUCK DECIDING!

RE: In the Market for a C230
 

Thanks for the advice ..any details on why the 2005 komoressor model is better than its predessosors? ...and were the quality issues found from 2001-2004 fixed in the 2005 and up models?

RE: In the Market for a C230
 

The quality issues centered around electronics. After 2000 MB added many more electronic "bells and whistles". These caused most of the malfunctions. ( to my knowledge, the quality of the build (workmanship) and hardware was never an issue.) In 2004 Mb dropped to 13th place-its lowest rank every- in J.D. Power iniital quality survey. In 2006, I believe, they are in 5th place behind the usual suspects of Lexus and Acura; plus a couple others.

Around 2004, MB's new chief, Dieter Zetsche ( Dr. "Z" in the Chrysler commercials) commited MB to reclaiming it's heritage of quality. They've made good progress.
BTW, one of the first things he did was remove 600 electronic gadgets which, according to customer surveys, no one used.

My recommendation is to go to a web site like Edmunds and check out "Research Prices & Specs." Then when you've selected the model you're interested in, read what owners have to say in "Consumer Rating". Also look at the "J.D. Power Rating" and "Overview"
Hope this helps

RE: In the Market for a C230
 

My 2003 C230 has had only minor issues after 30K miles. The speedometer started doing wacky things, showing I was going 80 when I was going 30 and then jumping all over the place for example. It was fixed under warranty. The car is pretty quick but the power seems laggy which I expect from a turbo but not from a supercharger. Rocksolid has good advice, check out Edmunds and see what they have to say.