Looked at 2 Mercedes today, liked both, but they are a bit of different cars.

1. 2001 c320 white with only 22k miles on it for 13,500
2. 2005 c230 kompressor red, sport package, 38k miles 15, 990

Both cars are in immaculate shape as far as I can tell, and I test drove both. 230 def. felt a little sportier, but was a bit stiffer and louder (doesn't really bother me much)

I can afford either, but of course saving money is always good. Just looking for some positive/negatives of either and your opinions. I've never owned a Mercedes before, but looking for a nice daily driver, but still love my cars to be sporty. Atm I have a 91 300zx twin turbo with 475hp so I know what fast feels like

Personally I'm leaning toward the c230 because looks, year, mpg. The 320 is a lower cost, but mpg is a lil worse and I just don't like the look quite as much, though I don't dislike it by any means.

Any help is most appreciated!

 

Get the 2005 for sure. The 2001 was the first production year and had numerous problems with seat control modules, overhead control panels, instrument clusters, catalysts, and especially the heating/ac actuator motor arms breaking. 2005 had only one new thing and that was the newer audio MOST system which does allow ipod integration and surprisingly is a very reliable system. It is unusual that there are only 22k miles on the c320. The only thing that I know of on the c230 is they occasionally leak at the vacuum pump and trans connector like all 722.6 transmissions. 2005 is a great year in the styling and engineering, they worked all the problems out. 2005 c230 is my personal favorite all around car that is affordable on the market today.

 

Thanks for the advice