Here is the general background...I am looking into purchasing a 2007 C230 Sport (used) and trading in my 2007 Acural TL w/Navigation. The car I am looking does not have navigation, but my question is can a non-nav be upgraded to a nav? My wife's Dodge Caravan was just a plug and play radio unit and am wondering if this applies to the Mercedes C230 I am looking at. Also wanted to know how the handling is in that I am now dropping my HP on a mercedes from a 270 Acura TL w/6Speed. The main reason for considering the trade is that we are both working within 5 blocks of each other and her company has a parking garage and she can not drive manual. ANy advice on the car or the upgrade would be well received. Thanks.

Shane

 

Hi Shane,
I have a C240 03. At the time I was looking for a car, I looked into Honda, Acura, and Toyota.
After looking at the price, the service and... I thought I made a good choice with my C240. After having my car now for 5 years, I looked into the price depreciation of the car. I bought my MB for ~$3500, and then I would have bought a Honda Accord. Now the Same Honda a V6 with the same mileage has not dropped as much as MB. The same Honda V6 now is sold for $2500 more then my car. I just wanted to consider the value kept with an Acura is even better then the Honda Accord.
I don't recommend a trade with MB, but maybe with an Acura, if you need to change the car due to manual trany.

Thanks
ken

 

Price concerns will be based on mileage and overall condition of the vehicle. The TL versus the 07 C230 price wise will not be that great especially now because of the economy being the way it is. Gas wise they are about equal but the 2007 C230 is a V6 7 speed automatic with pretty good power. I was impressed when I was given one as a loaner from the dealer. The Sport package is a very fun car to drive your wife will enjoy it. If you do opt for the sport package keep in mind the suspension is a bit stiffer so the ride will be firm but the car will perform well. The only gripe I had with the 2007 C230 was the interior trim. I wish it would come with the brush'd aluminum like my 2005 C230 K comes with other then that good choice. [/align]As for navigation it may be economical to purchase a portable unit since it will be less in price plus you can remove it from the vehicle when not in use. I ended up going that route rather then getting a fixed unit. [/align]