Hi I'm a newbie and am considering purchasing my first MB as the local dealership has a great special going on until the end of August.

I can get a new 2005 C230 Kompressor sedan with the sunroof package, 6-disk and manual transmission for $29,100 or go for an automatic for an extra $1400.

The question I have is, since the new 2006 C230K is out already, should I consider it instead? I understand it has 12 more HP, as the '06 has a 2.5L V6 @201HP, vs the 2005's 1.8L I4 supercharged at only @189HP.

Now obviously the 2006 isn't going to be only $29K, and will probably be
more like $35 or $36K, so my question for all you veterans out there what
would you do?

The other car I'm considering is the new VW Jetta GLI that just came out, a
fully loaded one with automatic is around $28,500 MSRP, and they probably
won't budge on that price being that they are new and in high demand.

Both cars are similarly equipped, the Mercedes and VW both have 10 airbags, the VW has paddle shifters the MB doesn't, but they both have 17" wheels and similar features, like leather, 3 stage antilock breaks, Enhanced stability control, similar size trunks, similar size back seats, the VW is turocharged, the C230K is supercharged, both have sport suspension's and looks, yadda yadda...

Thanks in advance for the advice!
Jay J

 

If you are thinking about spending 7 grands on adding 12% more horsepower, that you must be power freak?
Comparing Mercedes and VW. I happened to drive both.
Own E320, but for current project, that require 500 miles commute I bought Jetta tdi for savings.
Round trip in Mercedes cost me $140 in fuel, when in VW it is $70. Not to mention, that diesel saves me time on long range tank, that has 600 miles.
But technically those 2 cars are no comparison. 90 HP (adequate with high torque on diesel) vs 215 HP.
Leg room and elbow room have similar proportion. The rear of Mercedes is full foot longer, what makes big difference in material hauling. Much more noise in VW and handling is so much worse, that I had to get used to slower cornering.
I know, that you are comparing different cars, but sit comfortably in both and take a look how much space they have.

 

If you are shopping, consider the Mercury Montego. I think it would probably have been a better deal than my 05 240 4matic (32k new). But it just wasn't a Mercedes. But IMO it knocks the socks of a VW, Volvo, BMW and Audi. Standard ont he Montego, optional or not available on the Mercedes, fold down back seat, humungos rear seat room, huge trunk, eyeglass holder, full power front seat, 6 disc in dash changer and five grand net less. And the no extra cost red looks good on it, lousy on the MB. Having said all of that, I was unimpressed with the Ford 500

 

The Ford 500 is the Montego, no? Perhaps you mean the way the Montego is appointed vs the 500.
Even though the Montego and 500 are using the Volvo (forget which model) subframe, I'd give the nod to MB in the handling category.

My vote is for the 2005 Kompressor with a manual transmission.

 

i think u should also consider the prices of the spare parts and how easy u can find them without going back to ur dealer.. also how familiar the mechanics in ur area with the cars ur considering to reduce ur visits to the dealer