Hey guys and gals.

Straight and simple, my mother is nearing retirement and looking for a luxury vehicle. We started our inquiry with theBMW 3 series, Jaguar X-type, G35 sedan,Volvo S60, Acura TL, and Mercedes C-class.

We have narrowed it to Acura TL, G35, Volvo S60 and the Benz.

So my main questions:

1.) Ideally, what can we look for at a budget near $20k in terms of mileage and year?

2.) What are the known issues on this platform? (C230)

3.) DoesMB offer something like an extended warranty service, and what is the general consensus on this? Again, this vehicle is for an older woman. We reside in Metro Detroit, so idealy the vehicle should be able to handle snow, well.

4.) Best to purchase at dealership? Seems like most dealerships offer better vehicles in the luxury vehicle realm. Furthermore, with extended warranty, it is definitely an ease of mind.

Appreciate any additional info. you folks can offer me.
Best Regards,

-Neil

 

Here are a few answers:

1) In that price range you would be looking at a C230 Sport or C240 in the 2002, 2003, 2004 range.
The C230 of these years is a Supercharged 4 Cylinder.

2) If you by a CPO one it comes with a 100k mile warranty. This will be from a Dealer only.

3) The C230 Sport comes with High Performance Tires due to the Sporting nature of the car (debateable yes!). So these may not handle snow that well. You will have to look at a few, see what tires they have and judge for yourself. The C240 will likely have All Season's.

I will let others offer opinions on the issues with these cars as mine is newer so I cannot comment.

-Eric