Alright, I'm just about ready to move in on the C Class, but I'm at a bit of a deciding point here. Both cars are going to wind up being around the same price, $31-33k, but I'm not sure which way to go.

In one corner is a 2002 C32 AMG, 50k miles, black/black, xenon headlights, cpo warranty to 100k / 3 yrs. I LOVE the power, BUT its a 5 year old car

In the other corner is a brand spankin new 2007 C230, black/black, 7sp auto, sunroof pkg, heated seats pkg. Not nearly as much power (not unbearably slow, but its no beast like the amg is), but its a brand new car.

Any thoughts that might help me decide?

Edit: I'd like to add that, in terms of engine performance, the C230 felt similar to my ML500, because despite the engine being much smaller, its nearly 2000lbs lighter. I know the C a few tenths slower on paper, but it did feel quite similar. The C32, on the other hand, took off like a 911.

imo, get the c32...nothing like pulling up in an authentic amg, plus you'll have all the amg extras...and the difference in power between these two vehicles is ridiculous...in one corner we got a 4 banger....the other..a v6 kompressor...c32 all the way

1. A 2002 C32 should be WAY less. Like UNDER $25,000.
2. CPO warranty is not equivalent to the new warranty.
3. C32 has WAY more power than the C230. Don't try and think otherwise.

Well, in my opinion, the C230 is the way to go only because the C32 is going to cost you more in the long run. Also, it is EXTREMELY over priced. If you look in the classifieds, you will find a 2003 C32 with a ******** Stage 2 in it for $33,000 and other modifications. Make sure that you don't become blind and do your research. Check the service history. Argue the prices. The C32 is obviously overpriced, but so is the C230. The W203 body is about to be cancelled, and you can use that to your advantage.

Well, good luck.

Mike

Good point...and all that power is tempting...but I'm not sure that its worth having (another) 5yr old car versus a brand new one. Some of the buttons in the amg felt a little loose and who knows what else could happen with it (even though it'd be under warranty).

Its really down to a much more powerful car versus a newer car that (at least between the ones I looked at) felt more solid overall.....gaah I hate tough choices.

BTW, the new C230's aren't 4-bangers any more, they're n/a V6's. I drove one of the 4 banger models a little while ago, and the V6 model seems to feel slightly quicker. I think they switched in '06

The sticker was right at $25k (like 25,300 or something), but they tack on 1500 for the base cpo warranty (which only includes 1 yr), the cost of the work they need to do to it, and the cost of additional years (the exact number I didn't get, but I'm guessing around $1k/yr). the base with the 1yr warranty was $29,900. On that car the warranty is a MUST. $3500+ of that extra cost is work the buyer would have to do anyway.

In what ways?

I would never try to think otherwise. The power is the only thing latching me on to a 5 year old car.

The sticker is what you should pay WITH the CPO warranty. Don't be soft with them, they will only crush you. It is rediculous to even consider that car for $33,000. Honestly, this may just be my opinion, but that is robbery. I know it is fast and fun and awesome. Trust me, I would love an AMG, but not at that expense. You have a ML, I had a W163 (1999 ML320). It was great, then the warranty was up and I sold it for the C230. If you buy that C32 for $3X,000, and you walk out of the dealer and try and turn it, you won't get an offer above $25,000. Don't throw away money. Cars are an investment. Make sure that you make the right one. Sometimes you have to take the slow road to get there faster...

At the end of the day you are putting two very equal cars against each other. The price, looks, etc. are all the same. Is it worth sacrificing reliability to go 0-60 in 5 seconds? For your own sake, realize what you are saying here. New car versus 5-year-old car.

Mike

Get over the "5 year old" thing. The C32 will run circles around the 07 and with only 50K miles reliablity will NOT be an issue. I have bought W124's (V8's) with over 100K on the clock that have been the best cars I have ever owned, even compared to our late model cars (2004).. go for it ... join the AMG club. I wish I could.

Pre-2000 Mercedes are significantly more reliable in late mileage than the new ones. Good luck with your decision.

u shouldn't pay more than sticker out da door...
POWER or MOST, that is the question.

I mean, yeah, you could have a brand new car, and that sounds tempting, but you'll be just another Joe Schmoe with the lowest model of the brand on the street and no one will even glance twice at your car. Because, for all they know, it could be a 2001 with body kit and '05 lights just cleaned and buffed up. As opposed to pulling up in an AMG, everyone will look twice, expecting you to floor it off the lights and hoping to get a glimpse of the notorious AMG power in action. And besides, both the cars you're considering have relatively the same body.

I'm also only 18.

The interior on the C32 felt, im sorry but, flimsy, and with the exception of performance didn't drive as nicely as the 230.

In terms of image, the average person can't tell the difference between an C an E and an S at a glance anyway. I'm not concerned with the image of the car. Its lower than the luxury models, had the nicer rims, a little spoiler lip. I may even remove the C230 badge so it doesnt scream "I have a tiny engine!".

Hell, I'd probably kill myself with a C32 anyway...I think I'm gonna get the C230.