First post here as I'm just about to buy a C230. I went into the dealership to order an new '09 with an expected delivery of October. The reason I need to order one is that I want a manual transmission and they don't have any on the lot that are.
The salesperson asked me if I ever drove the automatic with the shift-tronic or whatever that semi-manual mode is. My brother has a Lexus IS with the paddle shifters which I really like but wasn't sure if I'd like the one in the Benz. Well I took it for a ride and actually really liked it. Not exactly a manual but half of one I guess. The one they have on the lot also has the premium package which I wouldn't have if I ordered the '09. The color is exactly what I want as well on the in-stock car.
So here are my options:
1) Order '09, get manual transmission, wait about 3 months to get it.
2) Buy the '08 'in-stock' model, get automatic, get it now, get the premium pkg with the sunroof, auto-folding mirrors and dimming mirrors.
The difference in price is pretty much negligeable.
First post here as I'm just about to buy a C230. I went into the dealership to order an new '09 with an expected delivery of October. The reason I need to order one is that I want a manual transmission and they don't have any on the lot that are.
The salesperson asked me if I ever drove the automatic with the shift-tronic or whatever that semi-manual mode is. My brother has a Lexus IS with the paddle shifters which I really like but wasn't sure if I'd like the one in the Benz. Well I took it for a ride and actually really liked it. Not exactly a manual but half of one I guess. The one they have on the lot also has the premium package which I wouldn't have if I ordered the '09. The color is exactly what I want as well on the in-stock car.
So here are my options:
1) Order '09, get manual transmission, wait about 3 months to get it.
2) Buy the '08 'in-stock' model, get automatic, get it now, get the premium pkg with the sunroof, auto-folding mirrors and dimming mirrors.
The difference in price is pretty much negligeable.
Please help me choose!!
Thanks!!!
Get the manual at all costs. You'll kick your own ass later if that's what you're used to driving and you land in an automatic because it felt nice. I am longing for a 6-speed and a clutch so bad it's ridiculous and I haven't had a manual transmission in 2 or 3 years. There is such a connection to the machine and the process that no automatic can reproduce [that I've driven at least], the auto in my 63 is still an auto. Even though I can hold it in a gear till the cows come home, it's just not as involving.
That's definitely what I don't want is to get the car, love it for a few months and then hate myself as I drive past the dealership looking at the manuals in the lot! I was actually leaning towards the automatic until reading your post. This is the nicest car I've ever purchased so I definitely don't want to have any regrets.
I think it depends upon how long you intend to keep the car. The 08 is technically now a 2 yr old car. But after say 5-6 yrs age won't matter much and the 08 auto will be way more sellable than a stickshift 09, when you go for a new car . And you get to enjoy the premium package meantime.
OTH, if you trade cars regularly then better to stick (no pun intended) to the latest model.
If you're leasing then resale doesn't matter -so just get what you like best for the best price.
Don't think though that you will drive past the dealer seeing all those manuals on the lot. As you found out, they are pretty much special order only.
I like stickshift too, and regularly drive them, but I have long come to the conclusion that small motors = manual, larger motors = auto.
Well, it's a lease so resale not really an issue.
As for the motor size, it's a C230 so I would likely call that small vs. all the bigger 6s and 8s out there.
1) Order '09, get manual transmission, wait about 3 months to get it.
2) Buy the '08 'in-stock' model, get automatic, get it now, get the premium pkg with the sunroof, auto-folding mirrors and dimming mirrors.
I maybe biased because I like the premium package but IMO, I'll take option # 2, reasons:
1. If you live in Canada (I'm asssuming you do, because C230s are only offered here), the heated front seats are a welcome addition especially if you live in area frequented by cold weather.
2.the auto folding mirrors are also nice especially in tight parking spaces
3. i like the wind blowing over my head during nice weather - seldom happens here.
4. don't care about the auto dimming mirrors.
5. you're getting the following add-ons for free: prem pkg =$2.2K, auto 7Gtronic= $1.5K
Just my opinion..
Prefer option 2 as described by OP. Don't think the manual tranny is especially good versus competition. And the modern 7 speed has no gas mileage penalty. I do like the self-dimming mirrors and heated seats.
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S.
2006 ML350 white/ash
2008 C300 Sport mars red/black
2004 986S seal gray metallic/black/black
Thanks everyone...I couldn't go with the auto though, I need a clutch. Ended up ordering the '09 but because the interest rate dropped on them lower than what the
'08s are going for, I was able to add the Premium Pkg and keep my pmts the same.
Now I just have to wait until October...gonna be a long 3 months!
C230 which one to get? 
to the latest model.
Congrats and post some pics come October
Linear Mode
