I have decided to proceed with a B200T. The decision now is to either buy an '08 and get a pretty good deal or wait on an '09. So here are my questions to all of you B experts:
1. Will the '09 Canadian B have anything worth waiting for (e.g. any news on engine idle shut-off device)?
No idle shutoff device will be offered in Europe or Canada on the B 200 or B 200 Turbo.
If you look at the "how many B-Classes in Canada" thread, you will see with my last posting there, that a few 2009s are en route. These are pre-production vehicles in the sense that there are lots of 2008s being built after them! The dealers should be selling the 2009s as soon as the 08s run out (unless you do a factory order), which may be at the end of the summer.
Do you know if there will be a difference in price between the '08 and '09s? In previous years prices go up. Now with the automobile market in turmoil, prices are going down (eg new VWs)
I'm finding it tough to find the car I want (features) and may have to compromise on interior color (perhaps forced to take black) as I'd like light grey or beige, so I tought maybe waiting for an '09 would be a better way to go.
Depends. If you are patient and want the options/colour you want then wait. You also get the updated looks if that appeals. The price difference should not be a make or break.
That said if you cannot wait on a factory order then try to snap one up.
I don't know how long you are considering keeping the B ? it depends on how they are going to market the 2009 B if dealerships consider it a Mk2 version a point to consider is subsequent buyers may be far more inclined to buy the latest versionso you could lose out when you go to change to a new car in future.
On the other hand the 2008 is now 3 years old and by know they should have got most of the bugs sorted out. If there are any radical changes on the 2009 model you may end up being the guinea pig until any problems get resolved.
The most important thing is get all the accessories you are likely to need, they come dear if you have to get them fitted later. (and some are virtually impossible to fit aftermarket).
Good points from Keith our senior poster and by all accounts most hands on of everyone in the forum. Hands on the car of course, and not straying around like the number 2 senior poster
Like the stock market sometimes you have to make the plunge. If you find the car you like snap it up, next year might bring about changes in the currency differences between Europe and North American and prices might skyrocket.
Unless you buy a car every year or two, in 10 years the difference between a 2008 or a 2009 will be of little consequence.
We went to all the dealers to make sure we could get a car with the light interior, the car we selected did not even show up on the dealers computer as being there. So get a coffee and go to the dealers lot on a Sunday morning and walk around in peace. Remember all good things come to those who wait.
Have decided to go with the '09. Could not find the an '08 with all the options I was looking for as well as a light color interior.
I was told by the dealer price for '09s will be the same if not less. Like the Bluetooth option as will as new color options: brown, lotus blue, mountain grey. MB Germany's site has all of the '09 color options listed.
Will be ordering it today. Will probably go with Mountain Grey with Alpaca interior (though really like beige too!). Delivery slated end of July, start of August. Will post more details this weekend after the dealer visit.
Thanks all for your valuable input. Amazing forum. You guys are great!
Good luck with your purchase.
I am sure Mike will probably be able to 'track' it for you when you get some sales info about it, he's a Wiz with the Vin's etc.
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