[BlackHawk]

I'm going off to college pretty soon and am looking to pickout a car from graduation, I was always pretty set on the C320 sports sedan, but I went into Mercedes of Portland (btw I went there twice monday I went there and saw greg's ML, test drove came back and saw him pulling out BUT HE DIDNT SEE ME []) they had 2 C55's a silver and my perfect black on black, I went there by myself and checked it out, suprisingly she asked if I wanted to drive it, I've test driven many cars at least 10 where 70% were over $40k which may be unusual for my age (16), she took it up to a awesome road to test a high performance car, while she was taking it up there she was pushing it to show me what it could do, but when it was my turn I just let lose, I was still a little nervous going around corners (after driving an ML430) but I got over it, I loved every minute of it, the power made the ML seem like a station wagon, and when I got back into the ML I felt like I was in a V4 metro

I'm paying half for my car and have allocated about $20k the C55 that I drove was fully loaded at $60k every package available, should I spend the time to try and get an extra $10k, would it be worth it in the long run?

I took some pics the second time I went back for some of you who need pics

 

[BlackHawk]

[No message]

 

[GregW / Oregon]

Austin,

It's easy to get caught up by those flashy new cars at the dealerships, but for a guy your age, I would suggest starting a little lower on the food chain. You will have a lot of time to move up to something like that, but don't spend every dime you have on a car. College campuses can be tough on nice cars, too--lots of jealous people out there. And your insurance will be astronomical.

I would suggest a newer pre-owned car, rather than brand new. Save the depreciation and still get a classy car. Some posibilities in the Teutonic vein: C32, E36 M3, 330i/Ci, last gen Audi S4, or R32.

 

[BlackHawk]

I was thinking the same thing greg, I will check out some used car ads and see how it working for me, insurnace is the killer on the C55 it will still be killer but at least I will have some cash to spend

 

[GregW / Oregon]

BlackHawk - 2/22/2005 7:28 PM

I was thinking the same thing greg, I will check out some used car ads and see how it working for me, insurnace is the killer on the C55 it will still be killer but at least I will have some cash to spend

I'll keep my eyes open for you.

 

[MLOffRoad]

Yes I agree, I would get a slightly used car. You can pick up nicer used card for the money. I would probably get a slightly used CLK55 or similar. What are you doing with your truck ?? Are you getting rid of it ??

 

[Darkmann]

Greg has it nailed. College is a lot of fun if you do it right.

Don't spend the money on that car just to look good - those who for some reason don't care much about rich freshmen will find a way to cause you some cosmetic problems, believe me!!! If I were you, I'll keep the ML, period. It's rugged, looks good, can still get the chicks, can haul stuff, and doesn't really advertise your pocket book, given all the Lexus' you'll encounter on college campuses!!!

 

[BlackHawk]

well i'm not really trying to look good show off wealth, just something that looks great, and is fast with a good name attached to it, I'm giving the ML to my sister who will turn 16, so i'll be looking around, don't even know where to start really, except no SUV's and either a coupe or sporty sedan

 

[Darkmann]

BlackHawk - 2/22/2005 10:56 PM

well i'm not really trying to look good show off wealth, just something that looks great, and is fast with a good name attached to it, I'm giving the ML to my sister who will turn 16, so i'll be looking around, don't even know where to start really, except no SUV's and either a coupe or sporty sedan

Yeah dreamer, it doesn't matter what your real intentions are, you will never avoid the look good factor in a black C55 - that's just nature and college life. And there are them hawks out there just waiting to rip you apart at any chance. They will key you, will hit you, will spit on you, etc, etc. I recall once in college, some idiot actually poured beer onto my seats, just because the top was open. Poor guy, I hope life is well with him today!!!

You are a really harsh SOB - you are going to let your little innocent 16 year old sis deal with the ML while you cruise the boulevards in a nice C55. I think she should have the C and you stay with the ML. That's my vote.

 

[MLOffRoad]

Since you are getting rid of the ML how about you sell me them rock sliders ?? I dont think your sis will be needing them ... []

PLEASE !! [^]

 

[BlackHawk]

haha, I still have a year and a half to go MLoffroad! []

 

[ae86pwr]

Well ...

Try to look for 330i with performance package from 2003. Since it's still a 4-door you might get a break from insurance. Performance package has the hotter cams and exhaust so it's no ordinary 330i.

Good luck on your search.

IMO .. C55 is nice but when there are sea of C230 SS out there, it's not that special or "bling" anymore.


Denis.

 

[ttaleric]

lol.. Why dont you just get a good ol' C220 96'. Damn solid car.

BTW, i got the ML for my grad gift.

And since we are having demands of what we want off your ML, i want the chrome nerf bars. [8D]

 

[rudeney]

Personally, if I were going to spend $60K on a car, it would not be the C55. I think the C230 is a great value, but the C55 is way too overpriced. Basically, you are paying over $20K for some bling, a slightly beefed up suspension, and the V8 engine (that’s not even supercharged like other current AMG models). For $60K, my choice would be an E500, but of course I’m way past my college years, so I can understand how that might not be appropriate for you.

- RODNEY

 

[MLOffRoad]

BlackHawk - 2/23/2005 2:07 AM

haha, I still have a year and a half to go MLoffroad! []

I'll be waiting .. LOL

 

[Benz4Dirt&Sky]

BlackHawk - 2/22/2005 9:00 PM

...I drove was fully loaded at $60k every package available, should I spend the time to try and get an extra $10k....

Why don't you "spend the time to get" and extra $20k. Send half to the IRS like I do every day.

Then post more of your tirades against tax cuts.



[]

 

[S4toML]

My suggestion:

You are obviously coming from a blessed well-heeled family or you wouldn't be driving an ML430 at your young age AND consider giving your ML to your sister who happen to be of the same age. Your dealer wouldn't offer you to test drive a C55 if your "family" isn't well known to them, obviously maybe (i'm guessing here) there has been a good past relationship with your MB dealer and your parents.

I would definitely recommend the C55 first "if" the monthly payments do not make a big dent on your budget.

My second recommendation is maybe moving down to a C32 AMG. This is still a considered a supercar in its class...plenty of torque and more than enough horses to get you up to the upper limits of your speedometer.

My third recommendation is a two door CLK500 Coupe. Lets be honest, you're single why drive a four door? Unless you really dont mind it.

Lastly, consider driving an Audi S4 (B6). Given it has four doors, but this car is no slouch. It has all-wheel-drive standard and good for any kind of Oregonian weather []

 

[BlackHawk]

RE: My suggestion:

S4toML - 2/23/2005 1:05 PM

You are obviously coming from a blessed well-heeled family or you wouldn't be driving an ML430 at your young age AND consider giving your ML to your sister who happen to be of the same age. Your dealer wouldn't offer you to test drive a C55 if your "family" isn't well known to them, obviously maybe (i'm guessing here) there has been a good past relationship with your MB dealer and your parents.

would you believe me if I said I walked in for the first time

I got off work and was near mercedes of portland, I decided to stop by (was by myself) walked in and was looking at a C55 in the showroom, a saleslady walked up to me and we were talking, i mentioned my ML430 (prolly a selling point that I was worth it) and I was looking for a grad car, she said she had a C55 black on black and immediately asked me if I wanted to drive it, I couldnt resist, now on the other hand my dealer (mercedes of wilsonville about 15mi away) knows me by first name, i know most of the sales people, I get special favors in knowing them personally (especially on parts and labor) and both my parents have bought cars from them, they know im interested in a C320 sport sedan and have never asked me once to drive it, interesting