I'm currently driving a 2009 BMW 328i paid and I have put 25,000mi on it (currently sitting at 110,000mi). It's an i6 with an automatic transmission (I believe it's ZF). I have been meaning to switch to a MBenz C Class w204 C300 for some time and I saw one that was private party being sold for $12k with 55,000mi on it (2014 model).
I was wondering if the price is appropriate. If it is I will be bringing a friend who is a mechanic to check it out for me.
My current car is relatively trouble free with me but I have test-driven a Benz of that year and class before and I found it to be much more comfortable and less sporty than my current vehicle.
For the price it's a little on the high side but not that much. For the 2014 model that is I mean. I sure the private party only put it like that due to the depreciation of those cars though. Of course test drive it and have your buddy check it out if that's the car you be gunning for. Just keep in mind that as it ages it will probably cost more to repair than the bmw. And the cars value will depreciate significantly. Not via engine or trans persay, but faulty electronics and bad AC systems.
Thanks for the response. If that is the case, should I wait for a few years down the line to wait for the next generation of the C-Class? My main concern is that I've head that anything turbocharged is as disaster waiting to happen and the e90 and w204 are the last of the naturally aspirated engines.
If you manage to find one with the kompressor engine it's a lot easier to take care of, but yes,naturally aspirated will always be more reliable. I use to be a Benz/bmw mechanic so I know that the electronics and plastics are worse on Benz just in general.
You might save a few headaches in repairs due to age and mileage but eventually it will catch up to you if you plan on keeping it along time.
If I get it, I plan to keep it to around 140-150k mi
Nah don't, keep driving ur 3 series, you never know how long it's gonna last since BMW makes good inline 6 engines and has a good transmission. Mercedes Benz tends to have more electrical problems than BMW.
Try to get it down to $10k or under.
BMW's will always ride sportier than the more luxury-oriented Mercedes. C300's are ok, but keep some cash set aside for repairs.
