helloha

Tested Drove both yesterday.
Pro:C240 4 Matics drove handle better when cornering and less bumpy and body roll. It is Quiter than TSX on the High way and felt more solid on the road. The car comes with 6-Disc CD, Sunroof, and Heated seat $32500 without bargain. Really like the 4wd. 4-years Free Maintance programs .
Better Customer Service than BS Acura Dealership.

Con: Everyting is an options. Want a bi-xeon light, have to custom order that @#@#$@#...
Higher price than TSX.

TSX/ Navi.
Pro: Navi, yeah. it rocks. Interior can't complain. Pricing 27500 with Navi.. save me 5k+- from c240. Xeon( NOt Bi-xeon).

Con: feel less solid on the road. VSA comes up some times (just snowed 2 days ago here.. really scare me....:'( . Body roll and road feedback at the back..Not as quite as C240.


Still deciding which one to get. Any thought?.

Moosecat

I posted a link on your other thread you may want to take a look at.

C-class reliability has not been so hot. In fact, I think it's pretty much been abysmal. That would be the biggest con you haven't listed. Plus, although I don't have any direct experience with recent C-classes, I have heard growing numbers of reports of poor fit-and-finish.

tsxer.ca

is recent c-calss still build in north africa?

gavinn58

I also considered the c240 before i bought my tsx...basically i took one look at the interior when i sat in it and said no thanks.

gilboman

take a look at the MT comparo a few months back with C240 (i think it was the 240) and TSX in it... the MB came in first, but take a look at the test results they got and general comments to give you somethings you may have not considered

ostrich

I suggest you go to Edmunds.com to look at the pricing of the C240. The base price is $32760. By the time you have added in all the goodies to make it comparably equipped to the TSX, you are close to $40,000. With just the 6 disc CD changer (NOT premium sound system), sunroof, metallic paint and comfort package, you are at $37480. So the quote that the dealer gave you was actually pretty good.

MB has a $1000 dealer cash incentive for this model now, and CarsDirect also has some really great below invoice special pricing for some of the C class model now. I don't know what's going on - are they not selling them or is it due for some major change? Who knows.

if I was going to spend that much money, I would go and get the G35 instead.

kiteboy

The newer model is the C230K with the supercharged engine. It has more power than the C240 and costs less. Since most people aren't looking for AWD, the C230 is a more attractive choice. Dealers are trying get rid of the C240s, even the 4matics.

Another option in that price range is the TL. If AWD is a must, then A4 2.8 Quattro, G35x or if performance is more important, STi or EVO.

helloha

kiteboy,
Does MB make the smoothest 4WD around? I won't trust G35x's 4wd (not ALL Time 4 wheel drive, have to manually reset that, how has that time during the emergency!!!). A4 is as expensive as C240.. I don't have any near Audi deal here. so they are out of question.
I am checking my MT Mag now.

helloha

c230 vs TSX
-------------------------------------
Braking 60-0: 115 124
Accelerate: 0-60 8.3 7.9
Turing circle 35 40
Price 31060 28990
------------------
With Current incentive going on you might get c230 lower than TSX... hmmm..
But c240 4 matic (32500) is 5k over TSX Navi with just heated seat, sunroof and heated seat.. You get a 3 pointed Car..
But I think in c240 has more mechnical advantage than TSX in turn of handling, turning, and rigidness. TSX has upper hand in lux interior and electronic.

jcg878

TSX has the upper hand in the interior?? That's cool.

That c240 is a good looking car IMO. If you're looking for a 3-pointed star then you choice is obviously made.

Too bad there's no Audi dealer near you... I'd look at the A4 if I was looking AWD, or a 325xi.

Better yet, write Acura and tell them how badly they should make a AWD TSX.

helloha

I think a AWD is coming out, but I can't wait until end of the year.
Japan already selling Euro-R AWD. And I don't think I can wear that 3pointed star on my shoulder now.

kiteboy

I cross-shopped the C230K when buying the TSX. The stock C-class interior is cheesy - you need the upgraded interior to match the TSX in that respect. I would also question that a non-sport package C-class can outhandle the TSX. But that's subjective, so to each his own.

Good point about the 325xi - I forgot about that.

But seriously, if AWD is a requirement, why bother even looking at Acura?

briny319

I believe the C lass is made in south Africa.

A friend of mine works at a MB dealer in the service department and he said the Class is a "Mickey Mouse Mercedes". They do a lot of repairs on the c class. So if you do decide to buy one make sure they have a big tv in the service department, and make sure there is a window so you can watch all of the acura's, infiniti's, and lexus's drive by.

vitocorleone

Mercedes currently enjoys one of the lowest reliability ratings in the ENTIRE car industry. I personally cannot see how anyone that isn't filthy rich (so they can hire someone to take the car into the shop as well as have a second car that is working) would ever buy a new one. The G35x and even the 325xi have superior reliability. The Audi... not so much better than Mercedes. Good luck, but I hope you do your research before you make your final decisions.

helloha

I don't think 325xi is very heavily discount like c240.. But BMW has their own issues too.. I guess these days. auto makers just rush out the unfinished product and fix them later...

Buff-Daddy

Actually I think it is a pretty good time to get into a 325xi. The residual is 62% and the money factor is .0010 (buy) and .0014 (lease). Despite what people say, you can walk in and offer $1,250 over invoice for a car on the lot, $1,500 for a car you have to order and most dealerships will agree. Find the invoice for the exact car you want at www.edmunds.com or at www.kellybluebook.com Then run the numbers at http://www.leaseguide.com/calc.htm based on $1,500 over invoice with the residual and money factor above to see your payments.

helloha

Buff-Daddy,
Any problem with your 325xi so far?

gilboman

its not that big of an issue.its not like they make you wait while they look/fix your car..they come pick up/tow your car and drop you off a loaner to drive...just like the way they do it if you need an oil change or whatever. you dont even have to goto the dealership, they come to you , give you a loaner and take your car away.

dom

Did I miss something? Since when is the Euro R available in AWD? Theres a AWD TSX available, but not the 2.0L 220HP variant?

MoMocedes

Ok I have a C Coupe, its not bad I like the pana. sunroof and right now Im debating between the C230 sedan and the TSX (I know what you guys are thinking "what is the hell is he thinking" I love Acura) I like the wheel package on the C-class and all the services that cost $300 are free for 4 years/ 50,000miles and the service is more than perfect and the TSX is just sooo nice and its 3k less than the C-Class the interior isnt bad but alittle side note, the C240 its a V6 with only 168hp so its really weak while the C230 is a I-4 supercharged with a 189hp and plus the 230 has a much sporty feel with the steering and the pedals and the engine.

-Moe

jcg878

Sure that is true, but you still have to pay the $$$$ for the repair once it's out of the warranty

zircon

I would take the AWD BMW 3 series over the Mercedes C AWD in a minute. Much more reliable, which should translate into higher residual values. Mercedes needs to see a psychologist to get its 'issues' straightened out.

vitocorleone

Point taken, Gilbo. I did indeed exaggerate - perhaps too much, 'eh?

Mercedes makes some incredibly beautiful cars, but seem to be cutting way too many quality corners these days. A car that breaks down is always more inconvenient than one that does not - no matter if you get the white glove treatment as they shove it up your (EDIT).

helloha

I agree that you are taking your chance in MB, but if you do have problem.. MB treat you much better than Acura which tell you that is your problem or this is normal characteristic of the car ( in TL's Vibration case). In term of service.. You have to wait for 1+ month and only a loaner with 3 hours + service. Customer Service is where Acura cut their corners.

gilboman

nvr kept a car beyond warranty and dont ever intend to.. its just not worth the potential hassle be it a lexus/acura or whatever, and who knows the TSX's future reliability, it could pull a TL and have $$$$ trannies dying left and right.

gilboman

MB has pretty high resale value just like the 3 series, unless you buy a ML, resale is a non issue in a 3 pointed star

Johns

I also own a C230 coupe ( my wife owns a TSX). The interior of the coupe is fine. The gauges can't hold a candle to the TSX, but the quality of the materials in the C230 interior are better than the TSX. The C230 rides smoother, handles as well, stops better, and has more torque than the TSX. That being said, I love driving the TSX and find it to be a well balanced car. Mercedes reliability is suspect, and you would be taking your chances. For me, I wanted a good riding hatchback ( need the cargo space), and the C230 was the best bet at the time. So far I have 21,000 miles with no problems. The TSX has 11,000 miles and has only been in the shop for the infamous windshield crackle and door squeak. These two cars feel totally different. Although they are about the same weight, the TSX has a lighter feel and its engine is much more willing to rev freely. The C230 feels heavier and the engine (although quiter than the TSX) does not rev as freely.

MoMocedes

Good way of putting it John.

jcg878

I believe that would put you in the minority of car owners, though I'm sure more BMW and Mercedes owners trade up quickly (and no I'm not saying due to reliability).

rb1

Perhaps, but were those TL's built in Japan?

I kept my Integra 8 years after the warranty was up (and 7 years of no payments ), and during that time it needed (other than wear and tear items) a distributor igniter (partially covered even though I was out of warranty), an alternator belt, and an A/C thermostat.

Just a single car payment (or maybe 2 lease payments) nowadays will buy a pretty serious repair.