Which Benz Would You Pick And Why? 

"Luc - The Acadian Oppo" (luc5) 01/19/2016 at 15:30 • Filed to: None

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I’m musing over the idea of buying a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz. I’ve always been a huge Benz fan and I never got a chance to have one but might be able to make it happen in the not so distant future.

Here are my requirements:

-2011 and up

-$30,000 MAX Edit: E92M3 just made me realise $30,000 CAD is equivalent to ONLY $20,600 USD. These cars must be a goddamn steal if you are talking US Dollars.

-under 65,000 kms ( 40,000 miles )

Here are four great choices all under $20,600 USD locally and I’m wondering which would be the one for you if you were in my shoes.

2011 E550 Sedan 4matic 61,584kms $29,850

I’m surprised I could find a E550 in this price range but there is 2 to choose from at this dealer. This is the nicest car of the bunch especially with the 382hp 5.5L V8 but I fear that it would have the highest maintenance cost out of all the choices. Airmatic at all 4 corners could be very pricy if it fails.

2012 C350 RWD Coupe in factory Matte Black 54,993kms $29,888

302HP V6,Matte Black!!!, Beautiful black leather with white stitching, Nav,Sunroof,all the goodies. Should be the least expensive to maintain since there is no Airmatic or 4matic to deal with.

2011 E350 RWD Coupe 49,900kms $29,990

I think the E-Class Coupe is the prettiest of the bunch but I’m not sold of the light tan interior. This one also has the lowest mileage of all the choices.

2013 C350 4matic Sedan 55,000kms $29,995

This is the newest of the bunch and also the last model year of this style C-class so it should have most the the kinks worked out. It also has the AMG Sport package. This would probably be the most responsible choice out of the four but life isn’t always about being responsible.

So which would you pick and why?

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 15:52

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I’d buy 2 or 3 Suzuki Every Joy Pop Turbos

dogisbadob > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 15:53

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this one has the hood ornament, so it wins by default :)

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman 01/19/2016 at 15:54

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Can’t go wrong with those!

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > dogisbadob 01/19/2016 at 15:54

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I honestly was thinking the same thing.

dogisbadob > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 15:54

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You’re in Canada, which means you can buy a B-class. I like the B200 turbo 6-speed manual :)

There’s also the CSX Type-S. Like a Civic Si but with more luxury and prestige. 8000 rpm and heated seats!!!

dogisbadob > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 15:55

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the blue/tan is a nice color combo

Party-vi > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 15:56

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I don’t think the C350 4MATIC is as lame as you think it will be. 302hp and AWD should be a fun little package, and two extra doors means you can share the fun with adults.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > dogisbadob 01/19/2016 at 15:59

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There is only 1 manual B200 for sale in alberta and it isn’t turbo.

But they are significantly cheaper than the rest.

You can buy a 2014 B250 Turbo with 10,000kms for $22K

But they are BORING! Not what I think of when I picture a Benz.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:00

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The E550........... holy shit the thing is gorgeous. While I kinda like Mercedes’ new design language the ‘old’ one is really growing on me.

Desu-San-Desu > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:02

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2012 C350 RWD Coupe in factory Matte Black

That one.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Party-vi 01/19/2016 at 16:02

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I never said it was lame. I think it’s far from it. I just think it is the most sensible choice of the bunch.

It’s honestly probably the one I would get.

Rico > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:03

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Definitely between the E550 and the E Coupe. It depends on what you need 4 door big V8 or the amazingly sexy pillarless coupe. For me I’d want the power but if you don’t need 4 doors that pillarless coupe is a great deal.

Party-vi > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:04

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Ah got it. I would say it is the most sensible as well. There’s a 2008 C350 with the sport package, manual transmission, and 35k miles just 30 miles from me for around $17k. Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan if only I had the money.

Rico > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:05

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Also the C coupe and the E coupe are built on the same platform. If you are getting the coupe go with the E, it is the better built vehicle and is much more comfortable.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Rico 01/19/2016 at 16:08

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I love all 4 cars for very different reasons. I don’t think any of them is a wrong choice.

If the E coupe had black interior and maybe different wheels that would be almost a clear winner.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > dogisbadob 01/19/2016 at 16:11

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It’s nice no doubt about that but doesn’t quite fit my personality.

Take the same car in dark grey with saddle brown leather and this would be a very (VERY!) different situation

Nibbles > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:12

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I’ma go against the grain and say the C350 4Matic, because it is the “responsible” choice. That’s not to say you won’t still have a blast in the thing, but you’ll still be able to lug people around if necessary. The E class is nice (obviously) but still, given the choices, I’d rock the C. It’s more my style anyway.

I didn’t choose the C coupé because the matte black does nothing for a Merc and the sedan has the AMG sport upgrades. Also because AWD is best for everyone all the time, always.

Rico > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:13

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As someone with a 2014 C300 trust me get the E. The E550's engine no longer even exists that alone should be worth it!

Wacko > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:15

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with your recent posts, This is the Benz for you!

4x4 and room for the wife and kid(S) and old consoles.

Brian Silvestro > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:18

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which one is the AMG

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Nibbles 01/19/2016 at 16:19

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Also the C sedan is Silver on Black IMO this is the classic Benz color combo. You simply cannot go wrong with a silver benz (And I normally detest silver)

The AMG Sport pack is also a super sweet bonus. Cross drilled rotors,sweet wheels,ect.

Also the C would be more fuel efficient than the E by far. It’s not what would make or break a deal but it’s definitely something to consider since the running cost on the E would be a noticeable amount more.

Nibbles > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:21

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Yarp, yarp and yarp

AM3R shamefully returns > Party-vi 01/19/2016 at 16:33

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6MT is only offered on the C300, sadly.

AM3R shamefully returns > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:35

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I have a C300 4matic in Mars red. Nice ride, hasn’t given me any major issues and it’s a great daily driver. I would go for the matte black C350 coupe just because it looks the nicest IMO. The E’s are both nice too, just matters on whether or not you need 4 doors. My 335i is a coupe, and while it looks sexy and the backseat is still usable, it's kind of annoying to get people into the back.

Party-vi > AM3R shamefully returns 01/19/2016 at 16:35

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I thought they shit-canned the manual after 2011?

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > AM3R shamefully returns 01/19/2016 at 16:40

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Mars Red? I take it you like to be different? When I was going thru auto trader there was only one red benz within my criterias and I thought to myself. “That sure stands out”.

if this was 5 years ago I would go for the matte coupe without thinking twice. I still love it but I think I’ve matured a bit beyond that point.

All great choices and I ‘ve never had such a hard time fantasy shopping before.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:46

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Erm, is an E90 3-Series an option?

If I *had* to get one of the Mercs, the 2013 is the best option.

AM3R shamefully returns > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:49

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Haha, never thought I’d see myself getting one in red but I got an absolutely killer deal on a fully loaded car. Oh, try to find a car with the panoramic sunroof. They’re awesome. It’s nice because everyone has a C-class around me. At least mine is bright red and stands out!

I feel like the matte black is a mature choice, it isn’t obnoxious or anything like that.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 01/19/2016 at 16:50

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I actually do not like BMW’s all that much.

There is nothing wrong with them I just don’t like them near enough to spend 30K on one.

I agree the 2013 is probably the smartest choice.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > AM3R shamefully returns 01/19/2016 at 16:52

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I failed to mention all 4 of these cars have the panoramic sunroof.

AM3R shamefully returns > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 01/19/2016 at 16:55

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I have an E90, an E92, and a W204. If you’re an enthusiast or just care about driving, track down a fully loaded manual E9x. The C-class is nice and a great daily driver but it’s just no fun IMO.

AM3R shamefully returns > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:56

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Even better! The gloss black roof looks sexy from the outside, and opening the shade on the inside really lights up the cabin.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 16:59

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The E350 coupe for me, I like a coupe and the C class coupe interior is a bit meh to me.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 17:06

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MMMMmmmm Dat sedan!

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 17:07

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I’d go with the E-class, coupe or sedan would depend on how often you need to drive people, or if you like driving people around at all. If you’re like me and you use the back seat as your trunk and rarely use the actual trunk, the sedan might be worthwhile.

My only issue with the E-coupe you posted are that the wheels aren’t nearly as nice as the E-sedan.

Overall.... I'd go for the E-sedan. However, if you were to ask me tomorrow, I may change my mind and go for the E-coupe. Either way, I think E-class is best class of these choices.

probablyshoulduseafakename > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 17:19

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C350 sedan is the perfect car to just be a car. The e550 is also very solid at that price. I'd go c350

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > gin-san - shitpost specialist 01/19/2016 at 17:25

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LIke I said to someone else the wheels and the interior color is what is throwing me off on the coupe. If it had saddle brown or black interior with the sedan’s wheels it would be a much easier choice. As it sits even tho a E coupe is by far the prettiest car(when it’s in the right colors) this particular one is not the prettiest car of the 4.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 17:37

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I did a quick search on AutoTrader for other Mercs in your area meeting the criteria you originally posted but it looks like you found the best ones already. I also noticed Mercedes paint colours are monochrome - do premium car buyers fear deviating from the norm? Black, grey, white... so dreary.

In any case, E-sedan is king, here. If you had to go with the C-class, I'd take the sedan just because I really dislike most matte paintjobs and this one is not an exception.

JR1 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 17:50

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Heart says E550

Brain says C350 coupe

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > JR1 01/19/2016 at 17:53

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I’m sort of in the same boat.

E92M3 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 18:22

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Since we are throwing responsiblity out the window.. to hell with your choices.

THIS ONE

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > E92M3 01/19/2016 at 18:28

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It does not meet a single one of my criterias?

too old,too high miles (92,000kms), WAY WAY too expensive.

$33k usd is FORTY EIGHT THOUSAND LOONIES!!!

Remember our Canadian dollar is currently worthless so buying something stateside is 100% out of the question.

The budget is $30,000 CAD = $20,600 USD

E92M3 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 18:33

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Would you rather buy a sedate car (that will depreciate from $20k to $10k in 3 years) OR have an AWESOME car that while it has a higher entry cost will only depreciate $2-3k in 3 years?

I know which one I’d choose.....

not for canada - australian in disguise > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 18:42

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-B…

Who cares if it’s out of budget and in the US?! I sure don’t! It’s a goddamn Unimog.

(Out of those three though, I’d go with the E550)

GE90man > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 18:51

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the e550... of course. just buy it with a CarMax warranty ;)

Rico > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 18:55

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You know what on the drive home I was thinking about this post and I think the C350 sedan would be a fantastic car. I’ve got the 300 which only puts out about 250 HP but it can really move in sport mode. I also turn off ESP about 98% of the time because it cuts a lot of power and makes the car respond so much better. I imagine that the extra HP and Torque would make the car even better.

Vicente Esteve > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 20:06

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E550 Coupe.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Vicente Esteve 01/19/2016 at 22:33

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I don’t have that on the list?

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > GE90man 01/19/2016 at 22:35

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no carmax in Canada :-(

Vicente Esteve > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/19/2016 at 23:25

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I know, I’d try and find one.

From the list? The E-Class coupe.

GE90man > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 01/20/2016 at 17:05

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:( good luck

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Luc - The Acadian Oppo 03/04/2016 at 15:19

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E550 ! Or iff'n you're daring, a mildly used S550 or S600