07 Mercedes Benz C-Class Build Quality & Reliability?

[SieurDeLaSalle]

Hello Gentlemen,

07 Mercedes Benz C-Class Build Quality & Reliability?
Background:
I know that MB was one of the finest Automakers In the 1930's-1960's...
Then they took a big dive sometime around the 80's-90's; A progressive downward spiral in some of their models.
Have they recovered? If so how much?
For 06-07?

Thanks in Advance,
DLS

 

[dkzzzz]

No they have not recovered. They continue to produce highly overpriced prestige vehicles of questionable reliability.
The only model that appears to be priced fairly is an E-class.
C-class Mercedes is probably the worst bang for your buck on a luxury car market. IMHO 30% of it's price is a badge in a front that says Mercedes.

 

[imageWIS]

I personally think that the full warranty / maintenance of a BMW 3-series and the interior quality / price of an Audi A4 make them better values than the C-Class.

Jon.

 

[briancl]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

I personally think that the full warranty / maintenance of a BMW 3-series and the interior quality / price of an Audi A4 make them better values than the C-Class.

Jon.

Agreed. Generally speaking, I put the MB squarely behind Audi and BMW in terms of, well, everything. In terms of the MB C-class and the competition, I think it's an easy decision to pass on the MB.

 

[pfr0g]

Any MB under 80k is crap, IMHO. I test drove a bunch of BMW, MB and Audi's and the handling/ride/power of the Audi in the entry level class was the best. One issues is that Audi is going to do away with its current all inclusive warranty and replace it with a less inclusive one charging for the full (IDIOTS). I suggest going to drive all cars in the price range you are looking for.

I am on my second A4 and love it. My next is either going to be the S6 or RS4, although I am tempted by the M3.

 

[skalogre]

The only Merc I'd buy is an older Gelandewagen (pre-bling and wood interior days).
ANy of the current ones buy either certified or new. My mechanic and I were talking about the old diesel Merc he was driving me back to the shop in, he expressed dismay at the poor reliability of current Benz products primarily due to deranged electronics.

(p.s. the shop specialises in Benz and VW vehicles, but works on Japanese vehicles also).

 

[dkzzzz]

If you are in a habit of keepiong your cars for a long time 5+ years. You don't really have much choice: Lexus, Infinity, Acura.
Stay away from Audi cars unless you are leasing them for 2-3 years. They are not reliable. BMW is better in realiability and performance than Audi, but a rickier proposition compared to Japanese luxury cars.
Assuming that you are not after hadling and performance as much as after luxury ride and prestige, since you are considering MB I would suggest to head to your nearest Lexus dealer and get yourself GS350 AWD.

 

[DNW]

The C-class is more along the line of a Lexus IS or 3-series. Personally, I'd go with a BMW. Their maintenance/warranty program is unbeatable. As far as fit, finish, and long range reliability is concern, an IS350 is an awesome car to keep. I'm a huge BMW fan, but I still can't get over how ugly the 3-series look. Audi does nothing for me, unfortunately. They're good cars, nevertheless. I don't like the cheap Mercs, they're overpriced as compared with what you can get elsewhere.

 

[SieurDeLaSalle]

Originally Posted by imageWIS

I personally think that the full warranty / maintenance of a BMW 3-series and the interior quality / price of an Audi A4 make them better values than the C-Class.

Jon.

Thank You Jon...
You are dead on regarding BMW.
For those same reasons I have a 335i Waiting for the next ship in Bremerhaven

I am now actually looking for a car as a "Daily Driver", I wanted to escape the "Boring" super reliability of: Honda, Toyota,etc.
"Lexus" can kiss my butt!

They act like they are doing you a favor if they "Let" you buy one...

A Camry XLE w/6 cyl approaches the $ of ES350, G35, & C-class.
G35--Looks too "Ethnic" and can't find one as I like ie. Black W/Wheat leather,African Rosewood. Just gorgeous but not one to be found.

ES350--Lexus has a "bad" attitude!

That leaves c-class...

I wanted to purchase two BMW's but wifey said,"We need at least one "Reliable" auto...

Back to the drawing board...

Keep the Suggestions coming...

 

[dirk diggler]

satura aura

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...=2006612280309

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239501,00.html

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/...-19-aura_x.htm

 

[briancl]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

satura aura

Dirk always trying to peddle his wares... hehe

Putting the Saturn in this mix is like someone asking about shoes in the Men's Clothing forum and someone suggests Kenneth Cole. Some are a fine value for the masses and some are hideous, but you can always do better.

I think Saturn is the best brand GM has right now, but all of their good cars are still relatively new. Their success will be largely determined on how well these new cars do over the long term as Saturn tries to woo customers from many other segments and brands.

 

[briancl]

Originally Posted by SieurDeLaSalle

G35--Looks too "Ethnic" and can't find one as I like ie. Black W/Wheat leather,African Rosewood. Just gorgeous but not one to be found.

Order it. Don't let dealer inventory influence your car-buying decision. Too many people make this mistake.

I wanted to purchase two BMW's but wifey said,"We need at least one "Reliable" auto...

If you are looking for a car that will simply last forever, then get the Lexus. You're ability to sleep better at night will not increase by choosing an MB over a BMW.

 

[Mr. Checks]

I spent a lot of time driving the C-class recently and have to say that the best thing about it is the cupholder, which is a little work of art.

It is very underpowered in its price segment, and the auto trans hunts around like Ted Nugent at a gun 'n knife show.

The low-profile tires are a strange affectation in a car that takes 9 seconds to get to 60 mph.

FWIW, I didn't care too much for the Lexuses (Lexi?) that I drove. Certainly well turned out, but did not speak to the soul.

 

[Dormouse]

The C-Class always struck me as rather pedestrian.

 

[SieurDeLaSalle]

Originally Posted by Mr. Checks

I spent a lot of time driving the C-class recently and have to say that the best thing about it is the cupholder, which is a little work of art.

It is very underpowered in its price segment, and the auto trans hunts around like Ted Nugent at a gun 'n knife show.

The low-profile tires are a strange affectation in a car that takes 9 seconds to get to 60 mph.

FWIW, I didn't care too much for the Lexuses (Lexi?) that I drove. Certainly well turned out, but did not speak to the soul.

like Ted Nugent at a gun 'n knife show.