So I'd like to buy a sport sedan next week. I've been searching for months now and think I've finally narrowed it down. I went to check out a C230, and it's awful slow. Tested an 05 G35 5AT and it seemed to have some nice pickup, so I was impressed. I also went to look at a C55 AMG, and man is that one nice lookin car. A little small in the back, but sure does look awesome. Any opinions, observations, or experiences? Thanks.

05-06 G35 Sedan 6MT:
Pros: Cheaper to buy, cheaper to maintain, good 300hp engine, practice my MT skills (I've had AT for 8 years now)
Cons: 6MT engine oil consumption possibility, needs coupe or M 19's

05-06 C55 AMG 5AT:
Pros: One damn fine lookin car, I've always wanted an AMG , more power (370 hp or so), definitely commands presence, is more rare/fine, nicer interior than the G
Cons: A little small on the inside (rear; the front leg and arm space is actually pretty roomy), possibly expensive to maintain, 20 mpg hwy (vs. 25 hwy G)

 

since you were considering a c230 why not a c32 amg? they come supercharged

 

I prefer the interior on the 05+ C55 AMG's more. Plus the 55 engine is more solid than the 32 s/c.

 

Altough i love my G35, i would say go with the C55 AMG

if you can afford it why not, overall the car looks really nice

 

^+1 the c55 is still nice

 

Is this even comparable? C55 hands down.

 

yeah i mean if you can afford and keep up the maintenance of the AMG, i say get the AMG.

 

For sure like everyone said.
If your ready to keep up with the C55, and keep it maintained.
C55 no questions.

 

as everyone has said c55 all the way. the g35 is not even comparable to that car

 

C55 is truly the better car. Try to find one with everything you want in it.

BTW, how much more for an E55? I've always had a thing for that car.

 

E55's are going for like 5-10k more (the 03+ versions). The problem though is I heard they are more prone to problems that are very expensive to fix. C55 doesn't seem to have that many problems.

 

We recently bought my mom an '06 C230 Sport for her 50th bday. Not the same as an AMG, but same basic body. DAMN is it small. I hate driving it because it's just so tiny front and rear. Not a bad little car.

Make sure you can afford the car though. Benz's are not that reliable and expensive to fix. Look into the Service A and Service B packages that you'll need to perform on the benz. When the warning light pops up in the dash you know when it's time. It's just an overpriced oil change. If you are a DIYer you can do it yourself but if not you'll be paying $400 every time you get your oil changed.

At least if you buy the benz make sure you spring for the extended service package..but that doesn't cover the service packages. My friend just did the brakes on his '05 C230 Sport and messed up the caliper. Cost him nearly $2K in parts for the new calipers.

I chose the G35 just for the sake of being cheaper to maintain and the fact I was going to own this car for several years past warranty. The benz is a car IMHO you buy new or maybe a year old and then sell right before the warranty is up. Price out some common repairs and you'll see why I say it.

The benz has the nice pimp factor though, but that gets old too.

 

No it doesn't

 

I'd hate to pay the bill at the dealership when that Benz breaks. Those high end cars scare me...

 

Okay, no it doesn't


But the only benzs that i really like are AMG's. The averge run of the mill C-class or E-class or S-class even does nothing for me when you see grandparents taking their grandchildren to the store in them.

I'd prob take a E55, SL55 or CL55 if i could swing one. The C55 is nice, but just too small for me. My friend has an SL55 convertible and it's sweet as hell but it just went out of warranty and repair costs scare me.

I just wish benz would design the cruise control stalk a little better. It looks like a limp noodle just hanging there!