[pschnei3]

looking to buy a car new or used and must be a sedan. under $30k

right now i'm looking at 2009 merc c300 4matic with 16,500miles for $30k

[GregTheStig]

I don't know if you want another BMW or not, but I got my 2007 328i sedan two years ago for $25,000 certified pre-owned from the dealer w/ 27,000 miles. There were plenty of other nicer E90s there for under 30K. The prices are still pretty low now.

Good luck!

[Artmasterx]

It would help to give what other criteria are important, like performance, MPG, auto/MT, AWD/FWD/RWD, luxury, sportiness, ride quality, amenities/tech, interior quality.

Then we can make more information suggestions.

[pschnei3]

Originally Posted by Artmasterx

It would help to give what other criteria are important, like performance, MPG, auto/MT, AWD/FWD/RWD, luxury, sportiness, ride quality, amenities/tech, interior quality.

Then we can make more information suggestions.

i would like a manual but it doesnt bother me. want the car to have some power so probably no 4cy. the other stuff doesnt matter to me. when looking for used cars you cant be to picky.

[CAPSGOD]

Why not be picky? $30k is a substantial amount of money.

If you like BMW you can buy a Certified E60 535i. From Audi there is the B7 S4. If you want a very reliable car get an IS350 or C350.

New cars I like are the TSX manual and Infiniti G25.

[pschnei3]

i can only find c300 in my area for under $30k. what do you think of this one? are mercedes reliable cars? i was even thinking about getting new loaded kia optima.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

Originally Posted by CAPSGOD

Why not be picky? $30k is a substantial amount of money.

If you like BMW you can buy a Certified E60 535i. From Audi there is the B7 S4. If you want a very reliable car get an IS350 or C350.

New cars I like are the TSX manual and Infiniti G25.

[CAPSGOD]

The post Diamler-Chrysler models (2008+) are solid because they tested the electronics before production. The C300 price is set for negotiation, I think you could get it close to $29K. Here is a C350 for the same price

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LOADE...item4aaae5255b

New Optima looks surprisingly nice inside and out. They hired the lead Audi designer and he seems to be doing a good job.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by Paul Douglas Schneider

i can only find c300 in my area for under $30k. what do you think of this one? are mercedes reliable cars? i was even thinking about getting new loaded kia optima.

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

We've had our C350 since Aug 08 and only done routine maintenance on it. no other problems

[Year's_End]

While the new Optima's interior and exterior designs belie its pricetag, the quality of the materials and drive itself supposedly reveal where Kia had to cut corners, which is understandable. If you're not a stickler for fine interior appointments, and if you're not looking for something to carve up some backroads, then the Optima would be a superb new car purchase given your budget. It's loaded with features and it packs some solid straight line grunt.

If it was my money to spend I'd be gunning for a used E90 or W124 C-Class. If I were buying new I'd be looking at the Genesis, Optima or Passat CC; styling and amenities would be at the top of my list given the requirements you listed.

[Year's_End]

On second thought, I really don't know if I could live with a non-AMG W124. The seats are subpar, as are the interior materials and drivetrain. I really didn't care for how it drove, plus it felt anemic.

[pschnei3]

thanks everyone for the input. i still have a month before i buy. are their any good merc forums i should check out?