best new or used under$30k

pschnei3 · 05-13-2011, 03:15 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 03:59 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 04:23 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-13-2011, 04:43 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 04:57 PM

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

Quote:

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 · 05-13-2011, 05:09 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

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 · 05-13-2011, 05:29 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 05:31 PM

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 · 05-13-2011, 09:04 PM

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

05-13-2011, 03:15 PM	#1
pschnei3 Second Lieutenant 72 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 135i AW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	best new or used under$30k 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
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05-13-2011, 03:59 PM	#2
GregTheStig derp 51 Rep 1,203 Posts Drives: a Tuk Tuk Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (1)	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! __________________
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05-13-2011, 04:23 PM	#3
Artmasterx Captain 46 Rep 886 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Volvo V70R [10.00] 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	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. __________________ Current: 2007 335i sedan Alpine White \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Comfort Access FORMERLY: 128i coupe Alpine White \| Sports Package \| Black Leather
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05-13-2011, 04:43 PM	#5
CAPSGOD Major 46 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: Diesel Son Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: #yolo iTrader: (0)	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. Last edited by CAPSGOD; 05-13-2011 at 04:49 PM..
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05-13-2011, 05:09 PM	#7
CAPSGOD Major 46 Rep 1,134 Posts Drives: Diesel Son Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: #yolo iTrader: (0)	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.
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05-13-2011, 05:29 PM	#9
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1243 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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05-13-2011, 05:31 PM	#10
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1243 Rep 12,446 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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05-13-2011, 09:04 PM	#11
pschnei3 Second Lieutenant 72 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 135i AW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: ohio iTrader: (0)	thanks everyone for the input. i still have a month before i buy. are their any good merc forums i should check out?
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