Last month my 2001 RX300 was declared a total loss. No lives were lost in the process, thank goodness.

In the market for a new SUV, I happened to drive a 2010 ML350 at a Volvo Dealer, and I was sold. That thing is a tank. I never had such comfort & luxury in the RX330 & RX350 loaners over these years.

Anyways, today I take the ML350 in for warranty work for a visor light not working. They give me a C250 as a loaner.

What a car. This is what luxury sport is and should be about. It pampers you. I say pictures do not do justice to the ambiance, tranquility and serenity experienced within a Mercedes Benz. This is what Lexus is attempting to replicate with the new GS and ES. This is Lexus's pursuit to perfection.

So now I am searching for a c-class and the day I find one that meets my financial criteria, I will be jumping ship and saying bye to my IS250.

 

I drove my dad's Mercedes CLK. was suppose to buy a 2004 model but can't afford maintenance on a Benz yet.

 

I guess I just been a Toyota guy all my life cuz I got the IS and the C-class and I almost never drive my Benz. I just love my lexus!!

 

I say go for it, but beware the repair bills.

 

I was in the market dot a C class before my IS but when I looked at Consumer Reports reviews, they weren't that great overall in maintenance and insurance. I'll keep my IS.

 

i agree that mercedes has a more luxury feel to their vehicles than lexus, but European repair bills get nasty quick.

 

my wife has a benz, that thing is heavy, solid, fast and expensive a hell to repair. i'll stick w/japanese any day. unless one is into heavy boats kinda car.

 

So C250 C300 or C350?

You're coming from a 250 so the 201hp and extra grunt from the 229lbft is nice over the IS. 300s only come in AWD and the new C350 finally ditched the 268hp and has 302hp but still less torque than an IS350

 

I looked for a C350 along side the IS350 and 335i. I still think i made the right decision. Glad you found yours!

 

Japanese > European for mass consumers
If money is no issue, then go right on ahead, but IMO I prefer something affordable!

 

The c250 has 201 hp

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...C/model-C250WZ

But I have got to tell you. The Ford ecoboost has a superb boost control than Mercedes Benz has it in the C250. Power is kind of abrupt.

But numbers do not mean anything. how it feels is what I am talking about.
It is low to the ground. much lower than the IS250. It corners flat, steering is extra sharp, and no bumps ever make it to the passenger cabin.

 

Did I not just say the C250 has 201hp?

I was referring to the near 200hp that it is no stranger at that mark because you currently own a 204hp IS250

 

the ML350 I purchased has had only 1 warranty repair done in 23 months and 25000 miles. Seems pretty reliable to me based upon this info.

 

I got confused by your 229hp.
I now realize you were talking about torque 229lb-ft.

 

Not yet. I have never driven a older c350 or c300. I don't know how they drive and feel.