Automotive Forums

Hi folks -

Here is the situation.  I'm moving soon and I need to buy a car (currently in NYC, don't have one.)  My budget is about $22K.  I am looking at a few different things, but concentrating mostly in two areas... newer SUVs (namely 06-07 Chevy Trailblazer, 06-07 Jeep Grand Cherokee) and slightly older luxury sedans.  I have found, for instance, a 2001 Mercedes C320 that has only 33K miles and a clean history (according to Carfax/Autocheck).

I like the Mercedes a lot... I like the way it looks, I like the features/options... I like it.  But is buying a six year old Mercedes - even with only 33K miles - a mistake?  Am I asking for trouble in regards to maintenance, etc?

Any thoughts from people in the know would be appreciated... thanks!  

I worked in the service department of a Mercedes dealer from 2001-2003 (on and off during breaks in my college years).  In my opinion, the C320 is not only a car of inferior  capability for its price, but also a victim of Mercedes' poor quality control from about 1998-2005.  The thing is, I wouldn't recommend either the Jeep or the Trailbrlazer for the very same reasons, in addition to their poor build quality, engineering, and fit/finish.

The thing is, it's hard to talk someone who really likes big, tough SUVs out of an Jeep Grand Cherokee or Chevy Trailblazer, especially since slighty used examples command a very low price due to massive depreciation.  

But the fact is that those cars are built on out-dated truck Body-on-frame chassis that lack the refinement of many newer, equally capable SUVs and cars.  

Are you considering other options?  Do you have specific demands of the capability of your next car?  what are they?  Answer those questions, and maybe we can enter a dialogue that will be more beneficial.