Automotive Forums

Help! I'm looking at three cars at all about the same price:
06 Legacy Limited turbo with 21k,
04 MB c240 4matic with 38k
04 Infinity G35 sedan with 34k

All drive great. Leaning towards the MB but concerned about reliability. Just got out of a SAAB that has had AC problems the last three summers.

Any thoughts or advice on these three cars?

Thanks!  

Even though you're leaning towards the Mercedes, that'd be my very last pick, a very distant 3rd from the other two.  here's why:  That generation of C-class is underwealming in pretty much every category except perhaps over all solidity and comfort.  The cars you're looking at have a sporting flair, and while the MB is probably the softest, it's so far behind in performance, that the minor differences in comfort might very well not matter at all.  And that only assumes that, for you, the MB is actually more comfortable.  

The Legacy doesn't have the badge cache of the other two, but it does have excellent performance, AWD capability, plenty of features to be competative with much more expensive cars, and in my opinion, timeless styling that's classy enough in its own right to compete with them.  Add that to the fact that you can get an 06 with 21K miles for a similar price to the older, more used options, and that'd be my first pick.  But that' not just because of it's "bang for the buck" value.  I find the Legacy to be unusually well equipped, and well designed.  The interior reminds me of a BMW, the exterior of the same (at least in proportion and stylish restraint).  

The Infinity is my second choice.  It's arguably a better car in many aspects.  its engine is more powerful, it's drivetrain smarter and more refined, it size more accomodating for back-seat passengers.  It carves up coners a bit better than the legacy, but only in dry conditions.  And the G35's interior, while not junky, is a bit plasticky with, what I think is rather obnoxious yellow nightime lighting.

The Mercedes, as I said, is my last choice.  It's not fast, doesn't handle particularly well, and is not very stylish.  This is the car that I have the most seat-time in, I've always been underwhelmed with everything about it.   At first, it seems very solid and well made.  But it's not a driver-oriented  car. The lame 2.6 liter engine struggles to provide any reasonable acceleration, the tiny tachometer is crammed into the far left corner of the dash and hardly readable, and the chassis is so far from balanced and enjoyablne, it might as well be front wheel drive.  This, to me, is a waste of money, especially when you consider that by 2004, Mercedes' quality improvement program hadn't yet taken any real effect.  It's still the same unreliable car it was when it was first introduced.  

Since you're condidering the MB above the other, I suspect that perhaps performance isn't your top priority.  But what is?  Ther are a few other cars in this price range that are either comparable or better in some categories.  Let me know what your top priorities are in your new/used car, and perhaps we can continue the dialogue  

Thanks Speed! As I've done more research the MB has dropped down a bit. The reliability issue is a concern. I like the interior look and feel - I drive a '99 Saab 9-5 right now and it reminds me the most of it. The Legacy though is just fun to drive - it's really got a "let's go" feel as soon as I start it. The G35 is more muscular, but 1k more expensive and has more miles. Since it's a Nissan I assume though that it has good reliability. I'll probably drive these about 6 years, so I want a sporty car that's reliable, comfortable, and fairly room. 0-60 isn't as important as 40-70 in the on-ramp!