C63...I'm in love

[crosseyedlion]

First post in the Merc section but could do with few pointers.

Went into a mercedes dealers on the weekend looking for a C250CDI coupe. Explained the C63 was my dream merc and didn't actually have a strict monthly budget.

Anyway, one thing led to another, a few test drives and a deposit was placed on a red c63 2011 edition 125 saloon, with 18's, wood trim and the driving assistance pack. Exactly the spec I would have wanted.

Eventually got approved for finance but they wanted a bigger deposit, as a contractor I wasn't comfortable doing that at this point. So im going to wait a few months put some more money by and find another c63.

I'm in love with the C63, it feels like I've finally found the car that ticks every box for me.

But I have a few questions.

-What kind of MPG are C63 owners seeing with the facelift (mct) gearbox? I'm a fairly sedate driver with occasional squirts of throttle...no hooligan.
-Are there any common problems/major potential issues/costs with them?
-When are the details of the new AMG C class going to be announced? If its soon surely just after would be a good time to buy?

Also, any advice in general. I think I want a very early facelift car (Edition 125 or similar) as, although buying on PCP, if I gel with the car I'd be looking at buying it outright in the future.

Edited by crosseyedlion on Wednesday 9th April 12:51

Edited by crosseyedlion on Wednesday 9th April 12:51

[crosseyedlion]

Pib1978 said:

Shame about them moving the goal posts though.

Yea, I was initially rejected by MB finance (possibly due to the fact that less than a year ago I was an impoverished (mature) student with a terrible credit rating, or my unusual tax-efficient income)

Blackhorse where fine though, came back with a better rate than MB!!! They just wanted a 7200 deposit instead of 1000 (so I suppose it'll never be in negative equity). I figured I'd save up for 3/4 months instead of eating into the savings that provide my job security.

Never the less I'm very excited to be getting one. The fuel consumption sounds in-line with what I expected too.

[crosseyedlion]

ghibbett said:

Mine has averaged 19.something (calculated) in the last 10k miles. The OBC is a little optimistic, however don't think you can granny along and achieve 30mpg. You won't. Taking it very easy you can get 25mpg, but you'd be basically just keeping up with traffic rather than enjoying the engine.

Interestingly, using the performance isn't too detrimental to the economy. On a 150 mile run which is mainly motorway / dual carriageway, plodding along will see 24-25mpg, whereas blasting along will see 21-22mpg. Might as well enjoy it!

Dashboard rattles seem to affect most cars (mine too until I got it sorted) but that's about it.

Make sure you drive cars with both 18s and 19s if you're sensitive to ride.

ETA - just seen you're based in Warwick (as am I). Feel free to pop over if you want a nose around mine.

Thanks for the reply!

20mpg ish would be perfectly acceptable, Ive just come from a run of v8's and a V12 - until my current clio RS200.

I'll watch out for dashboard rattles, although I assume there's a known fix by now?

I specifically want the 18's - not a fan of compromising ride and extra unsprung weight for the hell of it. I also think the 18's suit me much better.

I've had test drives of 2 cars at MB Coventry now, but thanks for the offer!

http://inchcamercedesben3-px.rtrk.co.uk/used-car-s... this is the car I placed a deposit on and so very nearly ended up buying. Absolutely perfect (for me)

[crosseyedlion]

ghibbett said:

That's a lovely looking car however...no LSD.

Ahhh which brings another question. I'm not fussed about the LSD myself, I like the back moving a little and adjusting mid corner - but i'm not into full on journo style powerslides. I've driven plenty of the same model of car with and without an lsd, at pace. And I dont really miss it apart from on junctions.

Is the LSD really essential on this?

[crosseyedlion]

TackMEU said:

You say you are a sedate driver? I doubt you will drive one of these sedately. You would need the patience of a saint in order to drive slowly in these.

My day job is mostly driving/assessing even more powerful RWD cars on the road...this'll be a little step down in performance when I get in to drive home to be honest. I know I have indeed developed the patience of a saint, not to say I don't enjoy driving.

Also, the wood trim was a major attraction to that car! Really lifts the cabin imo.

I haven't yet heard any owner say anything bad about the C63, this is exciting!

[crosseyedlion]

TackMEU said:

What do you do for a job? Sounds a great job if your drive home in a 500bhp car is a step down in performance.

Primarily test engineer for a large british luxury, 4x4 and sportscar manufacturer (midlands based) - with my role focussing on a recently launched coupe.

Its a lovely way to make a living, although because of this I need a big v8 in my life to play with in my own time.

[crosseyedlion]

simontrent said:

Could I please ask what rates they were quoting for finance. I've seend 4.9% quoted but this appears to be on new cars.

Thanks

Managed to get the rate from MB finance to 8.9%, however blackhorse subsequently offered slightly less (not sure how much though). Interestingly blackhorse was cheaper than MB, but the dealers are obliged to pursue Mercedes finance first.

When I make the move to purchase again, they'll be going straight to black horse.

[crosseyedlion]

Stonic said:

What's the saying. If you have to ask you can't afford it? Not being rude but the c63 is a hooligan of a car and just demands to be used. I've a number of cars and the c63 is the weapon of choice to get somewhere cross country quickly. 18-20 is probably best you get. Also managed to get a B service and brake fluid for 420 from local main dealer so servicing v cheap relative to other performance cars.

Thanks, I've already said the fuel consumption is in line with my expectation. Even if it drinks it, I always like to know what to expect (roughly) i've always watched every penny - a habit I can't (nor do I really want to) get out of now it really doesn't matter.

Great to know that servicing isn't totally daft.

Weirdly I'm looking at tuning options already, VERY unlike me. I'm normally not keen on modding.

[crosseyedlion]

jasonpaul said:

I think all comments are just for fun,
As I see it if you are going to worry about fuel and MPG should you be looking at a C63??? Your choice. My wife has a little abarth 500 great car around town, lots of fun.
People just need to sit down and think what would I like in a car first!!!
If a c63 is for you then just go for it I love it, fast fits 5 people.

Im not worried about fuel, I just like to know what to expect. As a financial advisor i'm sure you'd see that as good practice.

A C63 is also not a cost-no-object car, a veyron or a Ferrari 250 probably, but not a 35k C-class.

[crosseyedlion]

[quote=jasonpaulyou have to let your hair down sometime
[/quote]

Totally, you can't take it with you and all that...

[crosseyedlion]

Sorry to disappoint everyone, but I've decided to save up for a buy to let and get this instead (E500) http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

One day I'll have a C63, but first I want some property that'll pay for it.