New to me - C43
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Andy665

Original Poster:

4,053 posts

251 months

Yesterday (10:51)
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Wifes Velar sold, 2.0 Ingenium petrol, 2 years and 20k miles owned and pretty much faultless - was a great car but no longer really needed all of that practicality.

Original request to me was to source a W205 A45. I did not think this was the right car for her, a bit too raw and one dimensional.

Bit of research and stumbled across the C43, seemed to tick the boxes in terms of refinement, exhaust note, spec and solid reputation for reliability.

Was close to putting a deposit down on a C43 coupe with Premium Plus pack (pretty much a non negotiable) until a CarVertical check threw up a 10-15k side and rear damage bill in 2019 and two further front end damage incidents - back to the drawing board.

A post on a C43 owners group saw a number of cars being offered to me that were not yet advertised for sale but one stood out - C43 convertible, massive spec (Premium Plus, AMG Performance exhaust, HUD, Lane Assist, Radar Cruise, carbon centre console, 360 camera, aircap, Park Pilot, larger infotainment screen with Android Auto and CarPlay etc), full MB history and only 43k miles.

Quick exchange of messages and it was clear that this was the car for us - I tend to go on gut feel and rarely let me down over many purchases.

Yesterday saw a 8 1/2 hour train journey up to Inverurie and a 445 mile drive home.

First impressions, definitely a car with a dual personality - in Comfort with the exhaust shut its docile and quiet, in Sport+ with exhaust open its alive and playful.

Spirited journey down from Inverurie to Moffat and then 250 miles of motorway saw it do just under 35mpg which was a pleasant surprise.

Thinking about it on the M6 and the cars we have had previously I think I have determined its like the love child of the V8 Vantage and the BMW 650 convertible.




macron

12,735 posts

189 months

Yesterday (12:34)
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That's a spec! Many are.... Nowhere near that! Good find!

danb79

12,901 posts

95 months

Yesterday (12:41)
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That looks lovely; know nothing re Mercs, but that's a bonny car?

We're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?

Killer2005

20,439 posts

251 months

Yesterday (12:45)
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Very nice. Mild regret that I didn't hold out for the C43 but the C300 does the job.


Andy665

Original Poster:

4,053 posts

251 months

Yesterday (14:46)
quotequote all
danb79 said:
That looks lovely; know nothing re Mercs, but that's a bonny car?

We're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
3 litre V6. twin turbo and permanent 4wd. Not exactly stressed at 360bhp but enough to make it entertaining. Shots were on the A93 and at Glenshee

danb79

12,901 posts

95 months

Yesterday (14:53)
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Andy665 said:
danb79 said:
That looks lovely; know nothing re Mercs, but that's a bonny car?

We're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
3 litre V6. twin turbo and permanent 4wd. Not exactly stressed at 360bhp but enough to make it entertaining. Shots were on the A93 and at Glenshee
Very nice... Sounds a great spec.

It's a superb road that and over to Glenshee... Drive it regularly when we're up in the Highlands

Just a shame I never managed to get up there in my 130i LE - would have been a superb drive

Andy665

Original Poster:

4,053 posts

251 months

Yesterday (18:53)
quotequote all
danb79 said:
That looks lovely; know nothing re Mercs, but that's a bonny car?

We're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
3 litre V6. twin turbo and permanent 4wd. Not exactly stressed at 360bhp but enough to make it entertaining. Shots were on the A93 and at Glenshee

Deep Thought

38,768 posts

220 months

Yesterday (18:57)
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Very nice beer

The exhaust would make a big difference. A guy local to me had one with the performance exhaust and it sounded awesome compared to my non performance exhaust variant!

Fantastic spec all round!

Mr Tidy

29,321 posts

150 months

Yesterday (21:52)
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That's a much more interesting choice than an A45 - I hope your OH likes it. thumbup

Gotta love a long drive home in a newly acquired car!