New to me - C43
Discussion
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.


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.
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 GlensheeWe're you outside Glenshee too; that shot looks familiar?
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
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff



