Audi A7, Mercedes C43 or Mercedes C63?
Discussion
I really need some help with decision making and some views from you very knowledgable folks 
My car history is very varied, having had a Mk3 MR2, 3.0si Z4, Honda Accord (stop-gap) and currently an F30 320d. I do really like the 320d - it looks okay, good spec, has been reliable so far (touch wood), even though I have had extended warranty throughout ownership, and is very frugal no matter how hard it is driven. The only issues with it are the seats are uncomfortable and are giving me back pain after long drives and it is a manual - I want an auto now.
Pre Covid I did around 15k+ miles a year with some work mileage in there too. Now, I probably do less than 10k miles with the majority of them being long distance either visiting friends and family around the country or going on breaks with the Mrs etc.
I am really torn about what to get next. I originally wanted a W204 C63 as it has been a bit of a dream car for me and probably the last chance to own that insane V8 before EV's become the norm. However running costs and potential borkage put me off it. The C43 catches my eye as it looks good, sounds good, has similar performance to the C63 and the extended warranty is less than £1k a year. Finally, I have recently started looking at circa 2017 A7's with the 3.0 TDI (270bhp). I really really like the look of these - moreso than the Mercs and diesel would be ideal for my journey types, however I fear I may regret not getting an AMG!
It's worth noting that I did test drive a 440i last year and wasnt too impressed by it, just seemed like any other BMW inside, even though performance is good.
Extended warranty is a bit of a must. I am fairly comfortable financially but would rather have peace of mind knowing that if anything did go bang, it'd be covered rather than having to shell out £££'s myself. The C43 and A7 both have extended warranties of less than £1k which is appealing. I think the C63 would be a fair bit more.
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome from anyone who has owned or driven any of the above. As much as I'd love the V8/V6 in the Merc, I am just conscious of fuel economy when a lot of my trips are longer distance motorway. Plus the A7 looks like a very comfortable place to be with a good road presence.
Thanks for any advice.
My car history is very varied, having had a Mk3 MR2, 3.0si Z4, Honda Accord (stop-gap) and currently an F30 320d. I do really like the 320d - it looks okay, good spec, has been reliable so far (touch wood), even though I have had extended warranty throughout ownership, and is very frugal no matter how hard it is driven. The only issues with it are the seats are uncomfortable and are giving me back pain after long drives and it is a manual - I want an auto now.
Pre Covid I did around 15k+ miles a year with some work mileage in there too. Now, I probably do less than 10k miles with the majority of them being long distance either visiting friends and family around the country or going on breaks with the Mrs etc.
I am really torn about what to get next. I originally wanted a W204 C63 as it has been a bit of a dream car for me and probably the last chance to own that insane V8 before EV's become the norm. However running costs and potential borkage put me off it. The C43 catches my eye as it looks good, sounds good, has similar performance to the C63 and the extended warranty is less than £1k a year. Finally, I have recently started looking at circa 2017 A7's with the 3.0 TDI (270bhp). I really really like the look of these - moreso than the Mercs and diesel would be ideal for my journey types, however I fear I may regret not getting an AMG!
It's worth noting that I did test drive a 440i last year and wasnt too impressed by it, just seemed like any other BMW inside, even though performance is good.
Extended warranty is a bit of a must. I am fairly comfortable financially but would rather have peace of mind knowing that if anything did go bang, it'd be covered rather than having to shell out £££'s myself. The C43 and A7 both have extended warranties of less than £1k which is appealing. I think the C63 would be a fair bit more.
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome from anyone who has owned or driven any of the above. As much as I'd love the V8/V6 in the Merc, I am just conscious of fuel economy when a lot of my trips are longer distance motorway. Plus the A7 looks like a very comfortable place to be with a good road presence.
Thanks for any advice.
You can get an Mercedes Approved Warranty on a W204 C63 if it has Full Main Dealer Service History or after an inspection.
63's have a low borkage factor so I wouldn't let that be a reason not to buy one.
As for the alternatives I'd be looking at the E53 it's a better car
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106224...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104020...
63's have a low borkage factor so I wouldn't let that be a reason not to buy one.
As for the alternatives I'd be looking at the E53 it's a better car
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106224...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104020...
The W204 doesn’t really have a reputation for borkage especially on the facelift model.
I bought my low mileage facelift last year and it’s been awesome. The novelty of that 6.2 V8 never wears off.
The C43 has a similar 0-60 time because of the AWD but that’s where the performance comparison ends. The C63 is a proper AMG and the C43 is a badged up C450.
Maybe try the W205 C63 if you want a newer car?
I bought my low mileage facelift last year and it’s been awesome. The novelty of that 6.2 V8 never wears off.
The C43 has a similar 0-60 time because of the AWD but that’s where the performance comparison ends. The C63 is a proper AMG and the C43 is a badged up C450.
Maybe try the W205 C63 if you want a newer car?
I have a w205 C43; father-in-law has a 3.0 BiTDi.
Whilst long journeys aren’t an issue in the C43 (mine has adaptive cruise and lane keep), the A7 is a league above in terms of size and refinement. It’s not, however, the most exciting thing to drive, and almost every gadget is an option.
I much prefer my C43 on shorter journeys, or anything involving anything twisty, so it depends what your priorities are. Despite the lack of sports exhaust, I love the sound of it every single time I give it some revs.
Whilst long journeys aren’t an issue in the C43 (mine has adaptive cruise and lane keep), the A7 is a league above in terms of size and refinement. It’s not, however, the most exciting thing to drive, and almost every gadget is an option.
I much prefer my C43 on shorter journeys, or anything involving anything twisty, so it depends what your priorities are. Despite the lack of sports exhaust, I love the sound of it every single time I give it some revs.
ZX10R NIN said:
As for the alternatives I'd be looking at the E53 it's a better car
The 43 and the 53 are the same car, but the 53 carries a slightly different ECU map. You can easily map a 43 to the output of the 53 and more and save money in the process.OP - I have an E43 Wagon. The 43 is an excellent all rounder and offers great hooning opportunities when you get on it and conditions allow, but also wafts around rather well, when taking the Mother in Law to the shops. Not sure why the aesthetics of the A7 appeal more, the back end of an A7 looks like it has melted. Subjective I guess.
As for the 43 not being a proper AMG, that myth has been busted many times. It is a very capable AMG and a bit more than a rebadged 450. Bit like when people called the Boxster the poor man’s Porsche yada yada yada.
I also had a C63 Coupe (the proper 6.2), which was a complete animal.
Think you are looking at different cars with the Mercs and the A7. I've just put deposit down on am A7 Bitdi coming form a CLS. The other cars I looked at were newer CLSs and 6 series gran coupe. I think the C43 and C63 are a smaller and more sporting drive than the A7.
Would an S4 or S5 be more of a competitor to the C43?
Would an S4 or S5 be more of a competitor to the C43?
Superleg48 said:
The 43 and the 53 are the same car, but the 53 carries a slightly different ECU map. You can easily map a 43 to the output of the 53 and more and save money in the process.
OP - I have an E43 Wagon. The 43 is an excellent all rounder and offers great hooning opportunities when you get on it and conditions allow, but also wafts around rather well, when taking the Mother in Law to the shops. Not sure why the aesthetics of the A7 appeal more, the back end of an A7 looks like it has melted. Subjective I guess.
As for the 43 not being a proper AMG, that myth has been busted many times. It is a very capable AMG and a bit more than a rebadged 450. Bit like when people called the Boxster the poor man’s Porsche yada yada yada.
I also had a C63 Coupe (the proper 6.2), which was a complete animal.
They're not the same car the 43 is an AWD V6 twin turbo the 53 is a twin turbo inline 6 hybrid.
OP - I have an E43 Wagon. The 43 is an excellent all rounder and offers great hooning opportunities when you get on it and conditions allow, but also wafts around rather well, when taking the Mother in Law to the shops. Not sure why the aesthetics of the A7 appeal more, the back end of an A7 looks like it has melted. Subjective I guess.
As for the 43 not being a proper AMG, that myth has been busted many times. It is a very capable AMG and a bit more than a rebadged 450. Bit like when people called the Boxster the poor man’s Porsche yada yada yada.
I also had a C63 Coupe (the proper 6.2), which was a complete animal.
They're not the same car the 43 is an AWD V6 twin turbo the 53 is a twin turbo inline 6 hybrid.
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
James-gbg1e said:
I'm after a C43 Wagon but there's barely any on sale in the spec I'm after.
I'd toyed with an S4 Avant (currently have an A40 40) and also the BMW 335 Touring but keep coming back to the C43... Car goes back in Sept so will keep my eyes out I guess!
What spec are you after? It's easy to find a premium plus but becomes difficult finding one with 360 cameras and HUD. I gave up in the end and settled with a premium plus. Picking it up tomorrow. Annoyingly the prices have gone up in the last 6 months too because of the used market in general. I'd toyed with an S4 Avant (currently have an A40 40) and also the BMW 335 Touring but keep coming back to the C43... Car goes back in Sept so will keep my eyes out I guess!
Knoxville2410 said:
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
OP you sound content with the 320D but want extra comfort. I'm not sure if going for a big petrol engine (with high running costs) and AMG-type suspension and sporty seats is adressing your needs at all.Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
In your shoes I'd upgrade from a 320D to a 530D (or similar Merc E350/E400d) with the optional comfort seats and perhaps adaptive suspension. It will be more of a barge in the driving dynamics but offer another level of comfort while only increasing the running cost a little.
Knoxville2410 said:
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
With that budget I'd take a good look at the CL500 it's a step above everything suggested interior wise, they're not bad on fuel & when you get a chance to have some fun they're properly capable of putting a smile on your face.Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
You can get a nice one in budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...
Leftfield: A bit of a sleeper 400bhp awd & well under budget but nowhere near as luxurious as the above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105273...
ZX10R NIN said:
Knoxville2410 said:
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
With that budget I'd take a good look at the CL500 it's a step above everything suggested interior wise, they're not bad on fuel & when you get a chance to have some fun they're properly capable of putting a smile on your face.Phil Dicky - you are probably right there, I am undecided on what I want. A part of me wants to get an absolute animal whilst the opportunity is still there, the other wants a quick but very comfortable cruiser such as the A7.
Thanks for the suggestions ZX. I forgot to mention that my budget is around £20k-£25k. I am happy to stretch to £30k if insurance/warranty etc isn't too crazy.
I think the fuel economy is going to be a consideration too. Living in Manchester, there aren't that many twisty roads to enjoy the C43 and a comfortable cruiser makes more sense, however on them odd occasions...
Decisions!
You can get a nice one in budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105072...
Leftfield: A bit of a sleeper 400bhp awd & well under budget but nowhere near as luxurious as the above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105273...
Panthro said:
What spec are you after? It's easy to find a premium plus but becomes difficult finding one with 360 cameras and HUD. I gave up in the end and settled with a premium plus. Picking it up tomorrow. Annoyingly the prices have gone up in the last 6 months too because of the used market in general.
Which car did you buy? I've probably seen it lol. Hope it went smoothly, would love to hear your views on it.I'm after a facelift, Premium Plus, Blue, Multi-spokes and the bit that seems all too rare... Sports exhaust with ideally lower miles than most of the 40k+ / 2 year old cars. Would prefer from an approved dealer from a warranty standpoint too.
Not sure how many C43 were sold in the UK but either owners really like them, or I suspect not that many about, sales seem limited.
Budget is circa 35/40k but
The adverts gone now but it was for sale in Farnborough. 2017, 47k miles, premium plus, 5 spoke 18s on non run flat tyres. Grey with black/red interior. Higher mileage than I wanted but I've got another car for short journies round town.
The only option I wanted that it didn't have was the sports exhaust but I can live without that.
Also on the warranty side of things, you can buy a Mercedes warranty if you don't buy from a main dealer. £1200 for 2 years. This is the route I'm taking.
The only option I wanted that it didn't have was the sports exhaust but I can live without that.
Also on the warranty side of things, you can buy a Mercedes warranty if you don't buy from a main dealer. £1200 for 2 years. This is the route I'm taking.
Edited by Panthro on Friday 25th June 08:43
Edited by Panthro on Friday 25th June 08:44
James-gbg1e said:
Nice mate - any pics? Enjoying your purchase?
Got delivered today at 12pm but I've just had surgery on my foot and it's too painful to drive 
I'll try and get out and about tomorrow and take some pics later. Very happy so far. I wasn't sure about Command as I'm so used to NBT iDrive but I really like it so far. It does a few things that my X5 didn't.
I also spoke to DMS earlier and booked it in for a remap!
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