C43 4-Matic AMG Estate poor C63 substitute?

[DRIVER200]

Was contemplating going from my Audi SQ5 into a C63 AMG Estate but can't really stretch that fay financially so have been looking at the C43. I know its not a V8 etc... but interested to know if its worth the effort compared to my current drive as if I change cars I want to do before next April when the new VED rates kick in on over £40,000 cars and also diesel cars are getting a kicking at the moment so perhaps petrol is the way forward. Appreciate your views particularly how the C43 drives and whether the sports exhaust makes it sound like my SQ5.

 

[The _Don]

Don't waste your time -


http://www.pistonheads.com/road-tests/mercedes/mercedes-amg-c43-estate-driven/35229

 

[HB]

Buy the C43, you won't be disappointed.

 

[abar121]

Compared to the Audi, you'll love it. Just don't drive a C63.

 

[Grovsie31]

Late W204 C63 estate.

 

[The _Don]

Late W204 C63 estate.

This ^

 

[DRIVER200]

Too late test drove the C63 on Saturday and the C43 today. I like both but the C63 with ops is £15,000 more than the C43 which also has 4-Matic which I think is a good thing to have. The C63 had a sports exhaust. I likey. The C43 didn't but assume it will make all the difference and would appreciate your views on this.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

I don't think you could compare the C63 and C43. If it's simply the cheaper option go for the C43 I'd say. Personally my choice would be a late W204 C63 which would be even cheaper

 

[abar121]

The C43 pumps engine noises through the Sterero, like an M4. A sports exhaust might not do much for it, certainly doesn't for an M4. Not sure about the new C63, but the W204 didn't need it!

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

The C43 pumps engine noises through the Sterero, like an M4

Does it!? I despise the M4 for this reason, I'm surprised they've done that with the C43

 

[5439]

Would a better fit be SQ5 to GLC 43 ?

 

[HB]

The C43 pumps engine noises through the Sterero, like an M4. A sports exhaust might not do much for it, certainly doesn't for an M4. Not sure about the new C63, but the W204 didn't need it!

Exhaust noise through the stereo.

Where did you learn this ???

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

Exhaust noise through the stereo. Where did you learn this ???

Just tried to look it up, this 'feature' on the BMW I've seen named 'Active Exhaust', and then with the MB's I've seen 'Active Exhaust' meaning the controlling of the valves of the exhausts

Possibly mistaken?

 

[BTB 500]

Exhaust noise through the stereo.

Where did you learn this ???

It's suggested in the article linked to above

Sounds good too, though it was admitted on the C450 launch this was speaker enhanced; if that's been carried over to the C43 it's one of the better applications of these controversial systems

 

[ShaneyB]

I can't wait to pick my C43 up on Saturday. The buggers sent me a teaser video earlier today to try and tempt me to get it earlier but I can't.

I drove both on the same day and the C43 first. Loved em both if I'm honest and the V8 sounds fantastic but so does the C43. I've only heard it with the sports exhaust so don't know any different.

I'll try and get some pic's and video up at the weekend or if you're local I'm happy to meet up?

Cheers

 

[Deleted member 113659]

if you're local I'm happy to meet up?

Cheers

Im just up the road from you Shane. Pop up and see me once you've run her in.

Ant.

 

[ShaneyB]

Haha.

 

[DRIVER200]

ShaneyB: Which body style are you getting as I am interested in the Estate. As for the Sports Exhaust it clearly controlled through the actual exhaust system which is shown in some detail in the Options information on the Mercedes website. Where you able to strike a good deal and did you go for the 3 year servicing option?

 

[ShaneyB]

ShaneyB: Which body style are you getting as I am interested in the Estate. As for the Sports Exhaust it clearly controlled through the actual exhaust system which is shown in some detail in the Options information on the Mercedes website. Where you able to strike a good deal and did you go for the 3 year servicing option?

I went for the coupe. One of the guys on here had to cancel his order unfortunately and I managed to take it over at the same deal he struck (very good). I think I am going to go for the 3 year service plan particularly as buying this time of year I don't want a hefty bill before Chrimbo. Plus it spreads the payments, car can be collected or courtesy car, 10% off of parts and I believe it doesn't work out much different in cost.

 

[DRIVER200]

I can get Estate model fully loaded for around £47,000 on the road. That's around £5,000 under list. Is this similar to what you got and I may push for more perhaps making a one-off payment for the 3 year service plan might get me a better deal? Confused why would you have a hefty bill before Xmas is yours not a new car?