New Guy Here, Need A Little Help.

[Luke_C]

Hey there all =]

First, I'll introduce myself, I'm Luke from West Yorkshire, I'm 21 and I've always loved Mercedes'. Here is my problem, after looking around for a while, and mainly waiting for insurance to stop being crazy money, I've decided to buy a new C Class, I've been looking at the C250 CDI AMG Sport Plus Saloon. I've inquired about one and test driven one, and I love the way it drives.

I've been informed I can have one in palladium silver (the colour I want) with a panoramic roof, heated seats, privacy glass (which will be retrofitted at the dealership) and a Becker map pilot, all this would come in around my budget. I have a couple of questions though, is the map pilot good enough, or is COMMAND worth waiting for? Also, I really wanted the HK audio system in the car as I'm slightly **** with music but is the stock system good enough to satisfy my needs?

I've read around the rules on this forum but I can't find a place that states about talking about the price of cars, so before I get into the numbers, is it ok to talk about, well mainly ask what a good price to pay is? I mean, the price I've been given seems OK to me but I don't want to pay over the top for the car.

Thanks in advance, Luke

 

[PXW]

COMAND is more than just a satnav, and is worth having (one of the few options that will retain some value). However, if you've found the car you really like then I wouldn't let it stand in the way...there are reputable experts, such as COMANDonline ("Alfie" on here) who can very effectively retrofit it for you plus do any audio upgrades you may want at a later date. Could be a sensible approach as it would allow you to really assess any audio shortcomings before laying out cash.

Re the value, feel free to ask. You will inevitably find some who think it is great, some who think it is too much, some who think a 21 yr old shouldn't have that amount to spend on a car (congrats on starting early by the way!) and some who think you should finance lease it/buy it, whichever you are not! This is one of the best forums I know, and in the midst of all the banter there is great and sound advice to be had.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Yorkshireman, Luke.

I can personally recommend the HK, the standard audio is ok, but the upgrade is a few leagues above this.

Don't be afraid to discuss the costs/financing of the car you're looking for, there may be someone on here that knows of a good deal.

 

[sinewave]

How much have you been quoted for the HK audio Luke?

 

[reason42]

I listen to a lot of music - bands like Muse, Radiohead, Pink Floyd etc and this type of music must be played loud, in my opinion. I had HK in my BMW but when I tested the stock stereo on the C class I felt it wasn't rich enough in sound and the bass was not that strong. I got the HK for my C class and I L-O-V-E I-T

The HK and the pan roof were the best upgrades on my car. Mine is a 125 edition so I got the command for 'free'. I can't compare it to the Becker Nav but the command is very good.

 

[Frugal]

I listen to a lot of music - bands like Muse, Radiohead, Pink Floyd etc and this type of music must be played loud, in my opinion. I had HK in my BMW but when I tested the stock stereo on the C class I felt it wasn't rich enough in sound and the bass was not that strong. I got the HK for my C class and I L-O-V-E I-T

The HK and the pan roof were the best upgrades on my car. Mine is a 125 edition so I got the command for 'free'. I can't compare it to the Becker Nav but the command is very good.

My experience is very similar (125 model with bundled Command which is excellent) but I have heard pretty good things about the Becker too. I also gave a lot of thought about the stock sound system and decided to opt for the HK. It's a relatively pricey extra but as I'm planning to keep the car for a few years I decided to trreat my ears. Personally I don't appreciate the pan roof and went for the traditional sunroof but it's one of those the eye of the beholder things.

Good luck!

 

[dresho]

hi theres a thread which may help with all your answers as many including myself have received the amg sport plus cars now

(ps i pulled the trigger as well be younger and having to pay an insane insurance but its worth it!)

link below

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/135415-new-w204-c-class-owners-discussion.html

 

[Luke_C]

Thanks for the replies guys, good feedback so far and a nice welcome =]
I have to apologize for not re-reading my post as I didn't know it had censored a word (let's just say I'm very particular with music instead)
As you may have guessed, I will be financing the car on a PCP deal. The offer I have been given is £350 per month for 36 months with £5,000 deposit. I don't think this is too bad for what the car is, but like I said earlier, I don't want to be paying over the odds for the car.
I'm meeting with the dealership tomorrow again to find out more about the car and to see if I can get more money for my current car (they've basically offered my rock bottom prices for a 12 month old car with 6,500 miles on it) I will also inquire about the HK system and if it can be retrofitted if it's not already on the car.

 

[sinewave]

The reason I asked the price of the HK gear Luke is that I have recently had an ICE upgrade from stock MB stuff.

I had a 675 watt Pioneer system fitted with a Flat Sub in the boot and DB Audio T-Rex 2 way speakers in all doors.

System power and clarity is amazing and 75% of max volume is all any sane bloke can take!

Not personally heard HK running in a Merc on decent volume, but judging by the number of Merc, BMW and Audi drivers who've had so-called premium OEM ICE removed and replaced after hearing after market ICE then you may well be wise to go down this route and save yer self money on top.

BTW my setup cost less than £1K fitted.

 

[jonnyMercUK]

Hi Luke!

I have a Becker and too be honest other than the problems we have been having updating (sorted now!) I can't fault the Becker. The thing that put me off the COMMAND was that it uses your phones data to connect to the net and obviously you cannot use it whilst driving, so why not just use your phone?

The benefits of COMMAND are the larger screen and ability to store music locally, however I just have a USB plugged in in the arm rest.