I've just noticed that the C32 AMG isn't too hard to find for under $10k. Back in the day, reviewers seemed to put it slightly above or below the M3 of the time. They hated that a $50k car had a standard tape deck, and that there was no transmission other than a smarter, speedier slushbox.
I'm interested because I drove the C230 coupe (and to a lesser extent, sedan) when new and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it above the similarly-priced WRX and RSX. While the C230 is available with a manual transmission, the C32 isn't. On the other hand, the price spread between the two cars is pretty minor, so I do wonder whether I might as well go for the AMG.
Any opinions on this car?
Edit: I mistakenly called the C230 a C240. The C240 also came with a stick and in the same body style, but wasn't really sporting at all. I'm mortified by my error.
A friend drives one. I have driven it several times and its a great car to drive. He has had a leak at the transmission cooler that we fixed. He also had an intercooler pump failure that we replaced with an aftermarket pump. No problems besides those.
Cool car that I've always passed on because it only came with an auto tranny. If you can handle that, go for it!
Follow up: Would you rather a 192 hp C230 with a stick, or a 349 hp C32 AMG manumatic?
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