I just want to pipe in here onthe C230/280 debate. I've got the C220 (real similar to the 230) and I love it. Not the fastest thing off the line, but it cruises so nicely on the highway, it's real easy to maintain, feels like a real Mercedes (unlike the new C), and has given me largely trouble-free service so far (I am a bit of a maintenance freak, though). Bought it at 58K miles, Have about 82K now, and plan on having it for at least another 100K. Just such a well put together car. No harness/head gasket problems, the tranny is just fine, oil changes are easly, as are all of the other fluids/filters (Cabin, air, p/s, tranny). Good luck.