$41K for a C240 is definitely all available options. The base is right at $30K. In todays car market, that's a fair price for these cars.

That said, finding a solid, well kept used car for a fraction of that price is definitely the way to go. As much as I love my C Class, the money would've been more wisely spent for a solid, low mileage used MB. When I bought the car, however, all my other cars were broke and I was afoot. I had no time to do the long search for a car good enough and clean enough to be happy with.

When I bought my 300E, I spent over two years looking for a manual transmission 300E. I was EXTREMELY lucky that I found one with a manual transmission AND in great, pristine condition.

Buying a GOOD used car is a bargain. Many used cars are NOT good. You can end up in a situation where you would have been much better off just buying new.

As with most anything, there are pros and cons.

My $0.02,