I'm driving a C240 service loaner this week, and I *really* like it. It's a 2005 model with about 10K on the odometer.

What I like: It has the typical Benz attributes - impressively smooth, quiet, no wind noise at highway speed. Solid - never a rattle, buzz or squeek, even over some rather rough pavement. I'm astounded by how well it drives and handles. The steering is direct, it goes exactly where you point it without any drama. I drive it through the roundabout behind my office at silly speeds. The last couple of 3-series BMWs I've driven were not this good.

What's not to like: The rear seat is pretty darn tight, especially with the front setup for a rangy six-footer. The level of giddyup on the C240 is fine for any reasonable driving, but it's not a tire burning hotrod. Oh, and it's a Mercedes - I like my window switches on the center console where they belong!

Definate thumbs up here.

- JimY