3 series vs c class

Hello,
I need your help to decide which one to go for either Merc c class or BMW 3 series. I am not an expert on cars and want to buy a car that is reliable, probably not very luxurious but complementing and good value for money, not too expensive to maintain and offers something above average in terms of comfort and drive. I almost like 3 series more then c class in terms of looks etc. but need guidance from someone who can give a comparison of key points.

also could someone advise whats the difference from 3 series in previous shape (before 2007) to new shape (from 2007 to 2011) other then outlook. i mean in terms of insurance and economics etc.

I am after auto/diesel. Can anyone inform if they had problem with 3 series auto gear box or is it totally reliable


Thanks

Originally Posted by friend123

Hello,
I need your help to decide which one to go for either Merc c class or BMW 3 series. I am not an expert on cars and want to buy a car that is reliable, probably not very luxurious but complementing and good value for money, not too expensive to maintain and offers something above average in terms of comfort and drive. I almost like 3 series more then c class in terms of looks etc. but need guidance from someone who can give a comparison of key points.

also could someone advise whats the difference from 3 series in previous shape (before 2007) to new shape (from 2007 to 2011) other then outlook. i mean in terms of insurance and economics etc.

I am after auto/diesel. Can anyone inform if they had problem with 3 series auto gear box or is it totally reliable


Thanks

What's a "diesel?"

Originally Posted by friend123

Hello,
I need your help to decide which one to go for either Merc c class or BMW 3 series. I am not an expert on cars and want to buy a car that is reliable, probably not very luxurious but complementing and good value for money, not too expensive to maintain and offers something above average in terms of comfort and drive. I almost like 3 series more then c class in terms of looks etc. but need guidance from someone who can give a comparison of key points.

also could someone advise whats the difference from 3 series in previous shape (before 2007) to new shape (from 2007 to 2011) other then outlook. i mean in terms of insurance and economics etc.

I am after auto/diesel. Can anyone inform if they had problem with 3 series auto gear box or is it totally reliable


Thanks

Define 'reliable', 'not very luxurious', 'value for money', 'not too expensive' and 'above average in comfort and drive'.

If you dont want a car that is expensive to maintain, find a nice used Honda or Toyota. Euro cars are known to cost a little more to maintain.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

Define 'reliable', 'not very luxurious', 'value for money', 'not too expensive' and 'above average in comfort and drive'.

Base model Toyota Camry.

Originally Posted by andrew b

Base model Toyota Camry.

Originally Posted by MMME30W

Define 'reliable', 'not very luxurious', 'value for money', 'not too expensive' and 'above average in comfort and drive'.

lol none of these things I think of when thinking of bmw/mb... ALthough with a bit of luck and real qualitypreventative maintenance I don't see why any bmw can't go the long haul like a toyota/honda.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

lol none of these things I think of when thinking of bmw/mb... ALthough with a bit of luck and real qualitypreventative maintenance I don't see why any bmw can't go the long haul like a toyota/honda.

Gotta agree, anticipating that BMW makes a more complex ride.