Merc C200 AMG Styling Promotion B 2.2M vs. Skoda Supurb B 1.7M

[OMGImInPattaya]

Be interested in member's thoughts on the value proposition between Mercs new C200 saloon compared to the Skoda Superb saloon. The Merc, fitted with some AMG styling add-ons seems like a decent buy in Thailand for 2.25M. One also gets the Merc dealer network and it comes with 3 year maintenance included. Also prestige factor and decent resale if that's important.

With the Skoda, one saves 500k and gets euro manufactured car but very limited dealer and service options (basically the importer) but 5 year maintenance. Little prestige among Thais and unknown resale value.

I'm possibly in the market for a saloon and would like to try a European car and not a Japanese model this time out. Any thoughts?

[wprime]

Overall running costs (including cost of capital and depreciation) of the two will be about the same. That's remarkable given an almost 50% higher starting price for the C Class. Personally I can't see why you'd even consider the Skoda - they're a cheap brand that only cost a lot because they're trying to market themselves as an upper class brand in Thailand.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Overall running costs (including cost of capital and depreciation) of the two will be about the same. That's remarkable given an almost 50% higher starting price for the C Class. Personally I can't see why you'd even consider the Skoda - they're a cheap brand that only cost a lot because they're trying to market themselves as an upper class brand in Thailand.

Not sure how you calculate the merc being 50% more costly...maybe 30-35% more. As for the Skoda, maybe because it gets uniformly good reviews, costs about the same as a high end accord or Camry, and beats them both in safety features and refinement IMO.

[stevenl]

Overall running costs (including cost of capital and depreciation) of the two will be about the same. That's remarkable given an almost 50% higher starting price for the C Class. Personally I can't see why you'd even consider the Skoda - they're a cheap brand that only cost a lot because they're trying to market themselves as an upper class brand in Thailand.

30 years ago I drove a Skoda, and at that point in time you were right: cheap brand, but also very low prices.

[guzzi850m2]

Isn't Skoda today owned by VW and uses same engine as them?

Never the less I would never buy one here at that price and as mentioned, Thais either don't know the brand or look down at them.

Mercedes Benz is a complete different thing, hi-so Thais absolute have to have them and you see many on the road here.

[brianinbangkok]

Skoda are a cheaper brand owned by VW. They basicly build cheaper versions of the VW models. Not even close to a Merc.

[wprime]

Overall running costs (including cost of capital and depreciation) of the two will be about the same. That's remarkable given an almost 50% higher starting price for the C Class. Personally I can't see why you'd even consider the Skoda - they're a cheap brand that only cost a lot because they're trying to market themselves as an upper class brand in Thailand.

Not sure how you calculate the merc being 50% more costly...maybe 30-35% more. As for the Skoda, maybe because it gets uniformly good reviews, costs about the same as a high end accord or Camry, and beats them both in safety features and refinement IMO.

For some reason I thought the Skoda was 1.5M, well that puts the C Class even more in favour. The C Class is far more classy in Thailand and overall cost of ownership is less. Keep in mind that if you've driven luxury cars before the C Class will be a disappointment. It looks sexy, turns heads but the interior isn't any better than a good Japanese car. You'll need an E Class minimum for that luxury feel normally associated with Mercedes.

[IMHO]

There are just so many bullet points in favor of the C200 I don't even have the time to contemplate them all, let alone type them

[vtjforyou]

skoda... 555...

c180 coupe or cla 250 if you cannot afford eclass for 4.7mthb.

[Ace of Pop]

IMHO is Correct ,but for me im happy not to have a Benz.10 Tears was enough, i offered to have a cheaper BMW, but Company said no , i just never felt part of it like a B.M. for some reason,even the new Civic after 9 Months has that Old Shoe feeling.Next change will be back to B.M.

[pastafarian]

This is a wind-up, surely? You're honestly considering a Skoda over a Benz?!

The A250 AMG Sport would be my choice, if not that then the C200 with some AMG options like you are currently thinking of.

The Skoda would be about 10th on my list after a Jazz, Yaris and Tuk Tuk

[OMGImInPattaya]

This is a wind-up, surely? You're honestly considering a Skoda over a Benz?!

The A250 AMG Sport would be my choice, if not that then the C200 with some AMG options like you are currently thinking of.

The Skoda would be about 10th on my list after a Jazz, Yaris and Tuk Tuk

I was really hoping to get some serious responses to my query. Never having owned a European car, they are new to me. I am curious to know, have any of you bashing the Skoda actually seen one at a show or dealer or better yet actually owned/driven a Superb? I have at least seen and sat in it at the bkk auto shows and the bkk dealers showroom. I have also read many very positive reviews of the model. I know it's a VW brand and as such, benefits from their R and D and manufacturing standards. I am looking for a 4-door sedan so the A250 or sporty BMWs don't fit the bill. I just saw Mercs promotion of the C200 with some AMG trim items for 2.25M and thought it a good price for Thailand.

I would be very curious to know some of the long list of reasons some of you would chose the Merc over the Surperb, other than prestige and resale value. Which is the mechanically better car, has better safety features, reliability record, and quality fit and finish (considering the Merc is assembled in Thailand and the Superb in Ceckslovakia)?

[ignis]

Depends if you want to be as common as muck or a bit different...

Anyway a New Passat cost over a million baht more here, so makes the Skoda look a good deal

[arthurwait]

Isn't Skoda today owned by VW and uses same engine as them?

Never the less I would never buy one here at that price and as mentioned, Thais either don't know the brand or look down at them.

Mercedes Benz is a complete different thing, hi-so Thais absolute have to have them and you see many on the road here.

You left out wannabe.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Depends if you want to be as common as muck or a bit different...

Anyway a New Passat cost over a million baht more here, so makes the Skoda look a good deal

Compared them side by side at the last motor show and thought the Superb was the better overall value. If I recall correctly, the Passat was around 2M.

[arthurwait]

If you are concerned about maintenance and safety get a Volvo.

5 years maintenance, good safety record, better interior by the sounds of it, interest free credit if you want it.

[kartman]

This is a wind-up, surely? You're honestly considering a Skoda over a Benz?!

The A250 AMG Sport would be my choice, if not that then the C200 with some AMG options like you are currently thinking of.

The Skoda would be about 10th on my list after a Jazz, Yaris and Tuk Tuk

I was really hoping to get some serious responses to my query. Never having owned a European car, they are new to me. I am curious to know, have any of you bashing the Skoda actually seen one at a show or dealer or better yet actually owned/driven a Superb? I have at least seen and sat in it at the bkk auto shows and the bkk dealers showroom. I have also read many very positive reviews of the model. I know it's a VW brand and as such, benefits from their R and D and manufacturing standards. I am looking for a 4-door sedan so the A250 or sporty BMWs don't fit the bill. I just saw Mercs promotion of the C200 with some AMG trim items for 2.25M and thought it a good price for Thailand.

I would be very curious to know some of the long list of reasons some of you would chose the Merc over the Surperb, other than prestige and resale value. Which is the mechanically better car, has better safety features, reliability record, and quality fit and finish (considering the Merc is assembled in Thailand and the Superb in Ceckslovakia)?

[kartman]

What i was going to say is does anybody on this forum owns a Superb ? so i doubt your going to get any realistic answers to your second paragraph.

[OMGImInPattaya]

What i was going to say is does anybody on this forum owns a Superb ? so i doubt your going to get any realistic answers to your second paragraph.

Lots of euro members who may have recent experience of owning or driving one. Maybe some snowbird members might own back home that they drive in the summer.

As for the Volvo suggestion, don't like the styling or the interiors...big radar dome on inside upper front windshield which is distracting. Plus not sold on quality of Volvos put together in their Malaysian factory.

[pastafarian]

If you are concerned about maintenance and safety get a Volvo.

5 years maintenance, good safety record, better interior by the sounds of it, interest free credit if you want it.

I was just about to say the same, fantastic cars and not too overpriced as made in Malaysia now (I think) so not as much import tax.

[VocalNeal]

Skoda are a cheaper brand owned by VW. They basicly build cheaper versions of the VW models. Not even close to a Merc.

Somebody hasn't been keeping up?

Wish I could find the video of the Skoda vs Mercedes dashboard hammer test!

[OMGImInPattaya]

There are just so many bullet points in favor of the C200 I don't even have the time to contemplate them all, let alone type them

Well maybe just a few of the major ones, besides prestige and resale values?

[manzan]

I like both those cars, the C200 has really improved since 2012 and looks a good deal at 2.25M, yet it is still quite a lot more expensive then the Superb.

The Suberb is a very big car, bigger then a Camry or Accord and much bigger then the C200, and it has a lot of refinement, being a VW brand the interior, engine and gearbox is really quality stuff as it's mostly the same as the VW's and Audi's got. i just don't like the exterior so much.

Considering this is Thailand, if the extra 500k isn't a issue, i would go for the Benz, due to service centers, resale value, and associated status all in favor of it, and the Superb will struggle with spare parts etc.

[frankphuket]

Been looking at a Superb a good year back and had a good sit in it with probably the Best car sales staff explaining me everything...I can't deny...I was very impressed by the interior...really superb...

Acres of space, I would say more than in an Eclass Benz. Those 1.8 Tsi engines are well proven and Skoda can tune them up for you to get a bit more hp.

If big and different is what you are looking for and a good overall car why not the Skoda. If you are concerned with resale and servicing outside BKK than probably not. I think the Superb gets a 5 year full service and warranty...not too shabby, if you have a dealer in proximity.

To throw in 2 European alternatives: VW Golf GTI, from VW Thailand now for special price of 2m and the new Volvo V40 with over 200hp at around 1.7m.

Or look at the new BMW 320i....

[OMGImInPattaya]

Been looking at a Superb a good year back and had a good sit in it with probably the Best car sales staff explaining me everything...I can't deny...I was very impressed by the interior...really superb...

Acres of space, I would say more than in an Eclass Benz. Those 1.8 Tsi engines are well proven and Skoda can tune them up for you to get a bit more hp.

If big and different is what you are looking for and a good overall car why not the Skoda. If you are concerned with resale and servicing outside BKK than probably not. I think the Superb gets a 5 year full service and warranty...not too shabby, if you have a dealer in proximity.

To throw in 2 European alternatives: VW Golf GTI, from VW Thailand now for special price of 2m and the new Volvo V40 with over 200hp at around 1.7m.

Or look at the new BMW 320i....

Not looking for sporty model so Golf is out, heard some neg things about fit and finish quality of Malaysian made Volvos. Maybe check out the Beemer.

[anon210]

Been looking at a Superb a good year back and had a good sit in it with probably the Best car sales staff explaining me everything...I can't deny...I was very impressed by the interior...really superb...

Acres of space, I would say more than in an Eclass Benz. Those 1.8 Tsi engines are well proven and Skoda can tune them up for you to get a bit more hp.

If big and different is what you are looking for and a good overall car why not the Skoda. If you are concerned with resale and servicing outside BKK than probably not. I think the Superb gets a 5 year full service and warranty...not too shabby, if you have a dealer in proximity.

To throw in 2 European alternatives: VW Golf GTI, from VW Thailand now for special price of 2m and the new Volvo V40 with over 200hp at around 1.7m.

Or look at the new BMW 320i....

Not looking for sporty model so Golf is out, heard some neg things about fit and finish quality of Malaysian made Volvos. Maybe check out the Beemer.

I confirm about the poor quality of Malaysian Volvos... a guy in my company has one and complains of the plastic parts going to bits.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[kartman]

What i was going to say is does anybody on this forum owns a Superb ? so i doubt your going to get any realistic answers to your second paragraph.

Lots of euro members who may have recent experience of owning or driving one. Maybe some snowbird members might own back home that they drive in the summer.

As for the Volvo suggestion, don't like the styling or the interiors...big radar dome on inside upper front windshield which is distracting. Plus not sold on quality of Volvos put together in their Malaysian factory.

I won't be holding my breath for all those euro members replies, nor should you .

[Pdaz]

I'd like to hear more about a Golf GTi for 2 million Baht ? VW Thailands cra* website lists it at 2.6 mil and despite showing pics of the 3 door (which I'd like) the brochure and price list (in Thai) only talk about the five door (no thanks)

Like pretty much every other car in Thailand there is no manual option ( okay DSG is better than a conventional slushbox but still not my cup of tea) I'd be happy to pay 2.6 for a 3 door manual BTW..

[arthurwait]

Been looking at a Superb a good year back and had a good sit in it with probably the Best car sales staff explaining me everything...I can't deny...I was very impressed by the interior...really superb...

Acres of space, I would say more than in an Eclass Benz. Those 1.8 Tsi engines are well proven and Skoda can tune them up for you to get a bit more hp.

If big and different is what you are looking for and a good overall car why not the Skoda. If you are concerned with resale and servicing outside BKK than probably not. I think the Superb gets a 5 year full service and warranty...not too shabby, if you have a dealer in proximity.

To throw in 2 European alternatives: VW Golf GTI, from VW Thailand now for special price of 2m and the new Volvo V40 with over 200hp at around 1.7m.

Or look at the new BMW 320i....

Not looking for sporty model so Golf is out, heard some neg things about fit and finish quality of Malaysian made Volvos. Maybe check out the Beemer.

I confirm about the poor quality of Malaysian Volvos... a guy in my company has one and complains of the plastic parts going to bits.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

No problems with plastic parts on the V60 after over a year. Has he a cheaper ford based model ? Leather seats have gone in places but that is a factory recall.

[anon210]

Been looking at a Superb a good year back and had a good sit in it with probably the Best car sales staff explaining me everything...I can't deny...I was very impressed by the interior...really superb...

Acres of space, I would say more than in an Eclass Benz. Those 1.8 Tsi engines are well proven and Skoda can tune them up for you to get a bit more hp.

If big and different is what you are looking for and a good overall car why not the Skoda. If you are concerned with resale and servicing outside BKK than probably not. I think the Superb gets a 5 year full service and warranty...not too shabby, if you have a dealer in proximity.

To throw in 2 European alternatives: VW Golf GTI, from VW Thailand now for special price of 2m and the new Volvo V40 with over 200hp at around 1.7m.

Or look at the new BMW 320i....

Not looking for sporty model so Golf is out, heard some neg things about fit and finish quality of Malaysian made Volvos. Maybe check out the Beemer.

I confirm about the poor quality of Malaysian Volvos... a guy in my company has one and complains of the plastic parts going to bits.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

No problems with plastic parts on the V60 after over a year. Has he a cheaper ford based model ? Leather seats have gone in places but that is a factory recall.

He has an XC90. Not sure what the cause could be, but he has kids who can run a rampage (and he is not particularly soft with leasing cars either).