Not bad, go with the 2006. it has the v6 while the 2005 has the super charged 4 cyl. As for upkeep it is quite low. Yes it is the c class (poor man's benz) but does look better then every car in the same class
looks better then the
G35
325i sedan
jaguar x type
Audi A4
Acura Tsx or the TL (both are front wheel drive )
Yes it doesnt handle like the 3 series but they look better and the interior looks classy and clean. If those who argue the 3 series is so much of a drivers car etc, again its a 2.5i inline six so do not let them talk you down as they act like they are driving an M3 CSL or something
get a 2006 and add some 18 inch Amg wheels on it.
(do not de badge the car as it looks like you want it to be an AMG c55 etc)
I have never owned one but I did drive the c230 for about month (2006)