I've just noticed that the C32 AMG isn't too hard to find for under $10k. Back in the day, reviewers seemed to put it slightly above or below the M3 of the time. They hated that a $50k car had a standard tape deck, and that there was no transmission other than a smarter, speedier slushbox.
I'm interested because I drove the C230 coupe (and to a lesser extent, sedan) when new and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed it above the similarly-priced WRX and RSX. While the C230 is available with a manual transmission, the C32 isn't. On the other hand, the price spread between the two cars is pretty minor, so I do wonder whether I might as well go for the AMG.
Any opinions on this car?
Edit: I mistakenly called the C230 a C240. The C240 also came with a stick and in the same body style, but wasn't really sporting at all. I'm mortified by my error.
