My wife actually owns a 2007 C280. We got it with 42K miles on the clock a couple of years ago. It now has 75K miles and we haven't had any issues with it. We have a good mechanic that charges a lot less than the stealership (in my opinion this is the key to save some $$). He does all the maintenance / service on the car - and expenses are pretty much in line with other cars I have owned.

I'm 6 ft tall and find the car small for my taste. But it is a great ride, very comfortable and smooth. My wife and I test drove a 2011 C300 and she said that she would not trade the C280 for that as the C280 drives better. And I agree 100%.

The kompressor is sportier if that is what you are looking for. But I have not test driven one of them. I like the looks better though.

Just make sure a mechanic inspects the car before buying it. And for a better ride, buy a set of brand new tires (we replaced the stock tires with Yokohamas 215/55/16 and it drives like a dream!).