Mercedes Benz CLK

Skilid · 9 Nov 2011 at 18:39

Hi guys.

I was just wondering why CLK's are so cheap nowadays? There are fantastic looking cars in my opinion. Seem very wafty rather than sporty too which seems nice. I've read that they tend to be built pretty well too.

Is there any major reliability issues with them or anything? Which model would be best to go for? 280/350/500? A 500 would be very nice. Anyone know what sort of mpg you get out of them? Thinking high 20's/low 30's for V6's and low to mid 20's for V8?

Reason I ask is because i've just started a new job and my pay is miles better and i'm wanting to move away from the hatchback scene and get something more 'nice'. Never really noticed them before having a look on autotrader today.

They seem to be going for around £9k-£13k.

So anyone had any experiences with them? I'm talking 2004 onwards. Thanks.

[TW]Fox · 9 Nov 2011 at 18:40

They are cheap because they are old, not particularly reliable, not particularly well made inside (It has a cheap C Class interior) and not cheap to run, therefore there is limited demand for them.

If its your first German car you probably wont notice the cheap interior coming from a Punto, so provided you are happy to build up a war-chest of cash for fixing it etc then it's a nice enough car.

Skilid · 9 Nov 2011 at 18:42

Is this just compared to your high standards? Or are they quite crap? Remember I'm used to driving Fiats.

[TW]Fox · 9 Nov 2011 at 18:43

It's in context - ie, compared to Audi and BMW and what you'd expect from a Mercedes Benz.

Skilid · 9 Nov 2011 at 18:56

Would you suggest any alternatives for around the same budget? I walk to work some days and drive others. It gets local use and the odd jaunt down/up the motorway. Just after something that feels more special than a Fiat, looks good, sounds good and won't completely rape my wallet.

JayMax · 9 Nov 2011 at 23:22

EliotG said:
looks good, sounds good and won't completely rape my wallet

You might need to drop your final stipulation then

Raymond Lin · 9 Nov 2011 at 23:23

Didn't you JUST got your Fiat?

flibbage0 · 10 Nov 2011 at 09:18

I'm guessing Fox would kill me if I suggested an E46 M3.

paradigm · 10 Nov 2011 at 09:20

flibbage0 said:
I'm guessing Fox would kill me if I suggested an E46 M3.

Someone who is looking at a softer GT'esque car, is not going to be in the market for an M3.

flibbage0 · 10 Nov 2011 at 09:27

paradigm said:
Someone who is looking at a softer GT'esque car, is not going to be in the market for an M3.

Yeh I just thought that after posting

Skilid · 10 Nov 2011 at 09:57

Raymond Lin said:
Didn't you JUST got your Fiat?

Got it over a year ago now. I don't like keeping things for long.

flibbage0 said:
I'm guessing Fox would kill me if I suggested an E46 M3.

Hell no lol. Not my sort of car at all.

JayMax said:
You might need to drop your final stipulation then

I know it would be expensive, just don't want it to be the ONLY thing I end up spending all my wages on.

Robbo · 10 Nov 2011 at 10:10

Considering how shocking the Punto interior is, it will be like sitting in heaven.

Raymond Lin · 10 Nov 2011 at 10:14

EliotG said:
Would you suggest any alternatives for around the same budget? I walk to work some days and drive others. It gets local use and the odd jaunt down/up the motorway. Just after something that feels more special than a Fiat, looks good, sounds good and won't completely rape my wallet.

Z4?

crinkleshoes · 10 Nov 2011 at 11:11

EliotG said:
Seem very wafty rather than sporty too which seems nice.

Does... not.... compute

Might I suggest an XKR - for that budget you can get a very nice 2002-4 example - extremely comfortable, reliable and a fantastic engine. Leagues above the SLK, let alone CLK... Maintenance costs with specialists are a bit cheaper than Merc too...

I miss mine...

Skilid · 10 Nov 2011 at 11:27

I don't quite understand why people say the Punto's interior is 'shocking'. Sure it's a bit plasticy and whatever but it's a budget car. Considering it's getting on for 5+ years old now, it's not that bad.

Jag XK is too old man for me.

crinkleshoes · 10 Nov 2011 at 11:29

EliotG said:
Jag XK is too old man for me.

I bought one at 23...

I think Merc's are middle-aged lol

Try test driving one, then say that again

It fits your bill perfectly from comments above & they're one of the most attractive cars on the road

shoes · 10 Nov 2011 at 11:49

paradigm said:
Someone who is looking at a softer GT'esque car, is not going to be in the market for an M3.

The kind of person who spends good money on a punto isn't interested in quality or performance either

Skilid · 10 Nov 2011 at 15:44

shoes said:
The kind of person who spends good money on a punto isn't interested in quality or performance either

Do you think, if I had the money at the time, that I would have purchased a Punto over something else?

[TW]Fox · 10 Nov 2011 at 15:46

EliotG said:
Do you think, if I had the money at the time, that I would have purchased a Punto over something else?

You obviously did though, as that isn't exactly a £1k Punto you are driving there is it? Better cars than any Punto exist at almost every pricepoint, there are few budgets where there is nothing better than a Punto.

Skilid · 10 Nov 2011 at 15:55

True, but at the time it was one of the best for power/insurance I could get. I didn't want a saloon/bigger car and I liked the look of the Punto. I still think it's an alright car, I just fancy something better now.