156 to clk ?

[redstu]

I really like my 156 v6 , nice place to sit (red momo) ,sounds nice looks good does everything I need ,but a few more mpg would be useful.
I could keep it and be happy!
But then i'll find that 5 years have passed and a lot of interesting cars had passed me by as well. So early next year I think I'll be looking for a replacement.
Clks seem reasonably priced at about 10 years old , variety of engines and convertibles as well.
Saab aero or an xjr would also fit the bill.
Whatever I get it needs to be better than the 156 in terms of involvement and in car ambience.
would a 320 would do the job?
Thanks.

Edited by redstu on Sunday 19th December 13:12

[limpsfield]

Around 2003 I went from an alfa 156 2.0 to a 230 clk and kept it for a few years. I would say it was less involving than the alfa but nice inside. More of a barge coupe rather than a sporty one.

Running costs probably on a par with the alfa and reliability about the same by which I mean overall good.

It was a great car for munching up the motorway miles but I am not sure I would do it again - I did go onto buy another 156 a few years later.

[dave1409]

I drive a 156 V6 now. I test-drove a CLK430 a few months earlier.
I did feel that the electronics were doing more of the driving in the CLK than I was. It was a fairly fast, comfortable car, but the engine was too quiet for me and I felt I wanted something more involving.

[lordlee]

Do you have a budget in mind as that would help understand what level of CLK you would be looking at.

[redstu]

I only like old cars so budget is about 2000 to 2500. I only do about 2000 miles a year so no point in spending more.

[lordlee]

I'd also consider the CLK's predecessor as it was far, far better built and doesnt have the same electrical gremlins that seem common on CLK's. I would go for a CLK after owning a 156 in answer to your question.