Buying a CLK. Is it worth it?

[davy9449]

Hi, I'll try and keep this brief.
I drove a 320 conv CLK Y reg about 2 yrs and fell in love with it's looks. I seem to remember it going pretty well, but didn't think at the time it was as fun as the 944, but it was on a straight road! Thought about getting one ever since. Our lass likes them too which surprised me as it's bigger than a Focus!!

Whenever I see one with AMG wheels on, I just think 'Oh yes!

The thing I need to know is, is it a good drivers car? And how does it fair against say a 328 or 330 BMW? (Dare I say a 968 which I know handle sh*t hot). I don't like to go along with the majority who might buy a BM because it is 'the one everyone goes for', but don't want to get something I would be disappointed at either.
I know auto is the way to go, but are the 4 pot engines any good?

Also no mention in EVO mags 'knowledge' section except for the AMG version - which I couldn't afford to run.

Thanks,

Dave

[rob_j]

davy9449 said:

Hi, I'll try and keep this brief.
I drove a 320 conv CLK Y reg about 2 yrs and fell in love with it's looks. I seem to remember it going pretty well, but didn't think at the time it was as fun as the 944, but it was on a straight road! Thought about getting one ever since. Our lass likes them too which surprised me as it's bigger than a Focus!!

Whenever I see one with AMG wheels on, I just think 'Oh yes!

The thing I need to know is, is it a good drivers car? And how does it fair against say a 328 or 330 BMW? (Dare I say a 968 which I know handle sh*t hot). I don't like to go along with the majority who might buy a BM because it is 'the one everyone goes for', but don't want to get something I would be disappointed at either.
I know auto is the way to go, but are the 4 pot engines any good?

Also no mention in EVO mags 'knowledge' section except for the AMG version - which I couldn't afford to run.

Thanks,

Dave

Handles like a barge. It's a C class with 2 less doors. The 200 is gutless, 230K is a bit rough. 320 is the way to go,

Seriously it's a good car, but don't go expecting great handling

[davy9449]

Hmmm, I did wonder with not reading any reviews on them being known for driveability etc. Thanks for the input!

[Hag]

I have a 230 kompressor auto, 99 reg, have it about three months and have to say I like it. it took a while to get used to it. I came from an Alfa 156 1.8 to this and there is a huge difference in power. It supposedly has 197 BHP, the power delivery is good, smooth gear changes, very comfortable and an excellent cruiser. I haven't tried to make it 'handle' anything yet and don't really intend to either unless I come across some welcoming country roads with no traffic in dry weather, but it does seem very much planted, it has 205's front and rear at the moment, but I'm changing the standard wheels, which have tarnished, in a few weeks for a set of 17's with 225 low profiles, so maybe when that's done I'll give it a run for its' money.

My only advice would be to drive more of them, as many as you can. Mine is not convertible so the road-holding would be different and over here(Ireland) the road tax would make owning a 320 too expensive(€1350 p/a FFS!!) as it is the 230 costs €755p/a and the insurance on a convertible is frankly ridiculous.

HTH!

Hag.

[racingsnake]

If you enjoyed it then get one.
I have an 02 230komp and I love it for everyday use.
I get 28mpg average and it's a lovely motorway blaster (up to 37mpg on a run.)
It's no hot hatch but it's certainly no barge either if the tyres are good, if you switch off the ESP and use the tip box it will even drift in moments of daftness.
Thing is they are so quiet and refined that you don't realise you are actually making progress and it just feels so relaxed and long legged.
I looked at and drove the 330ci BMW but it didn't feel particularly sharper or more powerfull, likewise the 330d sounded like a bus.
The boot on the CLK is much bigger which swung it for me as we have to get a wheelchair in for the missus and we have a TVR for a daft weekend toy.

[racingsnake]

Oh yeh running gear is actually a mix of C & E class.

[pentoman]

A lot of people will tell you Mercs handle "like barges", I think what they mean is they have no feel. When you get past the soft suspension and lack of road feel, most of them handle incredibly well with exceptional damping and great balance and loads of grip, especially good when you realise the ride quality and refinement they tend to have too. They are mostly front engine rear drive with pretty good suspension engineering which is a good start.

I remember how the C-class was better rated than the E46 3-series by Autocar during one of their "best drivers cars" tests a few years ago - that was on the track section of the test - which upset the boat a bit. However that was the current C-class - you're talking about the old CLK which is based on the old C-class and not as good.

In many ways I prefer the handling of my 190E 2.0 auto barge to the cosworth one I also own. I keep having stupid thoughts about doing a track day in it. I find with Mercs at first they feel poor handling at 5/10ths, but push harder to 9/10ths and it gets better and better. Far too many cars are the other way around (although I doubt a 968 is one of them ).

So it won't feel like an Elise, but it will work pretty decently if you decided to go on a track day in it, is my prediction unless they've really buggered it up!.