CLK advice

[sja]

Thinking of trading my 2.7 Boxster for a 53/04 CLK. Looked at but not drove a 320, and it was very nice, but zero toys (command etc). Which are models to avoid, prob only keep it for a year so don’t want it to plummet in value. Are the diesels any good, presume very quiet?

[elster]

Are you wanting convertable or not?

I had a 53 CLK cabriolet up until end of last year. Ex bought it off me, well nearly has.

Not a fast car, but comfortable, lovely to drive, and always fun.

They don't depreciate too much, well not until the next models out. As long as you don't put too many miles on it. Ones without command are cheaper, and the price reflects that. Try to get one with.

I will be getting another one, once I don't need my van anymore.

[paracetamol]

I had a CLK 320 and have replaced it with a Boxster (!). The CLK is one of the best cars I have ever had-surprised the heck out of me. Punchy engine, very comfy and more refined/better built than the S class! but not a sports car-much more a grand tourer. I had a massive spec and still had trouble reselling it and having bought it for £26k sold it for £18k 18 months later. Had a few electrical glitches-Command went west, central locking failed, fuel pump failed twice. I had warrantydirect cover thank god.

The diesel 270 was awful (well the one I test drove was)

[sja]

Cheers.. I think I'll try and get a drive this weekend then brace myself when I ask about trading the boxster.. Fancy a coupe rather than conv. Not many 320 in North East at official merc dealers, and teh few there are a quite low specced.

Thanks

[elster]

They can get them from all over, but call the dealer that has the 320 you want.

Sometimes ytou can get a better deal.

Ignore what I said as was referring to conv. the coupe depreciates like a coupe, s will lose money quicker.

But still make sure you get a highest spec possible.

[paracetamol]

sja said:

Cheers.. I think I'll try and get a drive this weekend then brace myself when I ask about trading the boxster.. Fancy a coupe rather than conv. Not many 320 in North East at official merc dealers, and teh few there are a quite low specced.

Thanks

You'll need to brace yourself much harder when you come to PX the Merc if you buy it from a main dealer. I bought mine from an indepedent at £26k- It would have been up at a Merc dealer for £29k and so I would have lost £11k in 18 months! WHats even worse is that the car cost £47k new and was only worth 18k some 3.5 year later!

[paracetamol]

sja said:

Cheers.. I think I'll try and get a drive this weekend then brace myself when I ask about trading the boxster.. Fancy a coupe rather than conv. Not many 320 in North East at official merc dealers, and teh few there are a quite low specced.

Thanks

You'll need to brace yourself much harder when you come to PX the Merc if you buy it from a main dealer. I bought mine from an indepedent at £26k- It would have been up at a Merc dealer for £29k and so I would have lost £11k in 18 months! WHats even worse is that the car cost £47k new and was only worth 18k some 3.5 year later!

[hammerhead]

I traded a 2.7 Box for a fully loaded 320 Avantgarde CLK Coupe (see profile). Bought from Merc main dealer who were next to useless when it started to rust/bits fall off so had to get MB HQ involved. Only kept it 11 months and am now back in a Boxster S.

Maybe my CLK example was a Friday afternoon car but the rubbish attitude from MB has quashed anymore thoughts of buying another MB. Which is a shame as the CLK is a gorgeous car.

Tread with caution I'd say.