Help with Car Choice

[londoner2001]

Been driving an A200 Turbo for a while, getting my own car over next few weeks, got 20k to spend on the car excluding insurance etc. I want something quicker so am looking at C32 AMG and E500 and SLK32 AMG, sat in current C Class and it feels a bit cramped, will the E500 still be fun to drive or will it not be a patch on the C32? Am 22 years old and been amazed at how reaonable the quotes are for those above, only want £2800 fully comp for the C32 in my own name.

Has anyone driven the SLK32 AMG, is it worth the two seater compromise for a fantastic ride? Off the three I have sat in I loved the driving position in the E class but the drive is what's most important, be grateful for advice before I trek around to look at each individual model.

 

[Flash]

Have a look at a CLK500 W209 as well - that is impressive and within your price range. I quite like the C32 AMG but if you think that feels cramped then you too will think that the W209 CLK500 feels cramped as well.

 

[pammy]

I have the SLK320 and have played with the 32. You're talking a very different cars, the SLK against the saloons/coupes. The cabin is a good size for a convertible. The 32 is fun but can be a bit skittish if you're not careful. But it's a relatively rare car so has street cred.

You could almost put the SLK in the boot of an E though

 

[Flash]

If Londoner2001 thinks the W203/W209 feel cramped then there is no way a R170 is not going to feel any more spacious so would be off the list too on this basis. So only option left is the W211.

 

[pammy]

If Londoner2001 thinks the W203/W209 feel cramped then there is no way a R170 is not going to feel any more spacious so would be off the list too on this basis. So only option left is the W211.

Agreed - but that why he needs to decide what it is he wants. They are totally different cars

 

[Flash]

Agreed - but that why he needs to decide what it is he wants. They are totally different cars

Well said and exactly what I was thinking!!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

SLK32 feels really quick - get more sensation of speed than the C32. It will feel even smaller inside than the C-Class though - partly because it is smaller, and partly because there's less light when the roof is up.

Make sure you have a good drive in one if you have a fairly large frame - the seat back & headrest is in one piece and I couldn't fit my shoulders in which was a touch uncomfortable, but being able to drive open-top has an appeal to me.

C32 is quick but there's not really any great sensation of speed. Can quite easily tootle around though, or travel at warp factor nine, depending upon your mood.

The E500 would make a fine choice - won't be quite such a sporting drive, but it will have plenty of pace, and a fair portion of grace. Wonderful interiors, and will have all the toys if it's an E500. Much of the fun of an E55 but a little more subtle to look at and to drive. Would make a fine choice IMHO.