What should I get - Advise wanted

[comports]

You may have seen my CLK is dead thread and now the insurance have agreed to pay up I'm in the market for a replacement.

Question is - What should I get as I don't really know the 209 range.

I see a nice CLK 500 but have no idea what they are like. A 5Ltr engine sounds big and not sure I need that. Do I want to go for something like a 2.6ltr and would I notice a drop from the 3.2 enough to put me off..?

Any advice on whats a good car to look for.?

Thanks

 

[Gridlock]

Everybody needs a 5 litre engine

You're set on a 209 cab?

2 Lady Owners from new

I think I've been on the internet too long - read that a totally different way to what they meant, I think...

 

[comports]

I took me a while to get what you meant but it finally dropped..!!

I have a 4.6 Range Rover anyway but wondered if the 5.0L is a bit overkill for the CLK.? Bear in mind Mrs C will be driving it as well (sometimes)

 

[Gridlock]

Better to have and not need than need and not have

 

[Charles Morgan]

I haven't driven a CLK500 but I did have an E500 estate. The 5 litre engine is extremely relaxed and smooth, and of course if you want to boot it, it will respond, but in day to day use it was a joy to drive something so relaxing. I can't speak for the difference in economy between that and a 3.2 or a 2.6 but I suspect the latter wouldn't be that much better. A friend who is a long term Merc owner (with an early 70s 350 6.3) has a motto of always go for the biggest engine in the smallest car, although that does pre-date the arrival of AMGs.

Try it and see, they are certainly well priced at present.

 

[James Rothwell]

Everybody needs a 5 litre engine

You're set on a 209 cab?



I think I've been on the internet too long - read that a totally different way to what they meant, I think...

Erm... I don't get it!

 

[Baron_Samedi]

I endorse (FWIW) what Gridlock says.

Did the 320 motor you had tick all the performance boxes?

If yes, get the same again, but if you hanker for more, then clearly a 500 beckons

 

[Howard]

5 litre will be fine. You don't want a car that's all show and no go

You'll kick yourself if you don't buy a 5 litre , honestly ...... you'll be cruising in your 2.6 and think ' I wonder what happens when i put my foot down ? ....... oh !? '

Whereas if you buy the 500 , you will think ' I wonder what happens when i put my foot down ? ....... AAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhrrggggghhh !! '

A big engine in a light car body is surprisingly economical ...

 

[BaldGuy]

The CLK500 (previous car) is an awesome car, sedate and driving miss daisy or open her up and its an animal.... no real rust issues on the 209's... i used to average 27 on my 500 as do i on my 55, however boot them and its middle teens and huge grin.... you only live once!!

 

[comports]

I think it is at least worth a try then. I suspect a fair bit ore insurance but I'll get a quote. Thanks Guys for the feedback.

Is the one in my top link about right price wise. There may be some negotiation room but is it along the right lines..?

 

[BaldGuy]

Thats a high specced car with the rare always lost/sold deflector... I'd go in at 12k and see what happens.... start low and move up....

 

[Gridlock]

Erm... I don't get it!

Like, it was bought new by 2 ladies... Comfortable shoe types..

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Gridlock, your mind works in an odd way....

But I like it

 

[James Rothwell]

Like, it was bought new by 2 ladies... Comfortable shoe types..

Oh I get it now. Very odd!!

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Not as odd as you may think, according to this website I was oh.. forget it

 

[Gridlock]

Like I said, too much time on the internet

 

[BTB 500]

I would agree with the other posts i.e. seriously consider a 500. Certainly our SL500 is smooth & relaxed to drive ... not an 'animal' in any way. But it's nice to have the power there, for when you want to use it.

 

[grober]

The 500 will ultimately hold its price better as they are a much rarer animal --unless they make them illegal to use due to high emissions of course!

 

[steve333]

If you have factored in the additional running costs of a clk500 over a clk320 then why not take a test drive,don't rule out a clk320 diesel,37mpg & quicker than your w208 320 cab was

 

[vibesg]

If you have factored in the additional running costs of a clk500 over a clk320 then why not take a test drive,don't rule out a clk320 diesel,37mpg & quicker than your w208 320 cab was

The CLK 320 cdi is lovely but was never offered as a soft top in the UK.