which car shall I buy?

[haryton]

Got clk320 w209 elegance, bored from it, had a test drive bm 330i coupe but didnt like it so have to stick to merc badge, but which one?
I am low milage user, 7k a yr, want a FASTER car than wot i have, cant afford e class coupe yet, has to be sport 2 dr, 4 seater. guess i am left with no option but only to buy another clk, is this wise and which one?
guess clk350 and clk500 are the only options, i know insurance and road tax are higher than clk32o. Petrol and service are slightly higher than clk320. what other cost increases should I look for? clk350 has 268bhp, clk500 has either 301bhp (5L) or 388bhp (5.5L)in the newer models.
Should i consider the old shape CL500?

All inputs are appreciated

Cheers

 

[moonloops]

CLK500 - based on cost of ownership.

CL is a great car but running costs are a bit rich for most. CL drives really well but it is a big/long heavy car and that ABC suspension costs a bucket if it fails.

 

[haryton]

moonloops
thanks for the reply, u didnt mention to get the 301 or the 388 bhp?

 

[finisterre]

I have just tried both the 330d and the CLK320cdi and I liked them both. I am curious, what is it that you found wanting?

I know a couple of people that chose Audi over either, they do some nice motors.

 

[steve333]

Got clk320 w209 elegance, bored from it, had a test drive bm 330i coupe but didnt like it so have to stick to merc badge, but which one?
I am low milage user, 7k a yr, want a FASTER car than wot i have, cant afford e class coupe yet, has to be sport 2 dr, 4 seater. guess i am left with no option but only to buy another clk, is this wise and which one?
guess clk350 and clk500 are the only options, i know insurance and road tax are higher than clk32o. Petrol and service are slightly higher than clk320. what other cost increases should I look for? clk350 has 268bhp, clk500 has either 301bhp (5L) or 388bhp (5.5L)in the newer models.
Should i consider the old shape CL500?

All inputs are appreciated

Cheers

Hi,you haven't told us what your budget is?

 

[moonloops]

moonloops
thanks for the reply, u didnt mention to get the 301 or the 388 bhp?

If I was selling mine I'd say the 301BHP model

I'd go for the 388BHP as it will be a facelift model and you get more power than the CLK AMG with less running costs albeit with less sporty handling.

 

[steve333]

If I was selling mine I'd say the 301BHP model

I'd go for the 388BHP as it will be a facelift model and you get more power than the CLK AMG with less running costs albeit with less sporty handling.

As moonloops said get the 388bhp(if your budget allows)virtually no difference in service cost/mpg/tax/insurance over the 301bhp but performance wise it's almost on par with a 55amg( but won't cost as much to maintain).When i was looking for my current cls a month ago i test drove the 301bhp 500,a 388bhp 500 & a 55amg 500 & bought the 388bhp

 

[haryton]

£20k

 

[steve333]

I know it's a 4 door coupe but you can get a cls500(5.5ltr 388bhp)for that money(2006/07)however,if your hearts set on a 2 door get a clk500(5.5ltr 388bhp)the running costs are reasonable for such a powerful car & the performance is outstanding

 

[haryton]

Thanks for all replies, I decided to go for the CLK500 5.5L 388BHP. Its hard to find second hand, in the past I always traded my old car for another used from Merc dealers, in the whole dealership there is only one and its a 5L. I am also looking for non merc dealers (autotrader, compucar and trovit) and havent found one yet...I shall keep you updated, cheers

 

[d w124]

I know you mention 2 door but have you thought about the CLS

 

[kwakdonut]

I know you mention 2 door but have you thought about the CLS

steve333 already mentioned that!

 

[haryton]

CLS is a nice car with saloon looks, I prefer 2 doors for the sporty looks obviously and also I hardly use the back seats only few times a year... I wish I could afford the E class coupe, may be in 3 years time

 

[Londonscottish]

Thanks for all replies, I decided to go for the CLK500 5.5L 388BHP. Its hard to find second hand, in the past I always traded my old car for another used from Merc dealers, in the whole dealership there is only one and its a 5L. I am also looking for non merc dealers (autotrader, compucar and trovit) and havent found one yet...I shall keep you updated, cheers

Good luck! There are very few E500's about and the good ones get snapped up quickly - so be ready to jump if one comes up. There are even fewer 380bhp ones out there than the 300's. I guess that punitive company car tax has been gradually strangling the new car V8 petrol market and forcing people into diesels, hence the relative lack of large petrols on the s/h market.

Worth the wait though - even the 300bhp motor in mine is tremendous. And on 7k miles a year any additional petrol cost will be negligable.

 

[The Boss]

i have seen a few online.. will try n send some links later.

 

[Londonscottish]

As moonloops said get the 388bhp(if your budget allows)virtually no difference in service cost/mpg/tax/insurance over the 301bhp but performance wise it's almost on par with a 55amg( but won't cost as much to maintain).When i was looking for my current cls a month ago i test drove the 301bhp 500,a 388bhp 500 & a 55amg 500 & bought the 388bhp

A mate of mine has got the 388 bhp CLS and tells me the acceleration is phenomenal.

 

[haryton]

I am now considering the CLS 500 the 5.5L, def will arrange a test drive soon. It is a bigger car around 25cm longer than the CLK and a bigger boot too..

 

[Noodle-Pulp]

I think if I had my heart set on a 2dr... the CLK is great, but if you want a bit of variety...
I'd be looking at either the 335ci or the A5..

 

[steve333]

I am now considering the CLS 500 the 5.5L, def will arrange a test drive soon. It is a bigger car around 25cm longer than the CLK and a bigger boot too..

I expect you will come back after the test drive & tell us you loved it & are going to buy one

 

[steve333]

A mate of mine has got the 388 bhp CLS and tells me the acceleration is phenomenal.

Your mate isn't wrong,still wake up with a big grin on my face after every drive in mine