That's EZ. If you'd driven a CL, then you wouldn't have posted what you did (e.g., calling the CL a big boat). Quality complaints are normally the result of ownership experience and to make the broadbrush statement that the CL is "still not on the certain level when you can say that the car is reliable...." suggest that your experience with the car is limited at best.

Again, my feelings are the the CL is the best car produced in its class.

By the way, have you driven both cars?

I drove my neighbor's Maserati less than two hours ago. It's nice, but it falls short of the CL by a looooong shot

 

About CL, I was speaking about my friends one, because it was newer, more expensive and much better than mine and it even had more issues than mine have had. LOL, MB sucks. I've had one of the first CL's in Russia, maybe just mine had many issues, I dont know....I didnt like so I sold it. And yes, it feels like a boat, at least for me.
Why am I driving a C-CLass instead of something better? First of all thats not your business, but for now I will tell you.
My friend ruined my whole company while I was living in Europe. After 1 year when I finally came back from Europe and my company was ruined and my friend was gone with money he earned using my position and my rights....I dont want to talk about, because it was the worst experience in my life.
I hope I will be able to afford something better than a C-Class, but for now, my C-Class costed me 72k USD, yes 72! and I am satisfied with that.
Maserati all the way for chris.

 

So does the Maserati's interior look like a 25k car one? Hmmmm, NO!

 

I drove the Maserati, but did not care for the paddle-shifting transmission. It wasn't as smooth as an automatic. I guess it just depends on what you are looking for....

 

Since Maserati is under Alfa now and not Ferrari, I would hold off on the Maser. The new model development has been put on hold and who knows what support there will be for the existing lineup that's not selling that well anyway. They might be orphaned next year.

 

OK, no that does not look like a 25k interior. It has a wood steering wheel and two toned leather...so I guess it could be a $30k interior.

 

Everyone can have his own opinion. I respect yours!
This is 30k car interior.

 

Hey, buy mine!

https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/112287-fs-2003-cl600.html

In all seriousness though, I would opt for a Maserati. A friend of mine suggested it and I was going to oblige. Then I got the uber crappy snob treatment from the dealer and I mosied over to the Benz dealership and bought a CL600.

Said friend has nothing but good things to say about it. A couple of things of concern. The F1 paddle shift is glitchy and a bit jerky. I've driven many cars with the F1 tranny and they're suspect reliability, undergoing constant software changes, and jerky in stop and go. Depreciation is the next. But hey, if you're looking for a CL, you're going to get smacked pretty hard no matter which way you go! Lastly, depends on the dealer, but in my experience the Ferrari dealers are really obnoxious. Maserati is second fiddle to Ferrari too, so keep that in mind; unless of course you have a great relationship with the dealer.

Good luck in your search and may the car that suits you best give you miles and miles of worry free, safe motoring!

Cheers

 

Going from the CLK-55 to the CL-500 I am not unhappy. I just needed space, range comfort more than I needed fast. The CL isn't half bad on a back mountain road compared to the CLK. As for the Maserati the interior looks a little wild. If it breaks down in Durango Colorado I think the only thing that could be done is put it on E-bay and hope for the best.

 

about what is better. to each his own. and stop all this 'i bet my dad can beat up your dad' bull****. these boards are for discussions.

 

OH Yeahhhh????
Do you know alfa romeu brand (crap cars, only design) from group FIAT, like Ferrari and Maserati ?
They all share interior parts

Interior pics from Alfa romeu cars:

 

I also have a friend with a maserati spyder, one of the firsts in Europe, and for every day car its too sporty, in traffic you have to mantain a secure distance from the front car, because if you touch a little bit on the gas pedal, BOP , 50 meters ahead, its too nervous

 

I will always love the CL and perhaps I will own one someday. I bought an 04 White Maserati Cambio Coupe with 1,200 miles and a Tubi exhaust. Thanks for all your comments.

I owned 2 CLK 430s and loved them. I drove an 04 CL 500 Sport that the dealer lent me for a long weekend before I made my decision. Put about 300 miles on it. I loved it ...

Both are wonderful cars. I NEVER thought I would buy a Maserati until I drove one.

The CL floats and is a nice looking car. The lines are smooth. The engine is nice.

The Maserati is a completely different car. Its a 360 Moderna that you can drive everyday with ease. You can paddle shift or drive in automatic. Its acceleration is sick and its ride is obscene. The CL provides a smoother ride, the Maz is sportier.

Both interiors are sharp. Mine has black leather with white piping with a complete leather headliner.. Its soft and plush.

After doing some research and learning the CL and Maz cost the same to insure my decision got easier. They both were the same price pre owned. Both had factory warranties. The CL had more miles.

I went back to the Benz Dealer in NJ with the Maz I was test driving. After 3 or four Benz sales guys came out and started gawking.. It was clear.. All things being equal THEY told me to get the Maz... Its a practical exotic car with sick lines... They told me I will see a CL or two everyday.

In my county, I have seen 13. The CL is certainly more practical, I will pay about $1,000 each year to service the car because I plan to drive it, but its worth it. I can't stress how much fun it is to drive. The engine roars...

I am 31 and married. So I will say this to the younger single guys thinking about the CL. Drive the Maz as well, see if you can borrow one for the night. Take it to a club or somewhere where the ladies are at.

Again, I wish nothing but the best to all the CL owners and I am sure someday I will own another Benz.

I could only get one picture up. CM

 

If I were your age I would be doing the same thing, after you hit 50 it will be time for the CL.

 

I also like the Maserati, but you will pay a lot for each service, a lot more than if it was the merc!
I know its a sportier car and fun to drive (I drived one for some time) but, I hope I'm wrong, you would be sick of it first than if you have the MB.

I have that friend I mentioned earlier and he done 37000 miles with his spyder for 2,5 years and now that he payed a lot €€€€€ in maintenance he is driving his S400CDI all the time and only the Maserati some weekends (maybe more now, its summer :p )

 

Maybe a CL55 or CL600 would have made a difference for you. Anyway the Maserati is a beautiful car (although the back taillights remind me of an older body style Honda Prelude, they could have done better there)... I like it very much. And its good to see someone drive both and give us his experience... I will check it out next time I change cars.

 

Nice purchase, good luck. I'll stick with the CL (that is, if I can ever get the key to turn so I can start it).

 

....i thought most cl owners here were less than 50-- more like 25-40 (i'm 31)

 

I don't know what the demographics are. The CL is the head of the fleet as classes go. I suppose it could be argued that the SL is too. As I got olded I moved away from the Porsche type of car and got into the long range interstate cruiser. You can take other people and their bags too and go 400 miles on a tank of gas.

 

that's ok, mebbie it's just me..... other day a young girl at dunkin donuts called me "sir"

 

We did a survey on a thread a while back and most of the CL owners on this list were in their 30's, with a few in their 20's and a couple in their 50's. I think the average owner is much older, I think its the enthusiasts that get on forums like this, and most of the time they are younger.

This isn't a real young person's car... but I am in my 30's and I feel very comfortable driving it... I would feel odd however driving an S class.

So how old are you that the girl called you sir? If she was 12 and you are 35 Its OK... if you are 28 and she was 19, then.... you have a problem... hehe :p

 

The CL is perfect for a long trip and has great trunk space.

I am sure the CL55 and CL65 are obscene cars. They were never in our consideration because of their price.

My wife drives our Escalade and I also have a knock around van. With two practical cars, the Maserati only has to play a fun role.

Maybe it me, but I still get carded down the Shore or in Atlantic City, but I was at the 7-11 and this 17 year old called me sir.... I don't consider myself that old at 31....

Two of my friends have CLs. One is 35 the other is 29.

CM

 

thnx, i think she was about 16.....

 

Hey Chris, how do you like your Maser so far? In my opinion, the Maser looks great inside and out. It even have a decent backseat. Do you drive in Auto or Manual mode? When I drive mine, the Auto tends to use high gear in slow speed (like 4th when I'm going 30mph); but even the 4th gear gets the car moving at that slow speed when you step on it. I acutally use Sport Manual most of the time, just have to get use to the minor jerkiness. But then, that's how a true sports car drives like anyway.

 

Don't want to get anyone mad on this board, by talking about other cars.

Drop me an email at chrismathews74@hotmail.com

So far still blown away, surprisingly the car handled very well in a few thunderstorms I got caught in down AC.

I drive with the paddles in regular mode and sometimes in sport mode. I will also drive in auto when I am drinking a coffee or something. To be very honest, I enjoy the jerky - ness. I can shift pretty smooth with the paddles, but when I am behind the wheel I like to be engaged. I really don't think the ride is anymore jerky than my buddys new vette when he is shifting. I think it comes with the manual transmission territory.

CM