Since I finally started making money, I've decided to save up to purchase a Mercedes. I really like the style of the 2002+ CL class and the CLS, but I'm having a hard time deciding on which specific model. The new CL and last years are both very appealing, since I have no need for 4 doors (I'm 20 yrs old) and I like larger sized cars. I would feel too old (no offense to anyone) driving an s class, unless it was the s65, but thats too expensive right now. The CLS however, especially the 55 is in my mind one of the best deals out there. I've driven an 03 E55 and was ecstatic at the power and the whole experience, and to me the CLS just fits my style better, but from what I've heard it has a similar, if not better driving experience. I'm not looking for the BMW "road feel", I want something that rides very smooth for daily driving, isn't hard to figure out, and yet is speedy, which is why I like the CL over the SL. To me the CL seems more practical and I believe it has a better interior. Does anyone know if the CLS has Active Body Control available? Anyway, if anyone has any advice or feedback I'd appreciate it. I'm basically looking for something maybe 1-3 years old, and I'm willing to spend anywhere from 50-90k

Given the criteria, I'd think you'd best enjoy an '04 SL600 Sport, drive it and you're hooked!

Yeah, I've definately thought about an SL600 or SL55, and I have to say the retractable top is really awesome. I obviously need to do some more test driving though. I don't know how much room there is in an SL though. Is there a difference between the SL600 and SL 600 Sport? I also forgot to mention more about where I drive. I live on the north shore of Long Island, and theres a lot of stop and go, and some roads are not the greatest. I see people driving SLs all the time, so I guess they manage fine. Here's a question: do you think girls my age like Roadsters like the SL or Coupes like the CL or CLS better? As much as I could pretend thats not a reason for getting a Benz, it simply wouldn't be true.

i take girls out first in my bud's 1976 Monte Carlo....if they stick around, then i show the real stuff. ;-)....gotta listen to Kanye.

T

if its going to be the only car you have, then don't get the SL its great but you need somthing with more trunk space and something that seats atleast 3-4 people so you can actually take it when you go with a couple people....just something to think about in a situation like yours....the CLSS55 is an amazing car, yet the problem of snow comes into affect duringg the winters up in the northeast...if you're going with a benz theres a dealer in central jersey that has a large clientele base in the NY area...i highly refer going there as he is the largest MB dealer in the northeast and said to be in all of the east...PM me if you're interested ill give you the contact info for my guy there

Hi,
The SL600 Sport means the car comes with the AMG sport option. This is a $6,000 option that gives you the AMG front and rear air dam / bumper, nicer wheels, and for 2005 and above steering wheel paddle shifters.

I am selling my 2005 Renntech SL600 Sport. It has 625 horsepower and in perfect condition with only 8300 miles. Check out my add with this link.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230/164109-sale-2005-sl600-sport-renntech-ecu-tcu.html

When I got the car I added the Renntech ECU and TCU upgrade that cost me $7000 and I recently bought new chrome AMG replica wheels with new Yokahama tires in 19" that ran about $3,500. The car absolutely ROCKS. It is very close to your price range so let me know if you are interested. The car will do a 0 - 60 mph in about 3.6 to 4 seconds. The car MSRP'd for $141,000 without the upgrades.

If it's really down to the CL or CLS -- the CL is the flagship, based on the S platform, while the CLS is an E in very nice trim. No offense to CLS lovers (it's a very sexy car) but the S/CL platform will always be in a class by itself. There is something eerie about driving 500 miles in one day and getting out feeling refreshed. It's a "first-class cabin" experience that's what the S/CL is all about.

My guess is that most women would be impressed with either, but if you get one to go away for the weekend, the CL will get her there in an optimal frame of mind.

CLs have always depreciated very quickly, which is a good thing if you're looking for a used car. Heck, you can find a low-mileage 2005 CL65 in the high-80s.

Just make sure your car is covered by a warranty! Any Mercedes off warranty is playing Russian Roulette with all chambers loaded. Starmark with a two year extension should help you sleep at night.

I am selling my 2003 CL55 AMG with 8600 miles and a full Mercedes 100K warranty. Please see my ad posted for price and details under this forum dated 10/4/06. Thanks!

SL 600 or SL 55 the only way to go ! I am 24 myself and i like the idea of the convertible! (No slk please I might consider a white CLS 55.


PS: the girls like the convertible!

If you can go for the R230 SL, definitely definitely get that. When it comes to women, I've not met one that does not like the SL.. or any Benz convertible for that matter actually... there must be something about them.

I think there's something that's utterly cool about the CL-class in general though. Like... it's 'da Benz. Big, two-doors, and impeccably finished inside.

Your pick!

been discussed hundreds of times between all friends and car crazies alike. i can tell you that the hands down winner for the college age group is three letters: B-M-W. so from the time i graduated in 2000 until now, this debate has produced some obvious results (obvious to me): it seems that most really don't know the difference between models, only makes. an SLK and an SL are essentially the same cars , amg doesn't mean anything, the common thread is (that is if they care about what you drive in the first place): WHAT you drive, accompanied by a generalized description of what it looks like. for example, 'oh that guy that drives the blue convertible mustang.' 'what happened with that guy that drove the white mercedes SUV?'
so, since you are shopping around in this level, you are not going to get any complaints . i feel that this purchase should be about what YOU want not what other people think. if they are going to chip in and help you pay for it then maybe they should have some influence otherwise...
also, i have found that most did not care about what you drive as long as the car is clean, odor-free, and in good running condition.
some cars that they really liked interpreted from description: audi TT, audi a4, almost every BMW (the Z3 and the M3 conv. were the same thing ), nissan 350Z conv, honda S2000, honda prelude, acura TL, almost every lexus, every porsche, almost every mercedes (thought that the SLR was neat looking ), the PT cruiser, the prowler, every VW...well you get the picture, not that pretty. the funny thing is the MOST attention that i have EVER seen one man receive because of the ride has to be when my friend rented a pastel pink, stretch beetle to promote the opening of his nightclub!!! simply magnetic..and yes, they exist .

I vote for the CLS, more sporty looking and suits your age better. The CL is awesome, but if I see a 20 yrs old guy driving it, first thing comes to my mind is: "Nice car your father has there." Don't get me wrong, if you think the CL is the one you want, go for it, but just like the S Class, it's not really for your age yet.

I'm 26...went for the SL. My buddy is the same age and went with the CLS (couldnt afford the SL at the time). The SL with top down here in LA is pretty much known as a trademark for $$$ and the girls know it. But to hell with what they want...any girl that likes you for a car is a ***** bro and is probably infested with something.

My buddy with the CLS asks to take my car to pick up a girl now and then, just because of the top down factor. The CLS is also a hot car, but not as hot as when they hit the streets.

If you are between the old body CL (2000-2006) and the CLS...get the CLS.
If you can get a SL and dont need the back seat (The CLS sort of has back seats I guess) get the SL. If you need a big trunk, dont care about the conv. hardtop and like to drive your buddies around while making them cramp in the back of a 4 door coupe, get the CLS.

Girls will think any of these choices are classy and that you have $$$....but if a dude in a lambo or Bentley is around, your Sl/CLS/CL is as just another car.

If you can afford the new CL, then get that over the CLS IMO.

I agree u should get the SL if u can. The CL is good but the new one is coming out which will make your CL look like used even though it is. what i don't agree that SL is just another car in front of the lambo. for me, i drive sl55 not because i can't afford lambo or ferrari, just because i choose the sl55 for its speed, style, hardtop and comfort etc etc... but if u driving cls, it is indeed just another car..

and dun listen to the other guy saying people dun care what model u driving.... those are just college people who can't afford anything... now i am 25, i know a lot more cars than when i was in college...

if u dun need 4 seats, get a used SL55... trunk space is actually ok..

I agree about the SL compared to the lambo, but to the girls that like money and cars over substance the lambo is where its at.

25 here and my CLS 55 suits me in every way...love it

Thats a great plan

down with gold digging!

If you are looking for attention from women I know that I get more looks, waves and smiles in cars like Cooper Mini S's, Mustang GT-H Rentals, etc. For some reason, which I cant understand, is that women love men in loud, lowered, and tacky mustangs!

u must be talking about girls from texas

^^^ lol... where i live, girls don't know jack ****.. they think a lifted ford f150 is attractive... well considering i live in a hicktown in canada... girls don't know the true meaning of a car.. if its flashy, they gonna be diggin for gold... i still cant wait until i get my license next year.. (in highschool)..

cl is really nice, but body is changing now. cls will look the same for a while if thats a concern. if it isn't, go for a cl65