CLK owner satisfaction?
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12
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CLK owner satisfaction?
Hey everybody,
We are planning to buy my mom a 2-3 year old CLK convertible (still haven't decided between 320 or 430 yet) as a gift for my parents' upcoming silver wedding anniversary.
She absolutely loves the CLK.
However, she doesn't know much about maintaining/servicing cars (that's why she is currently driving a Lexus- which, miraculously, has survived all sorts of abuse).
Therfore, the car MUST be reliable and durable enough for her. She's not a car savvy person and the last thing we'd want is to leave her stranded somewhere on the road.
Most importantly, is the CLK a car you all would want to put your mothers' in? At least with a Toyota-Lexus, we can all rest at ease knowing the car will not let her down, but since her heart is set on the CLK, we do not want to stop her.
How satisfied are you all with your CLK's? Is one more reliable than the other 320 or 430? What are key things to look out for in the purchase of a used CLK convertible?
I hope to learn a lot from this forum,
Thank you all in advance,
Rohan
We are planning to buy my mom a 2-3 year old CLK convertible (still haven't decided between 320 or 430 yet) as a gift for my parents' upcoming silver wedding anniversary.
She absolutely loves the CLK.
However, she doesn't know much about maintaining/servicing cars (that's why she is currently driving a Lexus- which, miraculously, has survived all sorts of abuse).
Therfore, the car MUST be reliable and durable enough for her. She's not a car savvy person and the last thing we'd want is to leave her stranded somewhere on the road.
Most importantly, is the CLK a car you all would want to put your mothers' in? At least with a Toyota-Lexus, we can all rest at ease knowing the car will not let her down, but since her heart is set on the CLK, we do not want to stop her.
How satisfied are you all with your CLK's? Is one more reliable than the other 320 or 430? What are key things to look out for in the purchase of a used CLK convertible?
I hope to learn a lot from this forum,
Thank you all in advance,
Rohan
Last edited by XenonES3; Jul 16, 2004 at 08:57 PM.
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Irvine, CA
2000 CLK430
i got a 2000 clk430 black coupe and i love the car more everyday. w208 body style is a classic beauty that will never look bad!
look out for blower motor for the ac, engine mounts, and fuel sender unit!
if your gonna get a cab. i would get the 430 for sure, it's a very heavy car.
look out for blower motor for the ac, engine mounts, and fuel sender unit!
if your gonna get a cab. i would get the 430 for sure, it's a very heavy car.
Last edited by charliev68; Jul 17, 2004 at 12:53 AM.
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
clk320
The CLK is a great car. But in comparison to a Lexus, you will probably have higher maintenance with a Mercedes. It's just a fact! There have been recent reports lately on this.
But the thing is, you are driving the car you love. I think that outweighs everything. A Mercedes is simply a Mercedes!
I really think "stranded" is a harsh word. I dont think that will realistically happen.
Definitely go with the 430 because of the added weight to a convertible to make it more stable.
But the thing is, you are driving the car you love. I think that outweighs everything. A Mercedes is simply a Mercedes!
I really think "stranded" is a harsh word. I dont think that will realistically happen.
Definitely go with the 430 because of the added weight to a convertible to make it more stable.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: the OC, So Cal
2000 CLK 320
No Major Problems
I've had a 2000 320 Coupe for 4 years now with almost 70K miles and no serious problems. Chances of the car breaking down and leaving your mom stranded is very unlikely, with my experience at least. Just in case, there's always Tele-Aid that could help or 1-800-Mercedes which provides service for the life of the car 24 hrs a day.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 175
Likes: 2
From: Henderson, NV
2008 GMC Sierra
Although the CLK is a nice car, reliability, dependability, and customer satisfaction are a big problem with Mercedes Benz (call 1-800-for-mercedes). I have owned 6 MB cars and once the dealer gets a hold of it you can count on many return visits. My '98 CLK 320 was in the shop 3 times for more then 30 days each. My '99 CLK 320 Cabriolet is still not right because they (MB) can't supply a "quality" replacement top. Speaking from my experience a person has to be mechanically savvy to own a Mercedes.
You would be wise to purchase an extended warranty if you make the purchase.
My suggestion is to stay with the Japanese cars rather then turn a dream into a nightmare.
I am not trying to "bash" MB but am stating the simple truth. Many people have good experiences with MB service.
Regards,
Ed
You would be wise to purchase an extended warranty if you make the purchase.
My suggestion is to stay with the Japanese cars rather then turn a dream into a nightmare.
I am not trying to "bash" MB but am stating the simple truth. Many people have good experiences with MB service.
Regards,
Ed
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
You can't have it both ways. These cars REQUIRE regular maintenance.
You stated.....
"However, she doesn't know much about maintaining/servicing cars (that's why she is currently driving a Lexus- which, miraculously, has survived all sorts of abuse)."
If she neglects the CLK, she may be in for a rude awakening. Help her set the expectations with this purchase or she may surely come away disappointed.
FWIW, I've owned my W208 CLK55 for over two years with no trouble.
Good luck in your decision.
You stated.....
"However, she doesn't know much about maintaining/servicing cars (that's why she is currently driving a Lexus- which, miraculously, has survived all sorts of abuse)."
If she neglects the CLK, she may be in for a rude awakening. Help her set the expectations with this purchase or she may surely come away disappointed.
FWIW, I've owned my W208 CLK55 for over two years with no trouble.
Good luck in your decision.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,030
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From: Hell
EFF YOU JACKIE
FWIW, I have complained many a times about the reliability factor of MBZ. But on the same note the car is a freaking work of art, when it comes to styling and class. The 208 is such a classy, brilliant body stlye. If you can put up with the issues that may or in some cases may not arise, then you will enjoy the car... With every car there are issues. Enjoy it, you never know when you won't have it....
