Maestro

I notice that many of you are purchasing used W208s and spending $5K+ modifying them to your liking. I am assuming that you are purchasing a W208 instead of a W209 because you either can't afford a W209, or you have better things to do with the extra $20K. However, that $5K spend modifying your car brings the difference to only $15K. Considering the Mercedes recent reputation for reliability, and the cost of repairs and parts for a Benz, you could easily spend $15K on repairs during the next four years of ownership. So... is it really worth it to buy a W208 instead of a W209? If so, why?

Bagher

I have wanted a CLK ever since they first came out when I was 18, I always thought they were a great body style that steered away from Mercedes' conservatice designs. I think the 209 looks like a crappy accord coupe and very feminine while the 208 looks like a masculine muscle car. I got a '99 with 38k miles on it which if you know about mercedes engines is not even broken in ( I have a W124 w/ 200,000 miles on it going strong) and I only paid 21,350 for it. This is less than half the price for a new uglier (IMHO) car. Plus my dad owns a repair shop so repairs are not a problem for me.

Maestro

It's a common complaint that Mercedes quality and reliability aren't what they used to be... hence why so many 300E drivers on this forum are complaining about the W211. Your W208 shouldn't be nearly as reliable as your W124. Personally, I also love the W208 but if there's a real problem within the first four years of ownership which is a realistic concern, that $15000 savings could be easily eaten up. Also, much of that $15000 difference is made up for by the depreciation difference... it just seems like people here really aren't saving any money by purchasing a used W208 instead of a W209, unless you know someone who does repairs.

jddumas

I got the W208 because I liked the body style and found a 2002 with only 19k miles on it and it was Starmarked so it has plenty of warranty left. I could have bought a W209 but just didn't like it. It may grow on me and if it does then I'll get one. I would have been willing to pay more for a 208 than a 209. I'm not wealthy by most standards but money wasn't the reason.

smalldog

Same here..........

We buy what we like.......

Chappy

Well, I suppose it depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. If only 2 or 3 years, perhaps leasing is a viable option.

99% of cars depreciate....can't get around that fact, but a new (W209) will depreciate at a much higher percentage in the first 3 years than would a used (W208) for the same time period.

In addition, for those truly concerned about warranty, there are many examples available with the extended warranty purchased by the original owner. BTW, I don't think $15,000 in repairs in 4 years on a used CLK is realistic....the figure will be much lower (between $3-$6K), not including maintenance. The new 2005 models don't come with maintenance included anymore, so that's not a savings in your comparison.

There may be other factors involved as well...timing, affordability, etc. Enjoy the ride

midget fidger

you're right, i couldnt afford a W209 CLK320...but if i could, i'd buy a 2002 CLK55 instead :-D

smalldog

Maestro are you think about buying a clk? I think the 208 body really says MERCEDES it has nice body lines. The 209

Edclk430

But i think a good point was made in an earlier thread....People "buy" what they like. That's why some people will buy a 1967 GM muscle car, where others dont see the value. It might just be something that the buyer had set his or her sights on. I too as well as alot of folks on the forum could have brought "new" Mercedes or even BMW, but I for one am not really happy with the new design by both dealers. But not to dwell on that, but I guess that what makes people different....and we all have to respect each others individualism....

My .02


GREAT FORUM!!!!

Ed

Maestro

Yes. I'll be moving to a traffic-ridden city soon so it will definately be a 320. I'm trying to decide between the W208 and the W209. I love the new interior, as the center console of the W208 says "Old" to me, and the transmission is obviously night & day. Aside from those two factors, I prefer the W208. It looks more "classy", feels more comfortable, and there is a noticable quality difference. Parts of the W209 yell "C-Class" at me :P

Brian_I.

IMO the w209 completely changed the CLK and not for the better. Two completely different styles that appeal to different tastes.

unsung

I was going to buy an E55 but decided I didn't want a 4-door. So I loved the W208 anyway and found a good deal on a 2002. I also don't care for the W209 style much.

I may keep my W208 for a long time, but I think my next Benz will probably be a CL.

Unless I win one of those crazy $300 million lotteries, then I'm buying a SLR.

AMGfan

I think for most folks, it is not a matter of the cost of the W209...the W208 looks better (less feminized) to most folks...well to me at least. I'd do the same thing...if I were to keep my W208, I would definately spend the extra jack to get a Kleeman or RennTech SC upgrade.