So... I am the happy owner of a 2001 CLK 320. Car is fine, upgraded the wheels from those crappy wagon wheel stock ones to AMG's (no I didn't rebadge or anything) and car works fine and so on and so forth.

Sigh.. how do I explain this. I want to upgrade. For about the same money (39k) I can get either a 2002 CLK 430 with all the options and 12K miles, OR a 2000 CL 500 with much higher mileage (closer to 60K).

Help me out here fellas. I know this is the w208 forum, but if you had that choice to make, which would you choose and why?

Please keep in mind that I have to be budget conscious, I make decent money but how some of you guys afford as much as you do at 20 something I'll never know.

Regards,
-Bouncer-

 

umm....no question here... go with the CL. Just make sure that you get good service records and make sure that the paint isnt all screwed up.

 

CL -- search long and hard, be patient and you'll find the right one.

 

I feel the same way Bouncer. I have been looking for some time and am torn between the roomier CL and a CLK55. I have always liked the larger 2 door and looks/styling of the CL, but I also considered the maintenance costs. I believe the CLK would be lower, I could be wrong. Drive the CL and it will sell itself, I love that car. I also love the CLK, both incredible cars just different animals. You have a great opportunity to two very great/classy cars most will never realize.

The other consideration, which you may have already considered, is passengers. I am alone most of the time, so passenger roominess is not a concern.

My vote is certainly with the CL, beautiful car! Keep us posted on what you decide! I may wait another year for them to drop more in price.

 

Stay away from the CL. Even if you do have a warranty the car will spend many days in service due to the naturally complex nature of the CL class. I would say stay away from the earlier CL's especially and save your moeny for the next generation of cars.

 

I thought I was the only one thinking this. I am seriously considering
"upgrading" to an 01-02 CL500 with around 30-40k miles.

 

I've driven the CL500 many times. WONDERFUL car.....but you will miss the power if coming from an AMG.