Mka77

Did the research into what I could possibly sell my CLK for today.

After driving an MB for sometime, all the way back to the new 00' ML430 and few in between, I'm looking for a change.

Reality sat in when I started writing how I want the ad to read.

Looking at sporty AWD CUV's. In no particular order right now.

Infiniti FX35
Lincoln MKX
Cadillac SRX

All 3 drive incredibly nice. Especially the MKX. Seats are amazingly close to the CLK.

Thoughts to my madness?

mis3

If you are aiming for a SUV, how about Porsche Cayenne?

Glyn M Ruck

Or wait for the new Porsche Macan.



You have greater faith in US auto makers than I have. Everything they send to SA falls apart. Cadillac imports just ceased AGAIN - they are crap.

Mka77

Have never been a Porsche guy

Mka77

Last American made car I own was a 1998 Chevy ZR1 S-10. Been awhile....

Rudeney

The Infiniti and Cadillac are basically 5-door hatchbacks with a higher seating position. The MKX will be roomier, but it's still a FWD transverse engine car-based vehicle. If you need the utility of an SUV, why not consider the new Jeep Grand Cherokee? My wife has one and we love it. It's based on the new W166 M-Class and has a very European driving feel. It's not as luxurious as a MBZ, maybe with a little more hard plastic than I'd want, but otherwise, it has a lot of features for the money. Plus, it is a real SUV - not a body-on-frame, but a "normally" mounted engine in a native RWD setup. It sits up high, too. You can get a fully loaded V8, with low-range gearing for real off-road capability (but AWD for on-road safety and handling) for under $45K.

Mka77

Thanks for the insight Rudeney.

Kevwood

Personally, I think the SRX is a great little ride and it's between a new ML350 and SRX for the wife this summer. If I was back home I wouldnt mind a CTS-V and a SRX filling my garage, I was closing a deal on a CTS-V just before my transfer to Dubai back in '05 or '06.

eddieo45

Why not an ML? It's an American made Benz

Mka77

Already been there...

Rudeney

You had a W163, which is nothing like the W164 or W166 ML's. Your ML430 was a body-on frame SUV designed for off road driving, with a lot of compromises. Also, it was a MY2000 which missed out on many of the upgrades that came along in MY2002-2005. The W164/166 ML's are unit body vehicles based on the E-class chassis and if it weren't for their weight (which really isn't much worse than an E or CLK), they would probably be classified as crossovers. My biggest complaint about the 164/166 is a lack of cargo room in such an otherwise large vehicle.

Honestly, I'd buy a wagon before I'd buy a crossover SUV. My wife had a Murano and it was just not that great. It didn't drive like a car or get MPG like a car, but it got a lot praise in the industry for being a "crossover". It was just a big fat SUV shaped like an egg, which compromised cargo room. A wagon is a car with cargo room, and often more cargo room than a comparable crossover.

Having said all that, I really miss my W163 ML! It was very comfortable and had a cavernous interior, including the cargo area which put a Ford Explorer's to shame. I often peruse local ads looking for a MY2005 "final edition" W163 to buy. One day, I'll find just the right one and by it as an extra vehicle.

eddieo45

Rodney, what about used Jeep Grand Cherokees, like say 2009? Would that have been based on an earlier ML? I've got a friend with a Lexus GX on its last legs.....

Mka77

We loved our ML. Went 130k with some issues but nothing that cost an arm and leg.

Wife drives an 09 Murano LE and loves it. I drive it some on the weekends, usually to the coin car wash and out to dinner. It's perfect for us (her)

I can tell you this, after driving the 3 I listed the SRX is an absolutely awesome drive. I just wasn't in the "right" one the first time. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a deal here pretty quick.

Rudeney

Nope, the earlier Jeep (prior to MY2011) was all Chrysler, though they may have stuck a version of the 722.6 transmission in it, I don't recall. The new "WK2" Grand Cherokee and the Dodge Durango share a lot of parts with the W166 ML - 722.6 transmission, suspension, chassis design, etc. Chrysler still makes the engines, but both the Pentastar 3.6l V6 and the V8 Hemi are decent.

Rudeney

I sold my ML to a podiatrist who used it in his practice to haul equipment to nursing homes. It had almost 90K on it when I sold it. He said he put another 90K on it with zero problems! He sold it an bought a new GL, and said he wished he had kept the ML. The biggest problem I had with my ML was a horrible noise that had them repalce the entire suspenion, but ended up beign a loose hood latch release spring. Oh, and I had the infamous 3.2l "hesitation" problems.

That's the exact car my wife had before the Jeep. She liked it, I didn't. it did have a lot of features for the price. We compared it to a Lexus RX and the Murano won easily. But compared to the jeep, it ha all the features of the Murano, plus more and with 50% more cargo space and it drives like a block of granite (in solid, good European way).

I don't know much about the SRX, or really any modern Cadillac. I hear they are making some great machines now that truly compete in the world-class market. I'd really like to see the American car brands step up their game and make some good vehicles. I know they can, and the Jeep seems to be a good start. I've seen others, too - the new Ford's and some of the new Chevy's seem promising.

Mka77

Know what you mean about the ML. Sometimes I wish I would have hung onto it.

The American made stuff is finally making a respectable comeback. One thing I really like is the warranty structure has gotten way better along with routine maintenance for the first 4 years no charge. Cadillac anyways. Remember the old 36/36000?

Kevwood

I agree, I test drove the SRX & for the price, it's an incredible little machine. Wife still wants a ML though...

Mka77

Car sold today. Going to miss it.

Ran the Craigslist ad two days. Amazing.

Bought an SRX. Pickup tomorrow.

eddieo45

Congrats. Glad CL worked for you. I have a set of wheels on there and I get 2-3 responses a day. Some samples:

"Hola, is your listing still valid? I need further details on it please. I've been searching something similar for period of time so doubtful if it's the one. I have a video of what I'm seeking to buy along with my sensitive information so can you double check if they are the same thing or not?
It would be bad to meet you in person and then find out they are completely different. By the way, I ONLY deal with adults so forget it if you are a little kid trying to scam me, I'll not fall for that. You do have to sign up to see the video to verify you're real and legal of age but no worries, there's no cost to join. Anyways, message me on there so we can proceed. Thank you!
http://alikeitem .net
-Sent via my iPad "

"I spotted your posting and decided to ask you something critical. I am married and caught my partner cheating on me so I want to get back! My co-worker said cl would be the best place to find somebody who I can hook up with for one time only so thought the heck, I would email someone I thought sounded awesome in the ad and came across yours! You seem real and enjoyable so would you be maybe interested in chatting online first to see if we're feeling each other? To prove to you that I am real, I uploaded all of my pix, phone #, and a special note for you only under my private profile page. Can you call me today if you think I am hot? This way I can weed out bots and scammers as I'm sick of them! I bet you'll be taken aback to see who I am!
http://gay4lover .org
-Sent via my iPad "

"Is your thing still for sale? Umm...this might be off topic but you sound very hot in your listing. Do you want to get together sometimes? I promise I'm not a weirdo, just feeling lonely. If you're interested, meet me on my exclusive dating profile (it's like facebook for grownups), there's no cost to join! My pix and my phone # are all on there so get in touch with me. There are too many fakes on here so if you're legit text me and maybe we can meet to become buddies and maybe more? It's up to you! Alright, I won't bother you again! You'll be stunned to find out who I am!
http:// innocentbuds.com
-Sent via my iPad "

Kevwood

Wow, that was fast! Going to miss having you around here Mike, hope you keep in touch now and again

eddieo45

hey, so Mike,
can you tell us what a 2006 CLK350 goes for in KC? how many miles did you have?

Mka77

I did the research of all the available car valuations tools and had trade, private and retail numbers.

Ran a Carfax which was great. Showing all services performed through MB, a retail price add of +$710

Priced the car accordingly.

Car sold for $19,150. I was asking $19,500

56,233 miles

Mka77

Been randomly cluttering up this group too long to just stop posting.

Always going to be around and helping a guy or gal out whenever I can.

I really enjoy checking this forum daily. Everyone here is top shelf.

Many thanks to all of you for your valued input over the years.

Let's keep it going!

Kevwood

You're a good man Mike, that's great news for everyone that we'll keep seeing you. Now get a gret review of the SRX up right away so I can show it to wife's and save me a ton of cash over buying a ML

eddieo45

Man, that's terrific. I'm in no hurry to sell (especially given the tranny work I'm in the middle of) but it's nice to know, given I paid $22K 2.5 years ago!