Last week with the CLK
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2004 CLK320
Last week with the CLK
After 14 years of ownership, I am finally moving on. I just put a deposit on a new car and should take delivery next week.
I bought my 2004 CLK320 when new and I put 234K miles to it. The car is getting old and I can see that replacement parts are getting harder and harder to get. It has come to a point that it makes less and less sense to keep money to it.
I bought my 2004 CLK320 when new and I put 234K miles to it. The car is getting old and I can see that replacement parts are getting harder and harder to get. It has come to a point that it makes less and less sense to keep money to it.
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
After 14 years of ownership, I am finally moving on. I just put a deposit on a new car and should take delivery next week.
I bought my 2004 CLK320 when new and I put 234K miles to it. The car is getting old and I can see that replacement parts are getting harder and harder to get. It has come to a point that it makes less and less sense to keep money to it.
I bought my 2004 CLK320 when new and I put 234K miles to it. The car is getting old and I can see that replacement parts are getting harder and harder to get. It has come to a point that it makes less and less sense to keep money to it.
What are you getting next?
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
I am also preparing to change from my 2005 CLK 320 in a year's time maybe and moving up to a facelift W204.
Good luck with the new car and I'm definitely interested in a review and comparison with the CLK once you have the new one.
Godspeed!
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
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2009 CLK350 COUPE AMG SPORT
Best of luck with the new car! I've read many positive articles on the SI; I'm sure it will be a fun daily driver!
I went from 20 years of MBZ to Lexus earlier this year, but I couldn't get used to the car, so I came back with my first CLK.
I went from 20 years of MBZ to Lexus earlier this year, but I couldn't get used to the car, so I came back with my first CLK.
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Yeah, my wife just bought a Cadillac XT5 (the new version of the XTS crossover). It rides well, and is nicely appointed, but it's not MBZ. In fact, her prior car, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was a much more solid feeling vehicle. There are just so many things we keep finding about the Cadillac that are non-luxury, like having the same seat controls you get in a low-end Chevy, lots of hard plastic surfaces, small seats, etc. I think compared to a Ford Edge or Hyundai Sante Fe, it's very nice, but compared to an ML/GLE, GLC, BMW X5, or even a Jeep Grand Cherokee, its a bit lacking. Thankfully, it's just a 3-year lease. I tried to talk her into buying a gently used ML/GLE, but she would not go for it - she had to have a new car. And I'm not paying ridiculous delaer prices for a new MBZ - I'll only buy them used and let someone else take the 20%/year depreciation.
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Thread Starter
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2004 CLK320
I did look at a new C300 4-matic coupe first and after all my discounts, the out-the-door price came up to be $76K CAN. The Civic SI I am getting is $34K. Mind you that Intelligent Drive package and all wheel drive are not available for the SI. The SI also does not have the engine stop/start and runflats tires which I hate.
Although I am not too crazy about the rear wing of the SI coupe, I think overall the SI is a good looking car. Honda is famous of its reliability and high resale value. Forgot to mention, it comes with only 6-speed manual transmission (same price for automatic transmission).
I know already that I will miss the solid feel of a MB but maybe I will get used to the nimble feel of the Civic. I will take delivery of the car next week. After a few hundred mile of break-in, I will certainly report here.
Although I am not too crazy about the rear wing of the SI coupe, I think overall the SI is a good looking car. Honda is famous of its reliability and high resale value. Forgot to mention, it comes with only 6-speed manual transmission (same price for automatic transmission).
I know already that I will miss the solid feel of a MB but maybe I will get used to the nimble feel of the Civic. I will take delivery of the car next week. After a few hundred mile of break-in, I will certainly report here.
Last edited by mis3; Nov 8, 2017 at 10:21 PM.
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MB’s of all kinds.
Yeah, my wife just bought a Cadillac XT5 (the new version of the XTS crossover). It rides well, and is nicely appointed, but it's not MBZ. In fact, her prior car, a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was a much more solid feeling vehicle. There are just so many things we keep finding about the Cadillac that are non-luxury, like having the same seat controls you get in a low-end Chevy, lots of hard plastic surfaces, small seats, etc. I think compared to a Ford Edge or Hyundai Sante Fe, it's very nice, but compared to an ML/GLE, GLC, BMW X5, or even a Jeep Grand Cherokee, its a bit lacking. Thankfully, it's just a 3-year lease. I tried to talk her into buying a gently used ML/GLE, but she would not go for it - she had to have a new car. And I'm not paying ridiculous delaer prices for a new MBZ - I'll only buy them used and let someone else take the 20%/year depreciation.
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2004 CLK320
My biggest gripe of MB is the high maintenance cost. Worse for Canadians.
In Canada, the only place to buy OE parts is the dealership. They can charge whatever they want. Most parts cost maybe twice what US online stores charge. One extreme example is the w209 fuel filter (002-477-3001), Toronto dealership charges $140CAN while the US online stores charges $46US for the same genuine MB parts. Worse for me because I am not DIY person and the set rate for a job in the dealership (set by Mercedes Canada) has a lot of "build-in buffers".
In Canada, the only place to buy OE parts is the dealership. They can charge whatever they want. Most parts cost maybe twice what US online stores charge. One extreme example is the w209 fuel filter (002-477-3001), Toronto dealership charges $140CAN while the US online stores charges $46US for the same genuine MB parts. Worse for me because I am not DIY person and the set rate for a job in the dealership (set by Mercedes Canada) has a lot of "build-in buffers".
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
My biggest gripe of MB is the high maintenance cost. Worse for Canadians.
In Canada, the only place to buy OE parts is the dealership. They can charge whatever they want. Most parts cost maybe twice what US online stores charge. One extreme example is the w209 fuel filter (002-477-3001), Toronto dealership charges $140CAN while the US online stores charges $46US for the same genuine MB parts. Worse for me because I am not DIY person and the set rate for a job in the dealership (set by Mercedes Canada) has a lot of "build-in buffers".
In Canada, the only place to buy OE parts is the dealership. They can charge whatever they want. Most parts cost maybe twice what US online stores charge. One extreme example is the w209 fuel filter (002-477-3001), Toronto dealership charges $140CAN while the US online stores charges $46US for the same genuine MB parts. Worse for me because I am not DIY person and the set rate for a job in the dealership (set by Mercedes Canada) has a lot of "build-in buffers".
Really looking forward to your review of the new car vs CLK one you've driven it enough.
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2004 CLK320
So, you can share my pain. LOL Talking about conductor plate, the local price of the parts is $545CAN while US sells the same for $250US. These were the prices when I had to change it maybe 4 years ago. Another example was the water pump, Canadian price was $360CAN while the US price was $160US (both prices with core returned).
The US online store I was referring to was a dealership as well which sells OE MB parts online. Another issue is these online stores do not ship to Canada!
The US online store I was referring to was a dealership as well which sells OE MB parts online. Another issue is these online stores do not ship to Canada!
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2004 CLK320
Adding to the fact that the replacement parts are getting sparce (again, my sources are limited to Canadian dealerships). This is my daily commute so there is really not much choice for me.
I test drove the car twic. The first time was so so, probably because I did not drive a manual for many years. The 2nd time I drove the car, the car was great. It helped when the salesman kept asking me to take sharp corners and floored the gas pedal. It reminded me of my previous car; 1999 Honda Prelude, The amazing part is maximum torque of 192 comes at early as 2100-5000 RPM. Also, the clutches of these modern cars are so light. With LSD and electronic adjustable dampers, it is a great little package.
I am sure I will miss the class, elegancy and drivability, When I feel this way, I will think of the price difference $42K CAN.
I test drove the car twic. The first time was so so, probably because I did not drive a manual for many years. The 2nd time I drove the car, the car was great. It helped when the salesman kept asking me to take sharp corners and floored the gas pedal. It reminded me of my previous car; 1999 Honda Prelude, The amazing part is maximum torque of 192 comes at early as 2100-5000 RPM. Also, the clutches of these modern cars are so light. With LSD and electronic adjustable dampers, it is a great little package.
I am sure I will miss the class, elegancy and drivability, When I feel this way, I will think of the price difference $42K CAN.
Last edited by mis3; Nov 9, 2017 at 04:28 PM.
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2004 CLK320
I like to get a fun car for now. The next car is probably a self-driving car.
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2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
You wanna see rip of prices come to Australia mate, make's even you Canadians look affordable. I called for the two plastic side covers of the dash. $10 in the US. So $20-$30 for both sides depending where you go. In Australia, wait for it, brace yourself $400 fking dollars. On average here the dealership will charge about $500-$600 to do just the front brake pads, this doesn't include new rotors. MB Australia/Asia Pacific is one of the most greedy and money hungry organisations that I have ever seen in my life.
FYI, I do all my own work and order parts from the US, hence how I can afford any cars. Ends up costing me less than a civic
FYI, I do all my own work and order parts from the US, hence how I can afford any cars. Ends up costing me less than a civic
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2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
You wanna see rip of prices come to Australia mate, make's even you Canadians look affordable. I called for the two plastic side covers of the dash. $10 in the US. So $20-$30 for both sides depending where you go. In Australia, wait for it, brace yourself $400 fking dollars. On average here the dealership will charge about $500-$600 to do just the front brake pads, this doesn't include new rotors. MB Australia/Asia Pacific is one of the most greedy and money hungry organisations that I have ever seen in my life.
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2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
Nah, filthy stupid more like it lol People here finance the sh***t out of everything and have become so retarted that most wouldn't even know how to top of up the windscreen washer fluid. On top of that people here live pay cheque to pay cheque, they are just lucky they live in a good country where they can pretty much always find work, especially if they're not picky.
It's not just MB as well ,everyone here is a massive rip off, even someone like honda will want $800 for a radiator.
It's not just MB as well ,everyone here is a massive rip off, even someone like honda will want $800 for a radiator.
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2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
Not to start an argument but we all know america doesnt speak proper english :p its the only country i believe that has its own variants of words in the english language and since your media is so powerful many people here spell the american way hahah im alo no spelling **** and constantly make mistakes so lets not get anything started 
Also pretty much no one here gets pay cheques anymore its all directly deposited as it probably is in the us but its weird saying, living from bank deposit to bank deposit hahah
Also pretty much no one here gets pay cheques anymore its all directly deposited as it probably is in the us but its weird saying, living from bank deposit to bank deposit hahah
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Not to start an argument but we all know america doesnt speak proper english :p its the only country i believe that has its own variants of words in the english language and since your media is so powerful many people here spell the american way hahah im alo no spelling **** and constantly make mistakes so lets not get anything started
Also pretty much no one here gets pay cheques anymore its all directly deposited as it probably is in the us but its weird saying, living from bank deposit to bank deposit hahah
Also pretty much no one here gets pay cheques anymore its all directly deposited as it probably is in the us but its weird saying, living from bank deposit to bank deposit hahah
You right. It seems every English speaking country has their own version. I honestly didn't know people used that spelling and found it interesting.
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2004 CLK320
I think (at least) the maintenance cost of a Honda is lower than a MB.
Before I bought the w209, my daily commute was a Honda Prelude (1999, the last generation). I broke the side mirror and the dealership charged me $350CAN to replace it (parts and labour). This was 15-16 years ago.
Then 12 years ago, someone broke the side mirror of my w209. Parts alone costed me $1,000CAN. . The Mirror glass alone was $270CAN.
Both side mirrors are heated and controlled from inside the car.
Before I bought the w209, my daily commute was a Honda Prelude (1999, the last generation). I broke the side mirror and the dealership charged me $350CAN to replace it (parts and labour). This was 15-16 years ago.
Then 12 years ago, someone broke the side mirror of my w209. Parts alone costed me $1,000CAN. . The Mirror glass alone was $270CAN.
Both side mirrors are heated and controlled from inside the car.
Last edited by mis3; Nov 12, 2017 at 03:23 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 119
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2002 C200 Kompressor Elegance MY03
I think (at least) the maintenance cost of a Honda is lower than a MB.
Before I bought the w209, my daily commute was a Honda Prelude (1999, the last generation). I broke the side mirror and the dealership charged me $350CAN to replace it (parts and labour). This was 15-16 years ago.
Then 12 years ago, someone broke the side mirror of my w209. Parts alone costed me $1,000CAN. . The Mirror glass alone was $270CAN.
Both side mirrors are heated and controlled from inside the car.
Before I bought the w209, my daily commute was a Honda Prelude (1999, the last generation). I broke the side mirror and the dealership charged me $350CAN to replace it (parts and labour). This was 15-16 years ago.
Then 12 years ago, someone broke the side mirror of my w209. Parts alone costed me $1,000CAN. . The Mirror glass alone was $270CAN.
Both side mirrors are heated and controlled from inside the car.
