Germancar1

Ok, I've been a Mercedes fan for a long time now and the time has come to get one. In looking at various Mercedes cars over the last few years I have settled on three choices, a brand new C230, a 2002 CLK430 or a 2003 E500. All three are within my budget of 35K or so.

I have found a couple of E500s (both 2003s) from between 36-37.5K, both with less than 20K miles, and both of them have a Stone interior which is my favorite interior color on the E-Class. Of course the E320 is a little cheaper, but of course I'd like to get the E500 because of the V8 and standard Airmatic. I haven't run across a E320 with the App pkg. yet, it has the Airmatic also but they seem to be quite rare in this area.

I have found pleny of CLK430s all 2002s that fit within the price range, some are even convertibles with less than 40K on the clock.

Of course you all know about the 2006 C230 with the new V6 and what it can be had for nowadays. Not sure I want to go this route with a new C-Class being shown in less than a year.

Which would you all go for? For the money 35-38K I think a E500 with the appearance package or a CLK430 Cabriolet would be far more car for the money over a new C230. I just needs some details from some current E-Class owners (especially those who own 2003's) as to what to look out for on these cars. I've heard/read things about the brakes, Nav (don't really care about that), but what else?

Same thing goes for CLK430 owners. Also, I briefly thought about a R129 SL500, like a 2000-2001 model, but they are still very expensive and even more $$ to maintain - in short I ain't ready for such a car! Still a "dream car" I guess, but what a timeless design that was!

Any advice, experience, comments are appreciated and welcome!

M

sean6543

Do you need a 4 door?

Personally I think the 2002 CLK430 is the best looking of the cars you listed.

StapleGun

How about something fast and not that mainstream like a 4-door C32 AMG? You should be able to get one in superb shape for that price!

rlucas

I have a 2001 CLK 55 AMG and simply love it. I vote for the CLK. Sexy!

lkchris

Best to include within your budget a warranty.

Three ways to do this.

1. Buy a new car. (Part of what you pay for is the warranty.)

2. Buy a used car with an aftermarket or Starmark warranty.

3. Buy a used car for significantly less than your budget and squirrel the rest away to pay for maintenance. You'll need it with a Mercedes.

Germancar1

Thanks for the posts guys. I really am torn between the ride/refinement/looks of the E500 and the sportier looks and "coupeness" of the CLK430.

I thought about the C32 AMG also, but I can't stand the interior, especially gauge cluster.

M

grt62

I have both an '03 clk430a and an '04 e500w4. Although I like both, the clk has been without problem so far, while the e has has at least 5 trips for service. The e is a great daily driver; it has about 30k so far. I just put my third set of tires on it last week, and went back to the oem conti's. The clk has about 4k on it, and has never even seen rain. The suspension/ride on the clk is much smoother (surprisingly) than the e. Both are a lot of fun to drive, though completely different autos. The e will go hundreds of miles quickly on a road trip; I haven't tried this yet with the clk. Either car would be an excellent choice.

MB Fanatic

E500 all the way man. V8 power, Airmatic, looks, comfort, features. The list just goes on and on IMO.

Toog4me

I'm pretty positive about this, but an extended warranty is an insurance backed product. The manufacturer, with the exception of GMAC, does not actually underwrite the policy.

When you buy a brand new vehicle, it comes with the manufacturers warranty because it is there to protect your vehicle from any mechanical breakdowns CAUSED by the manufacturer. Once that period is up, it is now considered "your fault."

If you take a look at the "Mercedes" warranty, or the "BMW" warranty, or whathaveyou, you will notice an underwriter. It's not Mercedes, but an insurance group. These warranties are warranties that the dealers are buying off of warranty wholesale companies like Warranty Direct or Continental Warranty, and upselling to you!

The only warranty that is actualy underwritten by the manufacturer are GMAC plans, like the Masterguard, Major Guard, etc. plans.

When you buy a warranty, you want to look at the contract and the coverage, not JUST the coverage. A full coverage warranty with limitations is garbage.

Continental Warranty carries warranties with NO labor caps, no adjuster clauses, no financing clauses, and no "reasonable cost for repairs." As long as the repair does not exceed the value of the vehicle, you're good. And since EVERY claim is paid for with a corporate credit card ON the spot, BEFORE the work has even been done, there's no need for "THEY WONT TAKE MY WARRANTY." Now that's piece of mind!!!