brianw430

I hope this has not been done to death, as I have searched and have not found a reasonable direction to my question. I'm looking at find a daily driver and am torn between the looks of the two door CL and the complete comfort of the S class!

I have an option on two different models:

2000 CL500 with 31,500 miles for ~$31,000
2002 S430 with 46,000 miles for ~$27,000

I have not yet checked the service history or MVI report as of today for either vehicle.

I have been reading about reliability issues, and this is a concern, but if I were to choose one of these two models what are the overall opinions here. I realize this is the S forum, but I am also going to post this in the CL forum.

I also have no direct need for two versus four doors, I just like the looks of the CL, but love the comfort of the S.

Thank you for any insight!

newton22

As far as comfort goes, doesn't the CL feel just like the S?

whoover

The S and CL share a common platform, so I don't know why the S strikes you as more comfortable. The major difference is the rear-seat experience. It's not as comfortable for rear passengers to enter and exit, but once they're in the bucket seats are very comfortable. Driver and front passenger have very similar experiences with both cars. The ability to carry 5 is lost in the CL; that is the major tradeoff for many.

The earlier models had more glitches, but by now most of them have been sorted out on the earlier owners' time. There is no doubt that these cars are expensive to maintain. If it were me, I'd look for a Starmark (CPO) and pay for the longest extended warranty available. A 2003 with full Starmark extended warranty will be covered for 100K miles or through 2010, whichever comes first. One problem with the suspension or transmission can pay for this.

An S430 may be marginally cheaper to maintain, but the 500 engine is funner. You might also look for a S55 or CL55. They are great bargains now because the new body style has depressed all the W220 models. The 2002 S55 is considered "undesirable" because the 2003 got a supercharger and 100+ more horsepower, but it's a great car and is a lot more fun and better looking than an S430 or even S500. Ditto the unblown CL55s. An AMG might cost you another $5-10K over the corresponding non-AMG, but if you're going to have the car for a while you'll be very happy you made the stretch.

brianw430

That was the insight I was looking for...thank you! There evidently is no "luxury" difference between the two, sharing the same platform. I have not driven either models yet, or ever for that matter. Have not even had a ride in an S or CL class, so both will be a new experience for me.

I have also been looking at the AMG versions as I love my CLK55, just looking for something larger and will keep my eyes open for both models in the AMG version.

Thank you very much for the replies!

DRTYLNDY

I would love to know what your final decision is. I now have a beautiful silver 2000 S500 Sport which I love but I also can't stop thinking about the CL. My wife will kill me but oh well.
Johan

brianw430

I just got a call from the owner of the CL500 with 31,000 miles...sold three days after he marketed the car. It may simply come down to which one I can find in silver/black that has the most comprehensive service records/warranty and the least miles. There are some really nice S55's out there too, but I just need to drive them and decide which one grabs me hardest. From all I've read, they are going to be similar in maintenance costs.

Are you thinking of selling your S500 sport? The upcoming CL's are amazing looking...can't wait to see one in person.

DRTYLNDY

I can't decide if I want to sell my S. I am really torn. I sold my Z06 Corvette to get this S now but now I have that car itch once again. My wife just may spontaniously combust. Then again she is a animal crazy person and is talking about getting her 8th animal. She already has 3 dogs 2 cats & 2 goats.
Johan

bamberger_1

..........Then again she is a animal crazy person and is talking about getting her 8th animal. She already has 3 dogs 2 cats & 2 goats.
Johan[/QUOTE]

Is she getting a Jag to drive or to wear?????????? :-)

DRTYLNDY

Actually she just sold her Jaguar and got a Toyota Sequoia so she can get hay for the goats.

Vader55

No brainer,

2000 CL500 with 31,500 miles for ~$31,000 . If it was a 02 S500 it would be a toss up, but with the lower miles and bigger 5.0 motor the the CL would be my choice. Best of luck.