Mercedes-Benz CLK430 - Yes they did make one ;)
Discussion
So recently my wife has got a new job. This means she goes from a self funded 20,000 miles per annum in a 2014 Hyundai IX35, to me selling the Hyundai from under her and letting her drive my track Cooper S (which I really also ought to write a thread about) whilst we look for an Audi A4 cabriolet to do 2500 miles per year in (darned if I'm tieing up £15k/£20k in a car to do so few miles 
). Obviously this means I was looking at cars on eBay, autotrader and of course here. Which is why I ended up in the bargain barge thread, which is how I saw fellow PH member Greenarrow was selling his CLK430, which is not an A4, or a cabriolet. Being here, as we are, im sure you'll understand that I had to buy it. Even though it was 200 miles away. So now we're all clear on why (who wouldn't want a v8 CLK!).
So I booked an afternoon off work and got on a train.
For the record, trains are dull but the novel '40 Acres' is not - very like 'early Grisham'.
Nice train station at the other end.
Greenarrow very generously met me at the station for a check over of the car (he also provided many photos and a full description via email/phone) - as I said to him on the phone 'if i come to Bournemouth on a train, I'm not coming to look at it, im buying it!'
So after exchanging some cash, I came home again. Needless to say a far more enjoyable journey back than there!
So why a 430 CLK? Truthfully I regretted selling my CE
So replacing it seemed a sensible idea - I kind of internally queried myself 'what would you change if you could about the CE?' Being a good PH'er the answer was of course POWAHHHH! so I thought I'd try a V8. I also like the fact it's a little rare and I feel okay 'leaving it in places' in a way I simply don't about my 911.
First impressions? It's fast, fun and frugal (pick the lie). And it's got under my skin - far faster than most cars! There's a few jobs to do to get it to my A+ preferred condition level (I like to spend all my money making the car perfect for the next owner...), but that's part of the fun! I'll update the thread if anyone give a rats ass with more pictures and an outline of the jobs as they're ticked off.
). Obviously this means I was looking at cars on eBay, autotrader and of course here. Which is why I ended up in the bargain barge thread, which is how I saw fellow PH member Greenarrow was selling his CLK430, which is not an A4, or a cabriolet. Being here, as we are, im sure you'll understand that I had to buy it. Even though it was 200 miles away. So now we're all clear on why (who wouldn't want a v8 CLK!).So I booked an afternoon off work and got on a train.
For the record, trains are dull but the novel '40 Acres' is not - very like 'early Grisham'.
Nice train station at the other end.
Greenarrow very generously met me at the station for a check over of the car (he also provided many photos and a full description via email/phone) - as I said to him on the phone 'if i come to Bournemouth on a train, I'm not coming to look at it, im buying it!'
So after exchanging some cash, I came home again. Needless to say a far more enjoyable journey back than there!
So why a 430 CLK? Truthfully I regretted selling my CE
So replacing it seemed a sensible idea - I kind of internally queried myself 'what would you change if you could about the CE?' Being a good PH'er the answer was of course POWAHHHH!
so I thought I'd try a V8. I also like the fact it's a little rare and I feel okay 'leaving it in places' in a way I simply don't about my 911.First impressions? It's fast, fun and frugal (pick the lie). And it's got under my skin - far faster than most cars! There's a few jobs to do to get it to my A+ preferred condition level (I like to spend all my money making the car perfect for the next owner...), but that's part of the fun! I'll update the thread if anyone give a rats ass
with more pictures and an outline of the jobs as they're ticked off.
Interesting to see a CLK on Readers Cars. I looked at these when buying my XK8 - the 430s are fantastic value. Think the C208 CLK is maturing nicely.
Great to be able to buy one from a fellow PHer, as probably the biggest risk with these is neglect from previous owners.
Nice car, good buy.
Great to be able to buy one from a fellow PHer, as probably the biggest risk with these is neglect from previous owners.
Nice car, good buy.
I owned that before Greenarrow, it is a very nice car. I thought the ride and handling balance was really excellent, the only thing I didn't like about it was the seats weren't really designed for me. They are a very overlooked car in my opinion, criminally undervalued.
If you'd like any more info about how I acquired it and what work I did to it then just ask.
If you'd like any more info about how I acquired it and what work I did to it then just ask.
I have an old guy that has a convertible one of these he just doesn't use it so he's moving it on it's a convertible with no rust he had that taken care of a couple of years ago with new wings etc they're a good cruiser most people seem to get in the mid twenties with these.
If anyone is interested PM & i'll pass his details onto you.
If anyone is interested PM & i'll pass his details onto you.
TurboHatchback said:
I owned that before Greenarrow, it is a very nice car. I thought the ride and handling balance was really excellent, the only thing I didn't like about it was the seats weren't really designed for me. They are a very overlooked car in my opinion, criminally undervalued.
If you'd like any more info about how I acquired it and what work I did to it then just ask.
He did mention that! Sure, any info you have feel free to post or PM me, thanks! If you'd like any more info about how I acquired it and what work I did to it then just ask.
si_xsi said:
Nice, my old man had the 230k version of this, same colour. A very comfortable cruiser, does yours have the air inflating seats?
Any rust? Look forward to the updates.
It does not have any rust! Surprising, but true Any rust? Look forward to the updates.
As my question is 'what are the air inflating seats?' I'm going to guess mine hasn't got them... C70R said:
You're not missing much. The seats are much more focused on comfort than support, even with the extra adjustment.
Mind me asking what you paid? (To help me gauge my price)
A little bit less than double the 'shed' budget - which for a nice clean, plenty of history, sub 100k example seemed pretty fair.Mind me asking what you paid? (To help me gauge my price)
C70R said:
j44esd said:
A little bit less than double the 'shed' budget
I'm none the wiser, but I realise that PHers tend to be cryptic about their car spending.So he probably means £2k
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