Mission Impossible: Stylish 4 Seat Coupe/Conv for £7.5KIsh?

[ZX10R NIN]

silvertypes said:

Yes Benz Bavarian not far away - they sell a lot of exotic cars Lambo's Ferrari's etc - proper drool stuff! I assume they'd be great tho did notice a bad review online but maybe a one off who knows...

My hands on mechanical knowledge pretty much ends at filling the tank so I'm at the mercy of the garage

I'm loving the idea of a CLK500 Cabrio or Coupe but maybe getting carried away! been looking at Insurance - My Honda is group 29 but a CLK Cabriolet (03-09) 500 Avantgarde 2d Tip Auto (03) is allegedly group 47!

I'm just researching at the mo so no worries but when I do finally get a quote I Can't see how it isn't going to be 'a lot'

You might be surprised on the insurance front, but check it out, if a 500 prove to much on the insurance front take a look at one of these I have one as my daily:

224bhp 376ft/lb torque mine is mapped with an uprated intercooler & gave 289.4bhp 489.3ft/lb torque, it doesn't have the engine note of my clk63 but it helps make me not want to drive it when you have the power & torque to play with.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 8th April 11:42

[ZX10R NIN]

Just like to say OP you've made me change my mind I have now bought a CLK55 AMG 93k for 4.5k but it does need to have a front end respray(stone chips/paint not looked after) & the rest of the car is to get a Paint Restoration & detail clean, luckily I have a bodyshop so that's one thing I don't have to worry about, the Suspension is tired drop links clanking as well as one of the arms on the drivers side.

Then I'll be going to the same set up I've got on my other CLK's so it'll be Penske Coilovers, Poly bushes on the anti Roll Bars, Centre Console Facelift, Resonator Delete, SL55 Front Discs & Calipers as well as OE arms, drop links & of course a re map.

All of this means that the money saved not buying the CL63 BiTurbo means I can get the new R1M so it's a win win.

[silvertypes]

ZX10R NIN said:

You might be surprised on the insurance front, but check it out, if a 500 prove to much on the insurance front take a look at one of these I have one as my daily:

224bhp 376ft/lb torque mine is mapped with an uprated intercooler & gave 289.4bhp 489.3ft/lb torque, it doesn't have the engine note of my clk63 but it helps make me not want to drive it when you have the power & torque to play with.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 8th April 11:42

Never wanted an oil burner but can't argue with performance like that AND reasonable economy - the slightly more sensible choice!

Whats all this about diesel particulate filters that cost a bit & need replacing often-ish? Anything to be worried about?

[silvertypes]

ZX10R NIN said:

Just like to say OP you've made me change my mind I have now bought a CLK55 AMG 93k for 4.5k but it does need to have a front end respray(stone chips/paint not looked after) & the rest of the car is to get a Paint Restoration & detail clean, luckily I have a bodyshop so that's one thing I don't have to worry about, the Suspension is tired drop links clanking as well as one of the arms on the drivers side.

Then I'll be going to the same set up I've got on my other CLK's so it'll be Penske Coilovers, Poly bushes on the anti Roll Bars, Centre Console Facelift, Resonator Delete, SL55 Front Discs & Calipers as well as OE arms, drop links & of course a re map.

All of this means that the money saved not buying the CL63 BiTurbo means I can get the new R1M so it's a win win.

Another beast of a car in progress then. I guess high mileage isn't putting you off? Looks like you can do any work yourself tho = which helps...

[ZX10R NIN]

silvertypes said:

Another beast of a car in progress then. I guess high mileage isn't putting you off? Looks like you can do any work yourself tho = which helps...

93000 miles is low for an 03 plus the V8's are good for 200k the suspension will be done by a specialist but the rest will get done as & when I can get it done my last 55 had 144k on the clock & I sold it on with everything running strong I'd dyno'd it the month before selling & it produced 418.4bhp at the crank, So I have no worries about the engine.

[silvertypes]

Still mulling this over... If I was feeling daring the CLK500 would be great but if I wanted to play it safe something like this may be a better bet. Maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

CLK 3.0 CLK280

Comparing it to my Accord this is :-
- On budget
- Newer (2007)
- Tax (the Same)
- bit quicker & comparable if not better MPG
- Mileage pretty good only 60K
- Insurance? Not sure

OR CLK 320 or possibly newer CLK350 even better perhaps but more £

Thoughts? Much difference between the 3 models?

Just thinking if I suddenly had to do lots of commuting & had committed to a 16MPG V8 I may be bankrupt - just a thought...

[masermartin]

Timely thread for me as well.

From what I know of the 3200GT (haven't owned one), they are costly to sort, but once sorted they respond well to regular usage. Depending on mileage, you'll need something like £2k/year for servicing etc (averaged out) and keep a £2k slush fund in case something big does go wrong though, because the parts prices are horrific. I'd say from what you've said you're probably right that they're out of your budget, they certainly are for me at the moment, but I do want one some day.

For comparison, I spent £10-12k over 7 years of ownership on my Ghibli, but to be fair, basically everything that was needed was done by a specialist, including 2 cambelt changes, aircon control unit, brake system refresh and a reasonable amount of work fixing frilly bits of skin, over and above standard services. I was lucky not to have anything unexpected crop up; previous owner neglected the cambelt age, and he ate up a £7k engine rebuild as a result.

I am told (though again have no direct experience) that 4200's are not as expensive to maintain as 3200's. Some of those are down to 10k, but 1) no Boomerang lights, 2) no turbos - maybe good, maybe bad, 3) still over budget and 4) it's still a cheap Maserati and that does carry an inherent risk.

Your other options are basically my other options ... BMW 6 is "ok" for space but I think it's a huge car for the interior space.

[silvertypes]

masermartin said:

Timely thread for me as well.

From what I know of the 3200GT (haven't owned one), they are costly to sort, but once sorted they respond well to regular usage. Depending on mileage, you'll need something like £2k/year for servicing etc (averaged out) and keep a £2k slush fund in case something big does go wrong though, because the parts prices are horrific. I'd say from what you've said you're probably right that they're out of your budget, they certainly are for me at the moment, but I do want one some day.

For comparison, I spent £10-12k over 7 years of ownership on my Ghibli, but to be fair, basically everything that was needed was done by a specialist, including 2 cambelt changes, aircon control unit, brake system refresh and a reasonable amount of work fixing frilly bits of skin, over and above standard services. I was lucky not to have anything unexpected crop up; previous owner neglected the cambelt age, and he ate up a £7k engine rebuild as a result.

I am told (though again have no direct experience) that 4200's are not as expensive to maintain as 3200's. Some of those are down to 10k, but 1) no Boomerang lights, 2) no turbos - maybe good, maybe bad, 3) still over budget and 4) it's still a cheap Maserati and that does carry an inherent risk.

Your other options are basically my other options ... BMW 6 is "ok" for space but I think it's a huge car for the interior space.

No chance of a Maserati for me anytime soon ... Bet insurance is epic regardless of the other costs - nice dream tho!

[ZX10R NIN]

I can understand why you'd be tempted by the 280 but for me I'd take the 320 diesel because in comparison it's the better car, if you do decide you want a 280 don't get the Sport model as it means your yearly R/Tax will rise to £485.00.

Take a look at a 55 plate CLK350 as it's the car that's closer to the 500 in performance I'd still consider the 500 if you can stretch to it.

Here's how they stack up 280 vs (55 Plate)350 vs 500 vs 320 Diesel

BHP: 224 vs 272 vs 306 vs 221
Torque: 187 vs 263 vs 339 vs 376 ft/lb

0-60mph: 7.4 vs 6.4 vs 6.0 vs 6.9
Tax: £285 vs £285 vs £285 vs £265 Per Year

Fuel

Town: 20.9 vs 19.3 vs 16.7 vs 26.9 mpg
Motorway: 39.2 vs 38.2 vs 33.6 vs 46.3 mpg
Average: 29.7 vs 28.2 vs 24.6 vs 36.7 mpg

All top out at 155mph

So you need to work out which car suits your budget best.

280's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

280 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

350
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

500
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

320 CDI's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

I hope this helps with your decision making.

[silvertypes]

ZX10R NIN said:

I can understand why you'd be tempted by the 280 but for me I'd take the 320 diesel because in comparison it's the better car, if you do decide you want a 280 don't get the Sport model as it means your yearly R/Tax will rise to £485.00.

Take a look at a 55 plate CLK350 as it's the car that's closer to the 500 in performance I'd still consider the 500 if you can stretch to it.

Here's how they stack up 280 vs (55 Plate)350 vs 500 vs 320 Diesel

BHP: 224 vs 272 vs 306 vs 221
Torque: 187 vs 263 vs 339 vs 376 ft/lb

0-60mph: 7.4 vs 6.4 vs 6.0 vs 6.9
Tax: £285 vs £285 vs £285 vs £265 Per Year

Fuel

Town: 20.9 vs 19.3 vs 16.7 vs 26.9 mpg
Motorway: 39.2 vs 38.2 vs 33.6 vs 46.3 mpg
Average: 29.7 vs 28.2 vs 24.6 vs 36.7 mpg

All top out at 155mph

So you need to work out which car suits your budget best.

280's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

280 Sport
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

350
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

500
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

320 CDI's
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

I hope this helps with your decision making.

Yes definitely. Thanks for all you're help! On paper Diesel seems very logical choice & presumably more options to remap if I ever had cash for it in the future too

Just one last question - would the diesel be a lot more to run? I always thought you had to do loads of miles to make it worth the while as servicing is more expensive. Also there is this thing about particulate filters(?) that need replacing & are quite expensive

Performance wise - diesels will have tons of torque but with an auto isn't it sometimes the case boxes don't change up/down at the right time and you hit a flat spot - possibly not an issues with these as they are powerful cars & the auto boxes are good...?

My preference is usually petrol - Diesels have a tendency to sound like tractors / taxis!

I can see why you'd suggest it tho - good performance - tons of torque & good economy + cheaper tax

[ZX10R NIN]

silvertypes said:

Yes definitely. Thanks for all you're help! On paper Diesel seems very logical choice & presumably more options to remap if I ever had cash for it in the future too

Just one last question - would the diesel be a lot more to run? I always thought you had to do loads of miles to make it worth the while as servicing is more expensive. Also there is this thing about particulate filters(?) that need replacing & are quite expensive

Performance wise - diesels will have tons of torque but with an auto isn't it sometimes the case boxes don't change up/down at the right time and you hit a flat spot - possibly not an issues with these as they are powerful cars & the auto boxes are good...?

My preference is usually petrol - Diesels have a tendency to sound like tractors / taxis!

I can see why you'd suggest it tho - good performance - tons of torque & good economy + cheaper tax

The diesel is never really out of it's sweet spot with the 7 speed box, so you won't find any flat spots as for the dpf as long as you drive the car on a long ish run every now & then it's not a issue, as for the engine noise the V6 is quiet, the tax difference is only £20 unless you get the sport.

The diesels work out being the better bet if you're doing over 10k per year, I have a CLK320cdi for my commute & I'm averaging 40.8 mpg with an uprated Intercooler K&N X Pipe(for engine noise) & a Re-map 284.6bhp 474.8ft/lb torque, but should you start to have to use it for the commute then the diesel is the only way to go imo.

In terms of running costs you're looking at one service a year on all of them fuel wise it's close with the petrol's but not so close compared to the 320cdi.
With Petrol costing 112.9/£5.12 Per Gallon Diesel 115.9/£5.26 Per Gallon costs over 6000 & 12000 miles per year is:

280 vs 350 vs 500 vs 320cdi

6k:: £1034.34 vs £1089.36 vs £1248.78 vs £ 859.94
12k: £2068.68 vs £2178.72 vs £2497.56 vs £1719.89

The diesels are no more to service than the petrols DPF's can be expensive but as long as you use the car these shouldn't cause you a problem.

So what you save in fuel can go on your road tax or towards you yearly service

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 17th April 00:48

[silvertypes]

ZX10R NIN said:

The diesel is never really out of it's sweet spot with the 7 speed box, so you won't find any flat spots .....

So what you save in fuel can go on your road tax or towards you yearly service

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 17th April 00:48

Brilliant thx :-) I barely do 6K a year at the moment so that answers that one, however... it may be nice to have some flexibility should that change

Ok last 2 questions (honest guv) & I think it just comes down to budget after that & finding a good one

REAR WHEEL DRIVE In winter...
I live on a bit of a hill. Guy next door has a RWD Lexus LS430 & said it's like Bambi on ice in winter - tho with winter tyres it's 'ok'. Spoke to a few E-Class Drivers recently & one said it was so bad in winter he just didn't drive it on the worst days - the other said it was 'ok' as long as it's not too bad

I know it's not many days a year that it's 3 feet of snow but there are plenty of days when roads are Icy - Really don't fancy smacking a Merc into a ditch (Hence the Audio A4/S4 Quattro was a contender) - Thoughts?

RIDE...

A Merc has always been a dream for me but I was a passenger in a few E-Class recently (Taxi's) & the ride was 'hard' nowhere near as comfy as my Honda (sorry to keep banging on about it) - felt every bump & pothole - don't think they were sport versions E320 CDI I think

Strange I always imagined Mercs to be magic carpet smooth as they always got accused of that vs BMW's which were rock hard. Been in a few recent shape CLK's & thought they were quite hard too - tho not as hard as the BMW 335D I went in. Maybe you need a Merc with Air suspension to get best of both worlds - but how expensive if THAT goes wrong?? OR just keep to smaller alloys - 17"

[Janosh]

I had a read through this thread in search of inspiration but it's just confirmed that a Monaro is the right car for me.

I had similar requirements and choose the Monaro for relatively low running costs, zero depreciation and great sense of occassion. For me the added massive bonus is that most people wouldn't give it a second look.... until it's running

I have had some costs with mine, but just regular consumables and otherwise upgrades! The cars are easy to work on and the joy of seeing very few on the road is worth every penny. Great owners club too

Good luck with the hunt for your Merc... will be interesting to see what you end up with.

[ZX10R NIN]

silvertypes said:

Brilliant thx :-) I barely do 6K a year at the moment so that answers that one, however... it may be nice to have some flexibility should that change

Ok last 2 questions (honest guv) & I think it just comes down to budget after that & finding a good one

REAR WHEEL DRIVE In winter...
I live on a bit of a hill. Guy next door has a RWD Lexus LS430 & said it's like Bambi on ice in winter - tho with winter tyres it's 'ok'. Spoke to a few E-Class Drivers recently & one said it was so bad in winter he just didn't drive it on the worst days - the other said it was 'ok' as long as it's not too bad

I know it's not many days a year that it's 3 feet of snow but there are plenty of days when roads are Icy - Really don't fancy smacking a Merc into a ditch (Hence the Audio A4/S4 Quattro was a contender) - Thoughts?

RIDE...

A Merc has always been a dream for me but I was a passenger in a few E-Class recently (Taxi's) & the ride was 'hard' nowhere near as comfy as my Honda (sorry to keep banging on about it) - felt every bump & pothole - don't think they were sport versions E320 CDI I think

Strange I always imagined Mercs to be magic carpet smooth as they always got accused of that vs BMW's which were rock hard. Been in a few recent shape CLK's & thought they were quite hard too - tho not as hard as the BMW 335D I went in. Maybe you need a Merc with Air suspension to get best of both worlds - but how expensive if THAT goes wrong?? OR just keep to smaller alloys - 17"

The ride is stiffer on the CLK's especially on the 500 & sport models as they have the sportier suspension, no where near as bad as a bmw but stiff as you don't want to be wallowing round the place.

Traction issues, I haven't had an issue with snow where I've had to give up with any RWD, two simple things here good tyres(I haven't ever felt the need to buy winter tyres) & turn the ESP off (although it doesn't fully turn off) obviously it depends on the amount of snow but I run 275/30/19's on my rears & have had no trouble getting around Kent in the snow.

I had a back to back test with a Monaro when I bought the 55 & I have to say the Merc Outclassed it in every area both put a smile on my face but the Merc won, as for maintenance as long as your competent you can service them yourself the only specialist job is changing the gearbox oil, parts prices are on par with the Holden.

Trying to find a Monaro for the OP's budget is a lot harder plus he's gone off the idea of a V8

[silvertypes]

ZX10R NIN said:

The ride is stiffer on the CLK's especially on the 500 & sport models as they have the sportier suspension, no where near as bad as a bmw but stiff as you don't want to be wallowing round the place.

Traction issues, I haven't had an issue with snow where I've had to give up with any RWD, two simple things here good tyres(I haven't ever felt the need to buy winter tyres) & turn the ESP off (although it doesn't fully turn off) obviously it depends on the amount of snow but I run 275/30/19's on my rears & have had no trouble getting around Kent in the snow.

I had a back to back test with a Monaro when I bought the 55 & I have to say the Merc Outclassed it in every area both put a smile on my face but the Merc won, as for maintenance as long as your competent you can service them yourself the only specialist job is changing the gearbox oil, parts prices are on par with the Holden.

Trying to find a Monaro for the OP's budget is a lot harder plus he's gone off the idea of a V8

I'd agree that a Monaro probably going to be too expensive to buy - the engine / performance would be great fun but I think when I saw it parked on the drive it wouldn't do it for me like a Merc would - they ooze quality

Suspension sounds ok. As for traction - interesting to hear your view - I found loads of threads on it - mixed views - many saying it will be a scary experience in the ice / snow


http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t...

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/wheels-tyres-brakes...

[danp]

OP imvho you seem to be overly concerned with finding problems in anything that's suggested, and that's easy to do with the internet. Best stick with your Accord ;-)

[silvertypes]

danp said:

OP imvho you seem to be overly concerned with finding problems in anything that's suggested, and that's easy to do with the internet. Best stick with your Accord ;-)

So far people have been very helpful here & for that I'm grateful - in fact it's one of the best forums I've come across - many are packed with trolls

- The thing is I have limited funds. For some people if they get stunk with a bill of £1500 for some random failure that's no biggie

However if I got landed with even 1 bill of £1500 I'd be stuffed so I'd say it makes sense to do you're homework & weigh the odds in your favour

- money no object this would be a much shorter conversation...

[ZX10R NIN]

silvertypes said:

So far people have been very helpful here & for that I'm grateful - in fact it's one of the best forums I've come across - many are packed with trolls

- The thing is I have limited funds. For some people if they get stunk with a bill of £1500 for some random failure that's no biggie

However if I got landed with even 1 bill of £1500 I'd be stuffed so I'd say it makes sense to do you're homework & weigh the odds in your favour

- money no object this would be a much shorter conversation...

Trust me if anyone gets a £1500 bill it'll be a big problem, as I said the main thing to get done on the Mercedes is the gearbox fluid changed apart from that on the Petrol's you should be fine the diesel has the potential to have a bigger bill but Full Service History & using it should keep you safe as I said the diesel will be fine if it's really a worry get a warranty.

As for the traction I don't see the problem yes you can get the traction light to strobe in the wet if you have a lead foot or budget tyres like my recently purchased 55 has (Nankang)it can get the traction light going in the dry on the same roads my CLK63 will just traction & drive.

[paulmnz]

DC5 honda integra type-r? granted, they are 'import only' but they are mostly a civic under the body so parts aren't a problem and they seem to hold their value well.

[Chris71]

If you're feeling brave, how about an RX-8? Four seats, four doors and a usable boot. You could buy three for that budget and it wouldn't matter if the first two engines expired.