C209 CLK - Opinions?

[DJC]

I know the first gen CLK is unloved, perhaps rightly so; but what about the second generation (2002-) C209 CLK?

This shape:



I'm considering next car purchase and realised these have dropped into the budget - both the 320 petrol or 270 CDI models. A search on the net hasn't thrown up a great deal aside from press reviews, which seem largely positive. I'm more interested in owner experiences.

[cafehag2001]

I ran an 06 CLK220CDi Avantgarde from new for 65k.

Whilst it was 100% reliable and not a bad car, it simply wasn't a patch on the earlier Mercs I'd owned.

Everything, from the seats to the switchgear to the air con, had been cheapened.

Don't do it.

[chriscoates]

What you need is this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2924112.htm

[DJC]

chriscoates said:

What you need is this: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2924112.htm

I don't like the 3 Series Coupé or 'vert, I'm afraid.

I do like the saloons or touring, mind.

[Kwai Chang Caine]

They're a little dull to be honest. Nice enough cruisers but will never get your driving juices going.

However, in my eyes, they are stunningly good looking cars.

Never had a problem in 4 years in ours, however the poster above is correct in that the interiors are not of the quality one expects from Mercedes.

If you can put up with the lacklustre drive, go for it.

[quantum_man]

I think you should buy a Volvo 850 hehe or maybe a nice late 90's XK8?

[300bhp/ton]

DJC said:

I know the first gen CLK is unloved, perhaps rightly so; but what about the second generation (2002-) C209 CLK?

This shape:



I'm considering next car purchase and realised these have dropped into the budget - both the 320 petrol or 270 CDI models. A search on the net hasn't thrown up a great deal aside from press reviews, which seem largely positive. I'm more interested in owner experiences.

What sort of money are they? Always thought they looked a little underwhelming and likewise also assumed that the drive was too.

Probably not bad cruisers though.

[66comanche]

DJC said:

I know the first gen CLK is unloved, perhaps rightly so; but what about the second generation (2002-) C209 CLK?

This shape:



I'm considering next car purchase and realised these have dropped into the budget - both the 320 petrol or 270 CDI models. A search on the net hasn't thrown up a great deal aside from press reviews, which seem largely positive. I'm more interested in owner experiences.

Had mine a couple of years, mainly been an enjoyable owning experience. IMO the interior is fantastic, looks good and the ride very smooth and quiet, an excellent cruiser - you can cover long distances in seemingly no time and feeling fresh as a daisy. Where it doesn't do so well is being hustled along a twisty road - though this of course is in no way what it is meant to do, I have the 320CDi which whilst being pretty quick (6.7s to 60, 155mph top speed, overtaking is so easy in 4th) it's not suited to being driven quickly around tight bends, due to the weight of the car overall and the 3 litre V6 diesel engine.

If you can stretch to the 320CDi though, have a close look at it as the stats are much more impressive for this than the petrol version, faster, tons more torque and IIRC 50% more fuel economy. It even sounds ok on the move!

Just checked and there is quite a gulf in power/speed between the 270Cdi (163bhp, 9.4s, 143mph) and 320Cdi (225bhp, 6.7s, 155mph).