CLK/SLK what to choose?

[Wighty]

That's a really useful tip, thanks. It wouldn't have occurred to me to use that space.

That way it looks like you are smuggling it . This ruse only works at border ports though

 

[flowrider]

Off to Devon later this week, Wales in July for a week, both in the SL carrying 2x medium suitcases. Champagne fits perfectly under the boot floor in the extra storage area, it is like a Tardis!

Mercedes SL500 R231

I've got a spare tyre in that location.

 

[Flyinspanner]

What is your budget, if you dont mind me asking.

Somewhere around £3-5k which is throwing up lots of cars 2004-2008 (and 2009 for the S cat SLK). I’ve spent lots of time on Autotrader and Marketplace in the past 24hrs

 

[rf065]

I had a CLK for 13 years and used it for many long distance trips to S.France/Andorra/Barcelona etc etc.
I also have a SLC (SLK) and would not even attemp to use it to do the same. Just too uncomfortable without stopping for a rest every few hours.

 

[Chrishazle]

While in the champagne area and visiting champagne houses, look at the clips they use on the bottles in their tasting areas - they work, and even if you intend to drink the rest of the bottle that evening rather than a day or two later, they keep the fizz in the contents!! Tried and tested after we visited Epernay area 5 years ago!!

 

[LostKiwi]

Don't get hung up on space.

MrsLK and I did 3 2 week trips to France in the little Smart. It was comfortable and huge fun away from toll roads, which for us wasn't a problem as we did almost all our driving away from motorways and dual carriageways. Yes it takes longer but you see more and experience France.
It's also worth bearing in mind that most convertibles get a fair bit of wind noise at motorway speeds with the roof down.

We have since done similar trips in the r129 and although more comfortable on motorways it was nothing like as much fun on the little roads we took the Smart on, and of course using motorways you don't see and experience as much.

Obviously a CLK will be able to carry a lot more but that can be a drawback as you'll just take more stuff you don't need.

My personal suggestion would be to drive both and see which you prefer. A V6 would be my choice too, simply for the silky smoothness and refinement.

 

[flowrider]

Don't get hung up on space.
View attachment 55575
MrsLK and I did 3 2 week trips to France in the little Smart. It was comfortable and huge fun away from toll roads, which for us wasn't a problem as we did almost all our driving away from motorways and dual carriageways. Yes it takes longer but you see more and experience France.
It's also worth bearing in mind that most convertibles get a fair bit of wind noise at motorway speeds with the roof down.

We have since done similar trips in the r129 and although more comfortable on motorways it was nothing like as much fun on the little roads we took the Smart on, and of course using motorways you don't see and experience as much.

Obviously a CLK will be able to carry a lot more but that can be a drawback as you'll just take more stuff you don't need.

My personal suggestion would be to drive both and see which you prefer. A V6 would be my choice too, simply for the silky smoothness and refinement.

Crossing that bridge would freak me out!

 

[flowrider]

Somewhere around £3-5k which is throwing up lots of cars 2004-2008 (and 2009 for the S cat SLK). I’ve spent lots of time on Autotrader and Marketplace in the past 24hrs

The top end of that sort of money could get a 2004/5 SL350, more space than in an SLK.

 

[Blobcat]

Crossing that bridge would freak me out!

I might have crossed it at 135mph on a R110SS...
Then got off and rode the amazing roads underneath to an old Silk Farm to spend the night.

 

[LostKiwi]

Crossing that bridge would freak me out!

It's not that bad. MrsLK hates bridges and has been over it 3 times now.
She's actually better on the Millau than the one over the Thames!

The back roads nearby are great fun in the right car (and the Smart was the right car...)

 

[RhodieBill]

Talking about bridges, this is by far my favourite - I have walked across the top a few times. It is quite nerve wracking as it only has a low metal railing and it is shared by the Metro between Porto and Gaia. In the photo you can see how small the people crossing look! And it is longer than you think at first....

Here is a photo I took when I was there one of the times hitting the Cafes on the Ribeira. At night it is impressive!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Luís_I_Bridge

 

[Chrishazle]

Crossing the Millau was a bit of a disappointment to us, as the high obscured glass screens along both sides of the bridge completely hide the view! Best part was the visitor centre on the main road (not motorway) into Millau at the south end of the bridge.

 

[A.J.]

It's not that bad. MrsLK hates bridges and has been over it 3 times now.
She's actually better on the Millau than the one over the Thames!

The back roads nearby are great fun in the right car (and the Smart was the right car...)

She has my full sympathy, I don't like bridges either. When I drive across a high bridge my eyes are fixed on the number plate of the car in front whilst my wife is saying 'Oh what a view, look at that !!' Uh uh. . In fact the bridge I really didn't like was the River Tay rail bridge, I though one gust of wing here and I'm a goner !!

 

[LostKiwi]

Talking about bridges, this is by far my favourite - I have walked across the top a few times. It is quite nerve wracking as it only has a low metal railing and it is shared by the Metro between Porto and Gaia. In the photo you can see how small the people crossing look! And it is longer than you think at first....

Here is a photo I took when I was there one of the times hitting the Cafes on the Ribeira. At night it is impressive!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dom_Luís_I_Bridge

I think one of my favourites is the Pont de Normandie near Le Havre. The approach from the north is amazing

 

[Blobcat]

I think one of my favourites is the Pont de Normandie near Le Havre. The approach from the north is amazing

View attachment 55594

Agreed, driven over that one many times

 

[rf065]

Sunshine Skyway in Florida is excellent

 

[rorywquin]

I think one of my favourites is the Pont de Normandie near Le Havre. The approach from the north is amazing

]

That reminded me of the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane

 

[Wighty]

I think “you lot” have got distracted about bridges rather than the SLK/CLK question

 

[Blobcat]

I think “you lot” have got distracted about bridges rather than the SLK/CLK question

No, that’s decided - SLK

 

[Wighty]

No, that’s decided - SLK

Get back on to bridges then buddy