Buying advice

[stevep]

Hi

Am looking to buy new car and can not make up my mind between the CLK and E class. I have norrowed the choice down to either:

CLK 320/500
E320/500

So far I have only driven the CLK320 and the old E class which is my current car. I am not sure whether it is worth going for the 3.2 litre engine or the 5 litre as I don't do many miles and am not so fussed on the mpg. It is difficult to find a CLK500 to test drive and most of the dealers in the NE do not have access to one.

Basically, I wondered if anyone out there can offer advice based on the cars they own. I know the new E class has been given great reviews but I am not sure I need such a big car anymore which is why I was attracted to the CLK.

My main concern is whether the bigger engine is really worth it and also whether the extra weight affects the drive, especially on the CLK.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

 

[DaveS]

I've just settled for an E270CDI automatic and here is why.

Iwanted a car that gave me a comfortable ride and space to carry friends/family/flatpacks should the need arise.
My previous car was a Porsche and I became frustrated with todays traffic conditions, speed cameras/humps and 51m.p.h.merchants. Under these conditions productive overtaking has become near impossible and the most you can physically achieve on a motorway is generally 80m.p.h. except for the M25 where its 50.
So performance is less important, although the 270 does shift.
Comfort is important as you sit at 50 for miles on end.
Automatic is essential.
Parktronic is a lifesaver.
I don't do a lot of mileage but my wallet notices the differnce a diesel makes.
Fold down rear and front is worth thinking about.
My only regret is that I wasn't aware of the duo-matic suspension for that better ride.
I hope this is of some help.