Buying used CLK: 200K v 270 cdi. Help!

[EGBM]

Hello all, first post on the forum, so I'm hoping you can help. I've been lurking awhile and trying to find the advice I need through searches, but I’ve decided to take the plunge and risk any wrath that might come my way! (Mind you, you seem like a friendly bunch).

Right, here we go: I’m after a used CLK, budget around 18-20K max. I’m mindful (a bit, let’s be honest) of CO2 emissions and relative fuel economy and of course running costs to an extent. Usage would be predominantly motorway journeys, I’m not into scooting round A roads so much, and we’d do a relatively small amount of commuting and urban driving.

After a bit of research and a bit of maths, in my mind this has left me with two front-running options which are the 270 Cdi, and the 200K Kompressor. I’m looking at 2003 models at the oldest here, ideally I’d like a post-2004 vehicle but I guess beggars can’t be choosers.

And finally, the question:

Which would you advise me to go for? I don’t want to (re)start a row over petrol v diesel, and please bear in mind that despite a fair bit of MB homework I’m still a little ignorant of the virtues of these models, and the history of them (eg recent changes in engine unit). Other than that, I’m all ears.

Over to you, I’ll do my best to ask additional stupid questions along the way. Thanks all.

 

[4paws!]

Hello,

Bit difficult to answer your question without the agrument of petrol vs diesel. It really depends on YOU! We have both petrol 320 and a diesel 220. Both are great cars, in different ways. I would deffo not go for anything built between 2001 and 2004 as thats when Merc were in trouble and the switching gear along with other bits were a bit naff . After 2004 they did start to reinvest and get things right again.

So my advise is - give them both a good test drive and see which suits you sir. Sorry cant be any more help, but good luck in your search.

 

[EGBM]

Thanks for that - I didn't pick up on the 2001-2004 problem period, I'd thought it was earlier than that, so that's really good to know.

We will go out and give the options a spin, the proof will be in the pudding I suppose. Thanks for your help, I'll let you know how it goes. (Gulp).

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Thanks for that - I didn't pick up on the 2001-2004 problem period, I'd thought it was earlier than that, so that's really good to know.

We will go out and give the options a spin, the proof will be in the pudding I suppose. Thanks for your help, I'll let you know how it goes. (Gulp).

Welcome to the World of Mercedes-Benz.!

As 4paws previously stated, it is entirely upto you. As you can see from what I currently own - and what I have been fortunate to previously own - all have been 'high end'. I am now a Mercedes-convert.

Take the options you have in mind for a test drive. Only then, can you make an informed decision.

There IS something rather special about looking at the 3-pointed star on the end of the bonnet. Best of all - it makes you SMILE

Good Luck.!

 

[jberks]

Both are great motors - as has been said, in that period, go for the latest you can. If a choice between spec and year go for the newer one.
As far as engine, if you do predominantly motorway work I'd plump for the diesel. Round town there isn't that much in it. The 270 isn't the most refined of engines and turbo lag means that whilst on turbo it's fun, you can occasionally find yourself waiting for things to happen, wheras the 200k is instant power, though as with all small 4 pot petrol units, you may have to rev it a bit .

However, at motorway speeds the extra low down torque of the 270 really comes into it's own and once cruising, the 270 is silent. For in gear 50-90 grunt, as you'd expect, the 270cdi will leave the 200k in the dust, whilst returning an extra 10-15 mpg. Hence for your useage - IMO the 270 is a no brainer.

 

[EGBM]

Once again all, thanks for the replies.

I think the 270 will be the one given what jberks is saying there - perhaps if our motoring needs change then we could reconsider, but we're currently slogging a lot of motorway miles and we'd appreciate that bit of go at the speed ranges you quote, and the extra frugality will come in handy.

I'll still try the pair of options out - having not much experience of MB diesels (essentially none, other than as an outside observer) I can't say if the diesel will be intrusive. From what I understand, above 40 it's academic anyway.

 

[Rory]

we're currently slogging a lot of motorway miles and we'd appreciate that bit of go at the speed ranges you quote, and the extra frugality will come in handy.

I avoided answering as there's no right and wrong answer, but I have a C270CDi and it's a very effective, effortless and economical motorway mile-muncher.

My only tiny hesitancy would be to wonder if the 5cyl diesel, which I think sounds purposeful, but others might have different descriptions!, suits the CLK?

 

[David Nock]

18 to 20k should get a decent W209 (pre facelift) CLK.
Ours is 54 plate, Sept 2004, 270CDI, built after all the Valeo and other build quailty problems. It's reliable and built like a tank.
Rory is right, the 5 cyl is a bit harsh when cold; a CLK should be smooth and quiet. But inside, once warm it's a lovely car and the engine noise disappears.
Overall I'm not a diesel fan but at my speedo readouts of 45/48 mpg on motorways, and an overall average of 39 mpg since leaving the factory you have a job to remain a petrol purist and to turn your back on that sort of consumption.
Our car has only done 23,500 miles but I figure its trade-in value is around 17k to 20k. (20k against a new 'un, which is possibly what it would appear on the forecourt at). So either model should fit your budget.

 

[kbhogalw126]

I would go for the 270.

I had a CLK and C with the 2.7 engine.

Good economy and power.

Best mpg was 59.

Generally I got 51mpg on the motorway and 30mpg around town.

Regards,

KJ

 

[100%Bitch]

Personally, I would go for at least a 320. A 500 or 55 would be nice, but then again, emissions aren't my immediate worry Oops as I don't cover many miles and I like to have fun.

 

[Geezer]

**Just remember that oil burners are really no longer cheaper to run due to the price of diesel. Plus they cost more. I have a Jan 04 CLK 200K Cabriolet and am really pleased with it.

** Don't shoot the messenger - this is what they are saying in the media.

 

[brandwooddixon]

It depends really on what you're after. I would probably go for the diesel option out of those two if only because the 270 will be a more relaxed cruiser.

Currently I'm spending £250 per week feeding my E430 (1000 miles plus per week) and am beginning to wonder whether I'll be having to change over to a 320CDi as it would give me an extra 10-15mpg even at the speeds I drive at.

My head says yes, but my heart says no.

... hmm I wonder if the new V8s are more economical?

 

[moneyman]

I have the 500 and it is an awsome piece of kit. Currently do about 18k miles per year so head should say diesel but I always go with the heart. Average about 26mpg since I have had it. Love every second driving.
Regards
Steve

 

[jberks]

True, it doesn't make a massive difference in fuel. A bit though. I was doing 25k and my fuel bill dropped from £90 per week down to aound £65 (2 yrs ago) so better than a kick in the teeth though admittedly if you factor in the cost of the car it makes little real cash difference.

Where it does feature though is bang for buck calculations. I had an E240. A very nice relaxed cruiser but no mid range grunt to speak of. So, any pick up at motorway speeds and it had to drop a cog. Swapping for the 270, a little squeaze of the pedal at those speeds and she's off. Ok, not in the almost instant way a 320 does but still a different class to the 240. To get the same in gear pull you'd need at least a 320 petrol if not a V8 and against those, the fuel difference is more significant.

To those who talk about head and heart, try the V6 320cdi - it may make you think- you can have your cake and eat it now!

 

[EGBM]

.......(resist the 320cdi V6.........resist the 320cdi V6.............).....

 

[David Nock]

.......(resist the 320cdi V6.........resist the 320cdi V6.............).....

That's the newer model after the 270, so I would think it will stretch your budget above your max. If you can do it go for it - I will next time.

 

[EGBM]

Yes you're right there! I did have a look, but a bit of stretch too far - maybe next time.

So which is the advised route to the 270CDi - dealer or private? On the face of it I think I'd prefer a dealer level of "security" but am I paying through the teeth for it?

Hang on a sec - there's a thread about 3 down about the very subject!

 

[GMK]

Just in defence of 01-04 models and quality concerns: I have had an 02 CLK200 from new with 50k miles and no problems (so far). Or am I just very lucky??

 

[EGBM]

No, that's good to know too.

This is a great forum, by the way. Very useful, glad I found it.

 

[David Nock]

Yes you're right there! I did have a look, but a bit of stretch too far - maybe next time.

So which is the advised route to the 270CDi - dealer or private? On the face of it I think I'd prefer a dealer level of "security" but am I paying through the teeth for it?

Hang on a sec - there's a thread about 3 down about the very subject!

At that sort of outlay, I'd only buy via a Dealer. But then I'm cautious when large sums of money are changing hands.
I'd search for a 3 year old 270 CDI (or thereabouts), and negotiate the car/deal to include a sensible quote for monthly outlay on 3 years 'Service Plus'. Then I'd enjoy with no worries.
Why not ask this forum who they consider to be good MB Dealers in your area. Or ask about further afield and internet/travel to find the right car.