New Member with a question

[Speedmaster]

Hi all

I have just joined and have read though some of the posts and it seems there is a lot of knowledge here.

I am in the process of changing my car and looking for some Mercedes advice. My only experiences of Mercedes being a 190,000 mile 190 some years ago which was a joy.

I currently have a BMW 323 E36 Convertible Sport, manual with a lot of extras. It is a 1998 S with 42000 miles. HAd some probs with it lately and after nearly 4 years, time for a change. I was going to go for a Porsche Boxster but having looked/driven them, you dont seem to get much for your money. In addition, I am reluctant to give up 4 seats for v occasional use.

My mind has turned to Mercedes cars now and two specifically. I am looking at a CLK430 Cabriolet tomorrow with a high spec and wanted to know if anyone has one or thoughts on them? Are they v thirsty and expensive to run?

The other car that has caught my eye is the previous shape SL. I see them about and they look v cool. They also seem to be v good value for money. Again, any thoughts on running costs and how they are to live with. It would either be a SL320/Sl280 2000/2001

I only do about 10000 miles a year and the insurance is fine for both as have checked.

Thoughts?

 

[television]

I can only speak for a SL320, spec wise 1999> gives you all of the last spec apart from larger wheels,and not everyone likes the ride with those. get one with the glass roof and every extra.Power to weight ratio the 320 is in the middle. bear in mind that they are larger and weigh more than a V70 cost to run or fault wise it is impossible to say but by 1998 no major faults or updates.
When I bought mine there were 53 for sale (oct 04) I got the list down to 3 and bough the first one I saw. If you want in special info please ask. there are some pictures in the art gallery.

Malcolm

 

[Speedmaster]

Thanks for the reply.
Are the back seats useable or not really?
I have seen one that us a 2001 Y plate Special Edition Alanite green car - run out model I think with a glass roof that looks v nice

 

[Speedmaster]

Drove the CLK 430 today and loved it - feels so much more solid than my 3-series cabriolet

 

[television]

The rear seat is just OK for one adult if the passengers seat is moved forward.or two children under 6. (depends on how much you give them to eat) The SL320 has far less scutle shake than the CLK and you do have avery usable boot.


Malcolm

 

[Speedmaster]

Thanks for that.
I dont have any children, so not too fussed about the back seats but would be nice if they were occasionally useful.
Am trying to find a dealer locally with an SL to test drive as a comparison.

 

[Speedmaster]

I have been offered a nice sounding CLK320 Elegance Cabriolet. Is there a big difference in power between the 430 and the 320? Obviously there is but is it v noticeable?

 

[Speedmaster]

I have def decided to go for the CLK and am now weighing up whether to either for a silver 320 Elegance or a silver 430 Elegance (roughly same age, miles, much higher spec buy £1500 more)

 

[Speedmaster]

Managed to sell the BMW CONV for what I asked for it, no discounts which I was chuffed with being winter and snow in scotland.

So I am one step closer to a Mercedes.............