Pre or post 2003 CLK convertible purchase?

[51315]

I'm considering buying either a 3.2 CLK 2000-03 A208 or 2003-09 3.2 A209 - I hope I've got the configurations right - essentially 1st gen. after facelift, and 2nd gen. to the end of production. I like the first gen. as they are getting quite cheap BUT I'm no mechanic so am worried due to the cars age.
Could you wise people give me an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of buying these versions. I had a 2005 CLK 270 which I much enjoyed but now potter around in a 2009 A-class, which is not great for long continental trips! - Will keep both once I know what to look for and what to avoid. What would you people prefer yourselves - and is 2003-05 to be avoided anyway due to rust and radiator problems? Advice appreciated.

 

[sonic]

I had a CLK200K 2001 & a CLK270CDI 2003, both great cars but I much preferred the 209 version.
Both were very reliable & I did over 115K miles in both before selling them. The 208 will not be galvanised, & 1999 to about 2002 was the period MB have major problems with its paint. As far as I am aware both cars you mentioned had good engines, but I am not an expert.

 

[Flyinspanner]

We bought a 05 CLK 320 convertible last year.
it’s great.
the solid v6 petrol M112, very dependable.
(diesels may end up with tax increases in future as they pollute more, dpf issues)
it has the 5 speed auto, similarly dependable.
lower tax band.
ULEZ compliant.

Yes they are bargain, but don’t rush in.
it’s worth paying a bit more for a well cared for, lowish mileage one, rather than thinking you will ‘improve’ a cheap one over time.... because:-
(a) you’ll never get around to it.
(b) it will cost much more than buying a good one to begin with.

the main issue cropping up seems to be rear subframe corrosion starting to appear for some, so have a good look under it.

if it’s a Sunday car, and you hope to hold value then consider the V8 versions. They can sound nice. increased servicing costs though.

 

[grahamcol]

I have a facelift 209. Facelift is better as the interior is improved and the ventilation flap issue addressed. Galvanised too.

 

[51315]

I have a facelift 209. Facelift is better as the interior is improved and the ventilation flap issue addressed. Galvanised too.

That's interesting - when did the facelift 209 come in - 2005? (with the new radio facia?)

 

[grahamcol]

Yes it was around 05. You can instantly tell a facelift by the rear light configuration. Pre has two clear strips in each cluster, post has one larger teardrop clear strip. Also facelift should be clear of the radiator issue as previously mentioned.

 

[MBDevotee]

I had a 208 and a 209.

The 208 was a 320 petrol which I converted to LPG. The car was flawless and ran beautifully, never missed a beat.

The 209 was a 270CDi, and was awful. It blew an injector seal creating the “chuff chuff” issue, water pump went, various other bits and bobs. I spent a lot repairing that car!

However they both drove really well.

My 208 never had any rust at all, but I think that was very rare. It also had every toy in the book! The lpg made the car very cheap to run - averaging 25mpg (in relation to 27-28 on petrol) and costing (then) 40p per litre (it’s about 60p per litre now). So in 3 years and 40,000 ish use I saved a lot on fuel, I have the figure somewhere.

I see. You are looking at the 320 also. Great engines, go for it.

For some reason my 208 felt more “special” than the 209, can’t explain why. Perhaps it was the engine, perhaps being black and with a gun wheels it just looked better than the silver one (270) which was great but never felt truly “special” or perhaps it was that the 208 had the gunsight and the 209 didn’t.