Should I part ex the S320 CDi for a CLK?

[TVR Man]

Have had a 54 plated S320 Cdi with lots of toys on for just over a year - a little high mileage at 69k but a lovely motor. But my TVR stays in the garage most of the time and I'm getting to the point where not sure whether to keep and maintain both or sell both and buy a CLK convertible instead - would give me a Merc and a drop top but only one lot of insurance, servicing, MOT and tax to pay.

I like the S320 for its sheer comfort and "bigness" but still enjoy open air motoring. I do occasional long trips (maybe 1-2 per month) but mostly short ones.

What are CLK convertibles like on long trips - has anyone moved from an S Class to a CLK - if so did you regret it or not?

If I took the plunge - what size engine? Would I miss the umph of the S320 if I went for a sub 3 litre jobby? I know I might miss the sheer power to weight ratio of the Griff but the CLK would get used more.

Anything to watch out for e.g. suspect versions, bad years, weak points etc?

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[hawk20]

You will notice one heck of a difference in the ride quality. Great looking the CLK but a very harsh ride and really only room for kids in the back.

 

[tromppost]

Stay with the S class.

 

[jberks]

Assuming you don't do long distances 5 up,a clk320cdi (v6) elegance wouldn't be a bad idea. Lots of go and quite comfy I'd have thought, plus decent performance though not in the TVR arena. Sure, after the S anything this side of a bentley will seem a bit crude but you soon adjust and as you say - 1 VED,INS and repair bill.

 

[eGuru]

Stay with the S class.

Couldn't agree more, but I am biased! My S is in the bodyshop to have some rust sorted and have a C180K as courtesy car. I really appreciate the S now.

 

[stumpy]

I have an S and a Griff. Keep both I say, you will regret it if you don't.

 

[TVR Man]

Wow! Such pro S comments. Thanks chaps (and chapesses if relevant) Maybe I should just keep both and swallow hard when I have the cheques to write out! Which Griff have you got Stumpy?

 

[stumpy]

500, iris blue / mag. Sports exhaust 99T with 13k miles

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I agree with the general theme here - especially if you make long journeys, whereupon you won't realise how good the S is until you try something else.
Sadly, as fuel prices and the threats of impending VED changes have upset the used car market, (especially for larger cars with any appreciable mileage on them) it would be worth checking your "business model" before promising yourself a change.
Keep us posted on your choice and in particular your conclusions once you have changed, if you proceed.

 

[stumpy]

Assuming you don't do long distances 5 up,a clk320cdi (v6) elegance wouldn't be a bad idea. Lots of go and quite comfy I'd have thought, plus decent performance though not in the TVR arena. Sure, after the S anything this side of a bentley will seem a bit crude but you soon adjust and as you say - 1 VED,INS and repair bill.

My S rides much better than the Bentley, but for sense of occasion the Bentley is in a different universe - as are the running costs!

 

[TVR Man]

I think I will probably stick to the S320 plus the TVR - at least for the time being - the S has lost a lot of money (according to the local Merc garage) which is relative as if I keep it for the originally planned 3-4 years it should average out but I would lose a lot if I chopped it in now.

Also Beloved has said she likes it and I should keep the TVR as well (at last - she is seeing it my way)!

Dave

 

[st4]

I'd think thats the wise choice. Depreciation is worse in yr1 so keep it longer and you'll lose less relatively. Plus S classes are fab motors

 

[Alex M Grieve]

I think I will probably stick to the S320 plus the TVR - at least for the time being -
Also Beloved has said she likes it and I should keep the TVR as well (at last - she is seeing it my way)!

Dave

Where did you meet such a wise woman? A true paragon ......

 

[TVR Man]

More like after 36 years of marriage (yes - we married when I was 5) she has given up trying to change my mind!!

 

[TVR Man]

Nice Griff Stumpy - thought you might like to see mine!

 

[David Nock]

You will notice one heck of a difference in the ride quality. Great looking the CLK but a very harsh ride and really only room for kids in the back.

Hard ride yes, but the Coupe has ample room for 4 big adults - that's one of it's main selling points. It's quite a long cabin for that reason. Are you thinking of the CLK or the SLK?
Engines, well my 270 CDI is harsh but impressive on the torque front, I believe the 320 CDI is in a league of it's own for smoothness, good consumption and for power from a diesel.

 

[David Nock]

Assuming you don't do long distances 5 up,a clk320cdi (v6) elegance wouldn't be a bad idea. Lots of go and quite comfy I'd have thought, plus decent performance though not in the TVR arena. Sure, after the S anything this side of a bentley will seem a bit crude but you soon adjust and as you say - 1 VED,INS and repair bill.

You cannot do 5 up in a current model CLK. They are 4 full seats and no centre belt. Also uninsurable for 5 people. 320 CDI V6 - yes that's the one.

 

[EGBM]

Keep 'em both. And the wife.

 

[hawk20]

Hard ride yes, but the Coupe has ample room for 4 big adults - that's one of it's main selling points. .

Depends how long-legged the driver is. No good with me in front.

Remember it is based on the C class. It would need to be an E class convertible to be a full four seater IMO.

 

[EGBM]

I've got to agree - we spent a lot of time investigating the CLK and with me driving it was going to be a squeeze in the back for passengers. As we were struggling to find the CLK we wanted we somehow started to look at the CLS and noticed that as their prices were coming more into range you tended to get more for your money, in many ways (!). And with it being E Class based you do get the 4 seat "coupe" option, though we could argue all day as to whether it really is a coupe I suppose.