First-gen CLK

>>14977929
What a terrible choice of car to buy.

They will start to look really good in 5 years.

>>14977954

Thanks for the in depth explanation of your opinion. Solid post.

>>14977929
>My question is, what should I expect?
Biggest issues were ragged out interior, and electrical problems with the ABS/ESP system. Avoid a convertible unless you can one with a top that's just in mint condition, as those things can and do develop leaks with age

If you are DIY inclined, these cars are easy to work on. The 320/430 engines are rock solid, and the car shares parts with both the E, M, and S class, so nothing is really all that expensive.

How should I go about this?
That depends on where you are, and what your budget is

Is the 430 worth it over the 320?
In that car, yes

What's a reasonable price/mileage?
Again, what's your budget?

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>>14977967
No they the won't they look awkward as fuck.
The C209 was a massive improvement

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>>14978061
Hey, I happen to like the bugeye Benz's

>>14977929
Why do you want an old, stodgy, na Mercedes with two boat anchors for engine options, a dated interior, and infamous unreliability

>>14977929
why not just buy a new mecedes?

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>>14978075
W210s are ok
early CLKs are disgusting korean-tier abominations

>>14978100
The post-facelift (2000 and onward) cars are good, and the 430 coupe in particular is a pretty great car, provided you can find one that hasn't been ragged out (it's a popular car for low income basketball americans)

>>14978059
>>14978059

Thanks for the info man, I live in Miami and my budget as of now is about 5k but I can stretch it to 7k if it's worth it, I've seen a couple in very good condition but they go for around 8k-9k I don't know if that's a good price or if they're overpriced.

As far as DIY I don't know anything but I'm very eager to learn so if the car is easy to work on that's a plus.


>>14978079

Nostalgia is a very strong thing, plus I actually really like the design. What would you suggest? Keep it MB

My dad had a white with grey interior clk430 convertible. To this day it was the most comfortable and satisfying car ive ever driven. Hands down, 10/10 would buy at some point.

>>14978125
Just because a mecedes is cheap to buy doesn't mean it will be cheap to own.

Used luxury cars come with new luxury car repair and parts prices.

>>14978125
8-9K COULD be a fair price depending on the mileage and condition. 5-7K should be able to net you a reasonable example.

Try to keep it around 100K miles, give or take, and look for 2000 model year or newer to take advantage of all the facelift improvements. Just be sure the soft top is in good shape if you seriously consider a convertible. If you have a M-B specialist garage near you, just make sure you get them to look over any potential purchase before you pull the trigger

The CLK really is a bit of a hidden gem, especially if you get a 430, >>14978138 speaks the truth

>>14978143
I do agree with you though, that drivetrain is bulletproof and it has plenty of power. It's always had problems with the drivers seats electronics that never got quite fixed.

How's your E been to own?

>>14978140
I'm aware of that but like I said I will do what's necessary to own it and bring it back to shape, plus it won't be my DD I live 5 blocks away from work and I can get to most places on my scooter.

>>14978162
If you can afford not to use it on the off chance something breaks, I highly recommend driving one. Just make sure the one you buy has had a full service history

>>14978143

Thanks a lot man, I'm not in a rush to buy it so I want to take the time to find a good example and your info is gonna help me a lot.

Is there a place/page i can find AMG/MB rims at good prices? Just in case the one I find has the boring regular 320 rims.

>>14978153
It's been fantastic. No problems at all to report so far, in fact did my second oil change on it yesterday in fact.

My ML 430 has the same engine as the CLK 430, and that thing is fucking rock solid as well

>>14978125
Can't you swing at least a clk55? I have nothing against benz but if you must own a Benz let it be an amg hardtop ... It's a revered nameplate with major street presence... Imagine if you had a Cabrio e320 you would literally be old lady in an sc430 tier

>>14978226
>but if you must own a Benz let it be an amg hardtop
Clearly you have never driven a well engineered, relaxed, and comfortable convertible on a sunny day.

>>14978226

I would love a clk55 but I'm guessing that engine must be a lot more expensive to maintain/own and I don't think I'll find a good example for 7k.

After I get a better income and more car knowledge I'll go for an sl55 but for now I gotta walk before I run.

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>>14978091
>OP wants to buy a 15 year old car
>let's recommend buying a brand new Mercedes instead

yeah I'm sure it'll be in budget