2004 CLK 320??

[Thirdem]

I want to purchase a 2004 CLK 320 in the next year or so, and am curious if there is anything I need to watch for. Unfortunately they don't have a diesel version, but I do want the cabriolet one! Anyway, as I've never had experience with them, I figured I'd get some tips. Anybody know how well they heat, especially in the winter?? I doubt I'd drive it in the winter, it would be my summer car, but if the 300D dies for some oddball reason, I would drive the CLK.

[Thirdem]

Does anybody think it will be a good investment??

I did some pricing, and from a private owner, it would cost about $13,000. From a dealer, about $17,000. That is fully-loaded though, and I don't need all the luxuries, just the car.

[The Clk Man]

MY 2002 clk 320 had some tranny problems, and a harmonic balancer problems. I don't know if the 04 had those problems.

[Thirdem]

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

MY 2002 clk 320 had some tranny problems, and a harmonic balancer problems. I don't know if the 04 had those problems.

Where the tranny issues simple? With the hormonic balancer, were the issues so severe that the camshaft broke? Thanks a bunch!!

[The Swede]

A car is rarely a good investment.

OR Do you mean a good buy (fair price)?

[tbomachines]

Not a good investment if you have to pay for it yourself (vs. parents). Its a depreciating item plus its in years/generation that are not exactly known for reliability. Having 2 cars is fun (I did it for a while as well) but if you're planning on going to college and moving on out by renting keep in mind you'll probably have to get rid of one. I know its a ways off but you'll be surprised how quick the 3-4 years goes by. Since you'll be inevitably tight for money the depreciation might be a killer.

[Jim B.]

2000-2008 were the darkest years of Mercedes Benz quality control and build quality and durability.

You MIGHT get a good one but chances are you won't.

It will probably turn out badly:

Be a real money suck.

I would AVOID these things like the plague..

[Thirdem]

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Not a good investment if you have to pay for it yourself (vs. parents). Its a depreciating item plus its in years/generation that are not exactly known for reliability. Having 2 cars is fun (I did it for a while as well) but if you're planning on going to college and moving on out by renting keep in mind you'll probably have to get rid of one. I know its a ways off but you'll be surprised how quick the 3-4 years goes by. Since you'll be inevitably tight for money the depreciation might be a killer.

Yeah, plus I already have a truck. Plus, like Jim B. Mentioned, those were the worst years for Mercedes-Benz. On the same token though, there were very few complaints about those cars in the consumer reviews. Hmmm, I should, and will wait until I am out of UTI and have enough money. Well, thanks for the ideas/suggestions!

[E150GT]

Id spring for a CLK500 or E320CDI but probably not in your shoes or even mine right now. One of the reps I deal with is selling his 2005 E320CDI for a good deal and he offered to let my buy it first since Im a dieselhead. I really want to buy it but its not a good deal if I dont need it. I do want it though. What would I do with three cars anyway? What would you do with 3 cars?

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by E150GT

Id spring for a CLK500 or E320CDI but probably not in your shoes or even mine right now. One of the reps I deal with is selling his 2005 E320CDI for a good deal and he offered to let my buy it first since Im a dieselhead. I really want to buy it but its not a good deal if I dont need it. I do want it though. What would I do with three cars anyway? What would you do with 3 cars?

I take the last sip of morning coffee, put the empty cup in the sink, shift my gaze over to the car key rack in the kitchen, touch my chin, and ask myself:

"Hmmmm


WHICH of these 3 sweeties gets the pleasure of my company today?"


The AMG, the "Red Plum" or the new Outback? < smile >

Life is good.

[Thirdem]

Naw, I'd really like a 2012 S65 AMG!! 621 horsepower, 738 ft pounds of torque, and only a mere $217,000 for the options I want, which just happens to be all of them.


Hey, my birthday IS coming up..............

[Jim B.]

Originally Posted by Thirdem

Naw, I'd really like a 2012 S65 AMG!! 621 horsepower, 738 ft pounds of torque, and only a mere $217,000 for the options I want, which just happens to be all of them.


Hey, my birthday IS coming up..............

If *THIS* is you:






AND you'll "put out" whenever I want.


then we'll talk about that car.




Okay?

[Thirdem]

Originally Posted by Jim B.

If *THIS* is you:






AND you'll "put out" whenever I want.


then we'll talk about that car.




Okay?

Well, I'll have to find another nice fellow that is willing to buy a kid a birthday gift, with no strings attached!!

[The Clk Man]

I agree with Jim on the quality aspect. I had a 1998 and a 2002 clk 320 and the quality left me wanting. My next Benz will be a pre 98 or a post 2008.

[Thirdem]

Everyone, thank you very much for the input. I really appreciate it!