2O02 vs 2003 CLK
 

I am thinking about buying an older CLK, a 2002 or a 2003. The 2003 has a newer body style. Which one all else being equal in miles and price will give me less problems?

My girlfriend has a 2002 CLK and its a pretty awesome car I really like it. She's put about 3k on it since February when we bought it for $6500 @ 104k on the clock and not a single issue since purchase.

You are definitely going to pay the premium for a 2003.

Whatever you do, transmission service history is important, or bank on doing it immediately.

Early W209's suffered from
(a) Valeo radiator problems
(b) As ps2cho has mentioned gearbox problems caused by seal leaks.

As Ivanerrol said, check if radiator is original Valeo and if it is, you have to replace it and hope there is no coolant in transmission.