Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe (1997 - 2002) 230K Elegance 2d Auto (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Youve got money, but obviously not enough to buy a new Merc.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

He's got Money Oh no a drug dealer has moved in Next Door to us.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No And the simple reason is due to Overall Running costs, the 2.3l Supercharged engine, drinks fuel like my wife at an open bar, town driving you are unlikely to be achieving anything higher than 20MPG, dual carrigeways and motorways 30-33mpg is your average. Dont buy one of these without seriously looking at how much its going to cost you in fuel, its worth doing your research. You will find this car is better at long distance economy than plodding around the town. Insurance costs tend to be enormous even for the experienced driver and you are unlikely to get insurance on this car is you are under 25 with little or zero no claims bonus.

What are you likely to buy next?

I actually traded this car in for a 1.6l Petrol Citroen Picasso, and my fuel bills were cut in half, and my insurance dropped by around 3 quarters and for that I am pleased.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Came in as a Dealer Part Ex and got a very good price with my old car as Part Exchange.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted a car, with good reliability and that little bit extra in the quality department, this car ticked all the boxes.

What was the dealer like?

Not a Mercedes Dealer, but the Customer Service was excellent, car developed a fault a day later dealer very helpful and repaired fault immediately.

What's it like to drive?

Very comfortable, Leather seats abit nippy to sit on when cold, but you get a good driving position and is comfortable enough to do a long journey in without feeling knackered afterwards.

What's it like to park?

Being a Mercedes its long and awkward to park which is why they fitted both front and rear parking sensors, when these fail, parking the Merc is a nightmare and I found opening the door and sticking your head out the car door whilst reversing was the only option as replacing the sensors costs a fortune both in parts and Labour.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The Niggles started almost from Day One The fuel line ruptured a day after buying which had to be replaced, then couple of weeks after the rear Parking Sensors failed, then the ECU started playing up where the smart key would not turn the engine over and you had to take it out and put it back in sometimes 4-5 goes before it would start.

What's most practical about your car?

Its ride quality is just far superior to that of other cars, for a 1998 model the car was so far ahead of its time, and looked after they dont look out of date at all.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Everything It was loaded with kit and electric everything.