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Best Merc CLK for £10k? - dodo
I want a nice car for the occasional long run and holidays. Having considered Lexus LS, Audi A8, BMW 7 series I have come to the conclusion that a nice CLK in a strong colour below 100k miles would be best. But which one and what should I be getting for £10k? Thanks
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - wjh
It holds its value very well, so you'll probably only get a 200 or a 230 and coupe not cabriolet. You may get a high mileage 320, which is a V6 and the best engine, perhaps 97 or 98 model. I'm not sure which is the engine to pick between the 200 or the 230 but if I remember correctly the 230 offered little over the 200.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - dodo
Thanks. Looked at and drove a 2001 320 today with 59k miles at £12995. Could get it for £12k. Also took a 2002 S Type Jag V8 out for a run - and preferred it. Lovely car and cheaper. Decisions decisions ...
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - Roger Jones
A car "for the occasional long run and holidays" would be much cheaper hired than owned. That would allow you something different each time too.

A car that sits unused for long periods is building up problems.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - wjh
Thats good going for a 01 320. The 3.2 Six was a nice engine, now replaced by a 3.5. Remember that a Jag S Type is not as reliable as a CLK, will probably require more maintanence and will not hold its value as well either.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - dodo
Only downside on the 2001 320 is that it is white and cloth. Now brother in law has offered immaculate 2002 Volvo S80 belonging to a colleague who is getting a new company car. 70k miles FVSH and in good condition. £8850?
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - $till $kint
The S80 is a barge.
$$
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - wjh
The S80 is a completely different thing to a CLK. And its ugly.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - barchettaman
Very safe and comfy though, and well liked by its owners. Worth a test drive...
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - wjh
Ive just noticed the Audi A8 is on your list - if you're after saloon, this is much nicer than the S80 - beautifully built, engineered, comfortable and very nice looking too.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - Nsar
Of those cars at that kind of price you've got to budget perhaps £1k pa for repairs above and beyond normal servicing and depreciation, possibly more. That might not apply to the Lexus but there aren't many indy Lexus garages and main dealer servicing is astronomic.
If it's high days and holidays only , hire something, just think of the insurance you won't be paying every day.
Isn't there a classic sports club which allows you to hire exotica (if slightly old examples) on a frequent basis. You pay just for the fun, not the worries in between.
Best Merc CLK for £10k? - Collos25
A 200 will average around 26mpg and as the engines get bigger the economy goes down.My 2001 200k which is going this week has been a catalogue of disaster the electronics are a nightmare,the car is well built and the mechanical side is very good but when those malfiunction lights and the engine management lights start appearing reach for your wallet.Get a Pug 406 coupe far nicer car and you can get a diesel version and spares in abundance.