Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe (2002 - 2009) 220 CDi Avantgarde 2d Tip Auto (2008/08) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

That the owner values style and performance over practicality and running costs.

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

Everybody liked the look of the CLK, the only complaint people often made was that it looked much bigger outside than it was inside.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I don't think I would buy another CLK, its in no way a bad car but it's a bit cramped inside and I prefer the practicality of 4 doors.

What are you likely to buy next?

Something a bit more spacious and practical.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£14,250

When did you buy the car?

March 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

I think so, the car was in as new condition and had covered less than 28,000 miles from new. As an approved used Mercedes it came fully checked and serviced, had a comprehensive warranty and after sales backup. I guess it would have been cheaper at an independent dealership but the cleanest cars always seem to be found at Mercedes Dealerships.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

The look of the CLK really sold the car to me. In Obsidian Black it looked superb when parked up outside the local Mercedes Dealership.

What was the dealer like?

Very good on the whole the sales process was efficient and courteous at all times. The after sales took too long to replace a damaged headlamp letting things down a little, but their work when completed was of a high standard.

What's it like to drive?

Not as sporty as it looks, this is certainly more of a touring coupe than an out and out drivers car. Mine had the sports suspension but you could tell the chassis was tuned for comfort as it's main priority. This makes it more comfortable than it looks but it still does handle like a rwd coupe, albeit a large and heavy one.

What's it like to park?

Not too difficult thanks to good visibility, although I was pleased mine had the parking sensors fitted as it's certainly bigger than a standard hatchback. Feels like parking a 2 door car the size of a family saloon.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Just under a month into owning the car the drivers headlight started to let in significant amounts of water whenever it rained. The dealer took the lamp unit out of the car and confirmed that it was not damaged, nor were the vents blocked. It took a month for the dealership and Mercedes to agree to replace the unit. I felt this was far too long given I had just spent over £14,000 on the car.

What's most practical about your car?

The large opening doors. For a 2 door coupe it was surprisingly easy to get friends, children and luggage into and out of the rear seats.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

I'd say the tyre pressure monitoring system as I didn't know this was fitted until it warned me of a puncture! The system was correct one rear tyre had a nail in it and was slowly loosing air. 10 out of 10 to Mercedes for fitting this as standard, it reassured me that safety was obviously taken seriously by the company.