Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe (2002 - 2009) 270 CDi Avantgarde 2d Auto (2002/52) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Stylish, elegant, slightly eccentric.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Impressed. Partner loves the comfort and effortless power, friends amazed at how deceptively agile it can be, and the sheer amount of mid-range torque it has.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Yes, although the experience with the radiator and MB's indifference to the consequence of a bad sourcing decision on their part has left a sour taste.
What are you likely to buy next?
A Lexus.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£24,000
When did you buy the car?
September 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Price was fair.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Stylish in an understated kind of way, wanted a fast but relaxing grand tourer.Loved the pillar-less side windows.
What was the dealer like?
Thorough, competent, knowledgable, friendly, no pressure.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's a joy so long as you are not looking for 3-series chuckability. It is possible to make very rapid progress on twisty Welsh A roads or French D roads, and have a lot of fun. Most impressive is ability to cover long distances. Although some people prefer even numbers of cylinders, I like the rough note the five cylinder diesel gives (but perhaps that is for the same reason I like triple cylinder motorbikes, the odd no. of cylinders giving ideal trade off between top end power, low end torque and weight). One motorway run to South of France saw 58mpg at constant 130kph, these days 50mph two up with luggage on motorway still achievable.
What's it like to park?
Easy. Insanely small turning circle, nearly up to London cab standards.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
It had the dreaded Valeo combined radiator/ATF cooler fitted, with the result that the ATF got contaminated with antifreeze. Result was like driving over a cattle grid, as the friction material in the torque convertor got shredded. Luckily, I got it fixed before the gearbox was ruined. MB didnt want to know as it was out of warranty, but local franchised dealer took pity on me as a private oqner and MB club member and charged me "only" £2,000 inc labour. Parking sensors becoming erratic with age. Apart from that, totally trouble free. that.
What's most practical about your car?
Mile munching ability, and deceptively huge amount of carrying capacity with rear seats down.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The "Jeeves" seatbelt profferer, cruise control/limiter (the latter a licence saver), multi-function steering wheel.
