Looking at new toy - CLK500, need advice

[SamIam]

I just got back from Florida, where I was lucky enough to drive a Mercedes SL55, black on black. AMG did an awesome job and I now have the bug. Was looking at buy an SL but my wife informed me that we have 2 kids and so we need 4 seats.

After looking around, I am looking at a 05 CLK500, with an outside shot at an 04 CLK55. This is just a toy to drive around on weekends and maybe take up to the lake now and then. My color choices are Black, Silver, or maybe Blue. I really like the black, but Silver seems to be the traditional German racing color, isn't it?

While the 500 doesn't have the power of the AMG, it still has enough grunt for me to have some fun with. On the other hand, I am not as up on Mercedes and AMG and maybe AMG keeps its value well enough to justify the extra cost.

What are some good Mercedes sites to check out? I know the Audi and Lexus sites, but Benz is a new one for me.

Anyone had any experience with the CLK500 convertible? Anything I should think about or be careful of? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

SamIam

[YoMike]

Black for weekend grand touring will be my choice!!

[dirtdiggler]

i frequent www.mbworld.org, mymbonline and then benzworld.org in that order..

I have an 07 C230 Sport Sedan with the AMG sport package.. so far so happy.


AMG FTW..

[Accumulator]

SAmIam- Heh heh, I can't contribute anything worthwhile, but I just *had* to about your interest in the Benz. I *knew* you couldn't leave well enough alone and just live with the trouble-free Lexus (we're too much alike)

Be sure you get a good one. Too many recent-model Benzes seem to spend too much time in the shop and you had enough of that with your A8.

I would, of course, choose the silver, and yeah, that's the traditional color for Benzes and Audis (the old "Silver Arrow" thing goes back to pre-WWII).

[aabablusaan]

AMG = All Money Gone

They depreciate like crazy...but so did that CLK500.

If I were you, I'd get the '05 - big nav screen, about 60 unseen improvements, refreshed front fascia.

Plus, the insurance is a LOT better on the 500.

[HBR]

AMG = FTMFW Just have to be smart.........................

[Puckman]

HBR - pure catnip!!! Nice ride.

[HBR]

Originally Posted by Puckman

HBR - pure catnip!!! Nice ride.

Thanks brudda, fun car and trouble free