USED Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe (02 - 10)

My car

I'm just getting rid of this car after three years. Having had a C320, it was a smart move in terms of company car tax and it has returned an average of 39mpg after 68,000 miles.

It has lots of torque and is good for motorway driving. ESP and other safety features are invasive on A-roads, however. Build quality is not good, either, with lots of niggling faults with the electics, including the satellite-navigation system, and starting in the cold.

I wouldn't buy a Mercedes again. I can't wait to take delivery of my new Aston Martin V8 next month!

My car

I purchased this car from new in Munich (as I live nearby). In 18 months, I have had both headlights replaced, a new engine management computer installed, a steering fluid leak, a failed speaker, a failed radio/DVD satellite-navigation system, two lots of software reinstalled, various rattles, 'bits' in my exhaust, and windows failing to go into a fully closed position - all fixed on warranty.

I was told that (apart from the rattles and exhaust problem) all the aforementioned are "known faults".

It is a shame, because the car is a delight to drive (apart from in the snow, when Mercedes suggested a 50kg bag of salt or sand in the boot would be a great solution to the lack of traction).

Despite the driving enjoyment, I have sold the car due to the ongoing faults. All the Germans I speak to over here tell me that "you should have purchased a Mercedes 10 years ago as the quality was far better then," and I have to agree.

I now have a Range Rover Sport that I am more than happy with!

My car

I've got a 350 avantgarde with sports pack. Just picked one of these up and what a difference from the 320.

Interior build quality is up. The engine is a dream and handling is great.

Originally the MK2 CLK looked odd, especially in a dark colour, however the minor body mods on the facelift version tend to camouflage the Honda-esque back end.

Also, by choosing a sports pack option and xenon headlights; the wider wheels, dropped suspension, front face and different lenses make this car look completely different.

I took a chance and ordered obsidian black and it is truly beautiful to look at. The 18 inch boots give the rear quarters a sort of American retro Fifties spook-mobile style instead of the "who nailed the Honda to that Merc" look that the pre-facelifted version had.

The only odd thing is that whereas the 320 would happily burble about at improbable speeds with ease, this one feels like you are about to go supersonic when you are in fact plodding along at 70.

In conclusion, this is the first Merc I've had that actually feels like a Merc should and I love it.

My car

I don't understand the negativity about this car... our particular 280 hits 60 in 5.5seconds regularly, Mercedes obviously don't publicise this. Also a friends 280 hits 600 in 5.7seconds.

I chose this over the Jaguar XK and 7 Series after seeing the car at the garage.

Great choice. This car handles like the AMG and sounds like a Lotus Elise. No problems anywhere...just a shame I'm getting a Mercedes S-Class as well, no full time delights anymore.