Used Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet 1997 - 2003 review

What's the used Mercedes-Benz CLK like?

The Mercedes CLK Cabrio is not quite as solid as the Coupe, but it still drives like an elegant soft-top should. It shrugs off bumps, doesn't shudder like some convertibles, and has superb motorway manners.

Every model has a relaxed feel, with effortless acceleration that's more than adequate for top-down motoring. However, with the roof down, it's blustery, especially for anyone sat in the back.

Overview

The Mercedes CLK Cabriolet looks classy, but the right specification is vital to low running costs

Pros

• Style and a supercharged engine option make it a great everyday drop-top

Cons

• Not as reliable as Mercedes of old
• It needs regular expensive servicing

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Mercedes-Benz CLK

3.2 CLK320 Sport Cabriolet 2dr

£1,495

Mercedes-Benz CLK

3.2 CLK320 Avantgarde Cabriolet 2dr

£1,695

Mercedes-Benz CLK

2.6 CLK240 Elegance Cabriolet 2dr

£1,895

Mercedes-Benz CLK

3.2 CLK320 Avantgarde Cabriolet 2dr

£1,995

Mercedes-Benz CLK

2.3 CLK230 Kompressor Avantgarde Cabriolet 2dr

£2,295

Mercedes-Benz CLK

1.8 CLK200 Kompressor Avantgarde Cabriolet 2dr

£2,395

Mercedes-Benz CLK

1.8 CLK200 Kompressor Avantgarde Cabriolet 2dr

£2,495

Mercedes-Benz CLK

2.6 CLK240 Elegance Cabriolet 2dr

£2,495

Mercedes-Benz CLK

1.8 CLK200 Kompressor Sport Cabriolet 2dr

£2,790

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However, even with the canvas top up, there's plenty of space for taller drivers, and the tilt-and-slide mechanism on the front seats makes getting in and out of the back a bit more dignified. Don't even think about seating more than four, though - a storage box fills the gap between the two rear seats.

Legroom back there isn't generous, though, and with the roof in place, headroom is tight for adults. It's a bit dark, too, and some of your over-the-shoulder vision is severely restricted.

Our recommendations

Which used Mercedes-Benz CLK should I buy?

The entry-level 2.0-litre CLK 200 was slow and unimpressive, but the far faster 200K supercharged model that replaced it was much better. However, the best engine in the range is the supercharged 230K, which is very responsive, if a bit noisy.

As with any Mercedes, a manual version can prove undesirable on the used market, so look out for models with an automatic gearbox, which will help safeguard your investment. Alternatively, stick to the 3.2 V6 (which is marginally quicker than the 230k) and large 4.3 V8, both of which came only with automatic gearboxes.

There's something close to a standard specification on all CLKs - air-con or climate control, a single CD player, electric seat adjustment, a two-way adjustable steering column and loads of passive and active safety features. As you might expect, the bigger the engine, the more goodies that came as standard.

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