Rustycarlover Posted January 8, 2019 Share Posted January 8, 2019 Hi all Recently been really tempted in buying a clk to use for a bit then just bin , runners with mots seem to be around for about 400 upwards , apart from rust what else is there too look out for and what are ownership costs like . Also if anyone has one for sale let me know Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spike60 Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 A good bus, I had a 320 a few years back, lovely engine and box, better than 4 pots I'm told but no worse on fuel. Front to back pipes go over subframe and rot well, I've been there. Steering wooly.ABS/BAS/Traction lights on is usually brake light switch, they eat 'em. Cheap and easy to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat_Pirate Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 As already mentioned, 320 is the preferred motor - Mrs Pirate has the supercharged 230 which gives decent poke and reasonable economy, but it's a harsh old lump when pushed, like a Ford CVH. 230 also prone to fracture of the stainless exhaust manifold. Nice wafty things but imprecise steering, it's not a drivers car. Rusty arches, boot lids, doors, worn seat bolsters, but otherwise pretty sturdy. Ours does mid-20s MPG but spends most of it's time in town, gets up to low 30s on a run. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan the van Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Don't pass up a cheap 430 v8.Max waft,similar mpg to 320.And they're fast.Knocks from front suspension will be ARB bushes.Cheap easy fix.Make sure you get 2 keys or be prepared to spend £200+ for a spare.More wiring than a 747,so check all electrics thoroughly.Great cars,hit rock bottom now and a bargain. garethj and Cavcraft 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lesapandre Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 I'd say carefully check autobox - clean changes up and down and kickdown works, both cold and hot after a run. Windows up and down and seals. And if convertible with the roof up and down a couple of times. And has been said rust. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavcraft Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 100% agree about getting a 320 petrol, brilliant things. Rust, lack of maintenance and condensation in oil are things to look out for. Especially rust. But they're so cheap at the moment, it's hard to think of a more fun car for the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Bell Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 It's just a bigger slk. What's not to like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springer Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Had an A209 in 240 Avantgarde flava for 3 years. Only ever had one tiny rust blister which never got any bigger. The strut for the hood saver in the boot went, common problem, but only £28 for a replacement. Other than that, it really wasn't a problem at all. Went well and not to tough on the juice. The W209's are now seriously cheap now too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Equalizer Posted January 9, 2019 Share Posted January 9, 2019 Love mine and I think the comment about handling is unfair. Mine plants itself nicely where I point it. If I were buying another - and I nearly have a few times - I would go for the 430 just for the V8 factor. The main things I have had to do with my 230 have been front suspension related (bushes and the like). My manifold was cracked (it is a double skinned thing), but you can get decent OEM bits from Germany. Rust is a bu66er - mainly cosmetic and if you find one with decent arches then there is a very good chance the whole car will be good. I would say get the best you can afford (generally a good rule) as they are so cheap that even the best is not much. Best tip would be to get the WIS cd manual from eBay for a tenner and then you have full access to all part numbers for your specific car. This means you can find decent OEM parts or at least go well armed to the dealership (which is not as expensive as you would think for certain bits). Oh, and try and find one with lots of options as these make no difference to the price. Accidentally I bought mine with full leather, heated seats, nice stereo etc. If you have any questions, please do ask as I could go on a lot more… Datsuncog 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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