Come on guys. 39 reads of the message and not one response. Throw something out there, please.

Thanks
USA

Bump.

 

As much as I love the CLKs but for your situation I guess you should go for Audi. Without changing to winter tires you are not going to have fun driving a CLK 500 in snowy situation. Bottom line, the CLK depreciates much less than Audi, is built like a tank but it is rear wheel drive and not ideal for icy or snowy roads. On the other hand the Audi depreciates a lot but it is four wheel drive and you survive the winter with it.

 

I'm obviously biased, since I own a CLK 320 Cab and a CLK 500 Cab, both '05's. I test drove the Audi, and while it's a nice car, it just doesn't have the luxurious feel of a Mercedes and as Celm said, the Audi depreciates faster. If you're unwilling to get a set of winter tires, you should probably opt for the Audi, as the CLK will undoubtedly perform poorly on snowy roads. If it were me though, I'd get the CLK, and a set of winter tires. Both set's of tires will last longer and you'll still have a Mercedes Benz. BTW.....an article in Road and Track this month stated the Mercedes CLK is one of the few cars which holds it value significantly higher than other cars. In fact they said after 5 years of ownership a CLK is worth at least 50% of it's purchase price. Now, see if ANY Audi can do that.

Rod

 

...Why not go for a 4matic Benz...? Frankly I just cannot visualise the trauma of investing all the hard earned $$$$ on an Audi. It comes to a compromise inevitably....something's gotta give...it always does!

Best of Luck!

 

Though I'm a hardcore Mercedes fanatic now, I would suggest you get the Audi due to your requirements. More fun to drive (Speed/handling) 4x4 (safety).

Hopefully Mercedes will take note of the price differences between the CLK55 and audi S4, and do something about it soon.

 

I own a new shape CLK320 Cab and I can asure you in Ice & Snow as long as you put it in C = comfort mode you should have no problems at all. I tried out all of the 4 seater cabriolets before going for the Merc, as others have said the S4 is a bit faster but the quality - its like comparing a diamond to a piece of plastic. Plus with the Audi you might as well burn your money and with the Merc you get treated differently. They see you in an Audi and exactly AND WHAT, where as people see you in the Merc and doors start opening and girls love them.

 

Hey guys,

Ended up going with the S4 Tip. Had the car for about 2 months now, and would make the same decision again.

WHile I agree with all points for MB in general (has slk32 b/4 this, and just love the cars), for this situation, the S4 wins. 2 things would changed my mind: more power in the clk500 and the availability of 4matic (ye, you have the power in the 55, but I'm not worth the premium as compared to the S4).

In terms of feeling of luxury, comfort, and features, the clk definitely wins my vote. So if they can get the 4matic in the clk, perhaps that's next...

Really loved the hardtop on the slk though. Just wish we can get that on the 4 place cabs, that would hve sold me no doubt. (back seats too small in lexus).

 

How is your rear visibility with the top up? After having the SLK hardtop is the S4's blind spot a problem. Is there an issue with readability of the radio display or the Navigation screen when the top is down and the sun is causing glare?