motor dilemma

[SH99]

I have c.�12k to spend on a motor, should I buy a nice luxurious 2-3 yr old Merc CLK 230 Kompressor or go for a good example of a 1970s classic Porsche 911? Can any owners tell me the pros and cons of each? Tricky one, eh?

[Kev_UK]

Hi SH99

 

I don't own any of the cars you mention, but own a 20 year old american muscle car that parts for are easily available, and I benefit from classic insurance and a car that doesn't depreciate much.

 

For luxury and the toys, and reliability, parts, etc, the Merc CLK 230 Kompressor seems a good choice, but it will depriciate very quickly like a lot of luxury cars do, and they're not exactly a rare sight to see.

 

For sporty performance, low depreciation (possible gaining in value) and head turning, then the classic porshe 911 has it, along with the benefits of cheaper classic car insurance, and you could enter it in shows, or join a porshe 911 owners club. I would think parts would be easily available. Try wearching on google to check availability and prices of spares, and what other owners have to say about a classic 911.

[Kev_UK]

I forgot to say (apart from wearching should read searching) that the Merc is more suitable for going shopping in, etc. The downside of the porshe 911 is the lack of space (but who wants practical? .. I guess you or your wife have another car). ,, and there is more risk of it being the centre of attention for car thieves.

[keltik]

have you seen the dash on a 911? have you even thought about the stupid servicing costs. add on the fact that almost every 911 ever built is the same as the last with a bigger spoiler and it doesnt seemlike such a great car. Sure it will pull birds better than the merc, but a merc with a nice paint job and a few styling accessories is pretty beasty too.

Then theres the previous owners crap. In my opinion every owner of a merc is a sensible middle aged investment banker, so getting a model thats been well serviced, looked after and in good nick should be a lot easier than getting a decent porsche.

Finally theres what youre going to do with your car. If the drive to work is 2 hours in london traffic with gatso's every 20 yards then a porsche isnt the option is it? A nice merc with electric everything and double glazing sounds good. On the other hand if your drive to work is a winding country road without the speed traps then a porsche will suit you just fine.

Also if your DES after a night at the pub, do you want to cart 3 of your mates home in style and comfort, because a porsche has only got 2 seats, the mercs got more. Not to mention more luggage space.

So theres the info as i see it. The merc is a cracking car to drive and its pretty quick too. Ive only ever driven a 911 once and it was fun but the speeding ticket wasnt.

[drbsparks]

Sorry keltik, to break the mould but I'm a merc owner, from new a CLK Kompressor now 18 months old. I'm 35 (OK middle aged I guess depending on which side of 30 you sit on) but as my user name tells you am just a lowly sparky. I can assure you I ain't sensible as my speeding points tally will prove. But to answer the question. Go for the merc. I've driven a Porsche on a few occassions, fantastic car, but for a car of the age you can afford, it'll cost you twice the value over a few years in servicing and repair bills. Also contrary to the first answer, Mercs hold there value very well. Infact for the model you've specified for �12k you'll probably be looking for one around 4 years old. Happy hunting