Tell me what you guys thing, in the market for either one for my mom.

 

kind of different car, both nice...gs4 has very good price right now...new model clk will be here next year...tough choice. if she only wants a coupe, then clk. but, if the price is too close to $60k plus tax, i would get the SC430

 

Which model GS and which CLK? Does she want 2 doors or 4? And if she wants a convertible then the choice is easy. Anyway, here's my opinion:

CLK320 over GS300

GS430 over CLK320

GS430 or CLK430? DAMN tough call! I would have to say edge = GS

CLK55 over GS430

 

yea...CLK55 are sweet...but it's hard to get one for under 80 grand...I'd just get a E55 instead for that kind of money.

 

BriGuyMax, nice sig picture. Do you have a bigger one of that. I would love that one as my new background.

 

If it is really for your mom and she is not a speed demon the CLK320 is nice but when I was making a decision I found that for about the same monthly cost I can have a GS400 (now GS430).
You get a lot more car V8 four door, big difference in standard equipment etc. - if you want to spend even less you can buy a GS300.

 

I agree with a lot of the opinions of the other folks on this board but I had to tell you my personal experience with the CLK.

My friend Christyn's mom (you might all know her as the girl that came with me to the BIG Lexus meet) has a CLK430 convertable which she got ROUGHLY a year ago?!?! Well, all she's had is PROBLEMS PROBLEMS PROBLEMS!!

All the electrical ****** in the car started to malfunction. She's taken it into the shop NUMEROUS times but no solutions. The problems have gotten so bad that she's deciding to GIVE UP the car!! She's SOOOOO frustrated with it!! She always is complaining to me about how it's always in the shop and how HORRIBLE Mercedes customer service is!!

As for my car (which I got a little before they got their CLK430) NO PROBLEMS!! My GS has been WONDERFUL to me. Lexus service is TOP NOTCH. The car runs beautifully...

AND I have a FASTER V8 and more room for passengers!! GS ALL THE WAY!!

 

I don't know how long it will take until the marketplace votes with their dollars, but the German automakers had better wise up. Right now they seem to be living on reputation alone, but people like your friend Christyn and I who buy what are considered luxurious, expensive vehicles expect reliability and primo customer service.

My prediction: Within ten years (maybe less) Lexus will overtake BMW in terms of sales and prestige in the U.S. market.

My hope: Acura will stay right there with them, moving into the number two spot.

 

nicely put, iceman. competition brings out the best in everything....i remeber back in the mid/late 80s when the "best selling" 300E was selling at $45k, and some buyers think they are the best cars on the planet for the $$$ spend.

then came the ls400, for less than $40k, you get an ultra reliable V-8, with top notch customer service. i still remember one of the benz execs claimed that their cars are not "over-priced", but "over-engineered".

do not mean to flame anyone here, but buyers should expect more on everything when they pay say $40k v. a $20k car. too bad there are still buyers in this day and age who are willing to sacrifice value and relaiblity for an emblem bragging rights just so they can bring it up in a conversation( a friend of mine just spend close to $30k for the benz c-coupe)

lexus is not without flaws...nothing is perfcet in this world. but how much a co is willing to listen and change will be the one who survive..

 

Amen Will, amen!!!

 

Richie,

how's going? i just call them as i see them.

looking forward to the essen show? i would be if i were you

 

If it was a CLK it would be a coupe 430, I'd love a AMG but....I'm dreamer not crazy. Most likely a 99 maybe...2000.

The GS would be a 99 or 98 with all the options.


What would you guys get, this car would most likely end up being my car seeing how my mom cares nothing for luxury and would rather driver her Tempo. I'm only 17 and I HATE having such a big car right now, it's only good when I'm piling all the boys, or ladies , into it. You guys think the GS might be too much for me?

 

To me, CLK 430 is more "pimping" but GS4 is an overall better car. BTW, CLK 430/GS4, which one is faster?

 

Francis, get the GS, you won't be dissapionted!!

Will, of course I will be at the Essen show!!

 

2 BriGuyMax

Just saw Clk55amg, black/black with white inside in San Diego, for 75k....used with 120 miles on it.....need a hook up?