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I know you guys get sick of people like me who can't make up their mind about which car to get, but...Will be leasing a new company car at the end of 2000 and currently drive and Expedition Eddie Bauer. Getting tired of the SUV thing, but having a tough time selecting a car.
Started out looking at the A6, GS400, 5 Series, and M-B CLK320 Cabriolet. I think I've eliminated the GS and 5 Series, but the convertible is so SEXY! Not the most practical, I admit, also live in NE Indiana--lots of weather.
Have been looking at this forum for a couple weeks and if anyone can help me you guys can.<p>Kochster
Started out looking at the A6, GS400, 5 Series, and M-B CLK320 Cabriolet. I think I've eliminated the GS and 5 Series, but the convertible is so SEXY! Not the most practical, I admit, also live in NE Indiana--lots of weather.
Have been looking at this forum for a couple weeks and if anyone can help me you guys can.<p>Kochster
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Your location makes a strong case for the Quattro!
I tested all the same vehicles except the CLK320. All are excellent cars. In the Benz family I tested the E430 which comes in an AWD configuration too if you opt for it. But it was a bit "stuffy" for my taste.
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What are you looking for? If you want a real high performance machine that doesn't
ride too stiff the Audi A6 4.2 is the car (esp. with the sport pkg. IMHO), it also provides the best AWD system. If driving dynamics are it, I'd take the BMW. If you want something more sedate go with MB. You are coming off an SUV and considering a 2 door convertible. Be more specific with what your looking for and you will get more accurate advice.
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I live in Lincoln Park (Chicago) and your weather is decidedly worse..
in terms of (winter) precipitation. I've driven quite alot in winter all over the Midwest and I've driven about 100 times between Chicago and Ann Arbor, MI, and, by far, the ugliest stretch of road I've ever been on in the winter is I90 from the Skyway to the I94 exit all the way to Kalamazoo basically. You might want the quattro for this road. Yes the CLK is cool, and yes I had a M3 for 3 1/2 years, but they are/were basically undriveable on these roads in winter.
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Re: What are you looking for? If you want a real high performance machine that doesn't
Thanks, Pablo. I never thought I'd be able to consider such a high level of automotive sophistication, so I'm wishy washy! Not really a performance hound. Like a nice blend of attributes.
My last birdy is leaving the nest in the Fall, so very little hauling in my future. Dad wants to be coddled for a change (Mom, too!).<p>Kochster
My last birdy is leaving the nest in the Fall, so very little hauling in my future. Dad wants to be coddled for a change (Mom, too!).<p>Kochster
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Re: I live in Lincoln Park (Chicago) and your weather is decidedly worse..
I know that stretch all too well. You're right. My daughter was home for Easter and her reply to that thinking is: DAAD!! Don't tell me you're gonna live in Indiana for the rest of your life!!!! She may have something there.<p>Kochster
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Re: What are you looking for? If you want a real high performance machine that doesn't
A6 4.2 with sport package, cashmere gray would be perfect. Ride is solid, corners very good, good performance,and very very comfortable on the long hauls. Sophisticated, yet, able to kick a little butt! BMW may have upper hand slightly in cornering or twisties,but lacks in the comfort department of the Audi. The handeling can be nearly the same with the Sport PKG, but (alas for BMW)comfort doesn't come as an option.
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Re: What are you looking for? If you want a real high performance machine that doesn't
I gotta say that of the three four I'm considering, the A6 interior comfort and refinement can't be beat. Even my wife, who at first wanted the CLK Cabrio, got in the A6 4.2 and went--WOW. She's now undecided as well. By the way, do love that Cashmere! Thanks.<p>Kochster
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I own an A6 4.2 and a CLK Cab...
and they are obviously totally different cars.
The A6 is my everyday car: Fast, comfortable, easily carries 4 people, great in inclement weather.
The CLK430 Cabriolet is one of my weekend toys: Incredibly stylish, fast (at least with the V8), fantastic resale value (I've been offered $65,000 for my car that stickered for $58,190), did I say stylish. On the flipside, the backseat is much smaller than the A6, but my 11 year old doesn't mind.
In order to get a CLK320 Cab within a reasonable amount of time, you'd best be on some sort of list OR be prepared to buy one from an aftermarket auto broker for $1000's over sticker. Probably not as bad as the markup now on 430 Cab's, but it will still be there.
I love both, but I like the CLK better.
Mike Owens
'00 A6 4.2 (Silver/Onyx)
'99 BMW 323i (wife's car-White/Tan)
'00 Mercedes CLK430 Cab (Magma Red/Oyster)
'99 Plymouth Prowler (Yellow/Dk. Gray)
The A6 is my everyday car: Fast, comfortable, easily carries 4 people, great in inclement weather.
The CLK430 Cabriolet is one of my weekend toys: Incredibly stylish, fast (at least with the V8), fantastic resale value (I've been offered $65,000 for my car that stickered for $58,190), did I say stylish. On the flipside, the backseat is much smaller than the A6, but my 11 year old doesn't mind.
In order to get a CLK320 Cab within a reasonable amount of time, you'd best be on some sort of list OR be prepared to buy one from an aftermarket auto broker for $1000's over sticker. Probably not as bad as the markup now on 430 Cab's, but it will still be there.
I love both, but I like the CLK better.
Mike Owens
'00 A6 4.2 (Silver/Onyx)
'99 BMW 323i (wife's car-White/Tan)
'00 Mercedes CLK430 Cab (Magma Red/Oyster)
'99 Plymouth Prowler (Yellow/Dk. Gray)
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Re: I own an A6 4.2 and a CLK Cab...
Thanks, Mike. So I'm not crazy after all? Love your color choice on the CLK! If I go that way, it'll be the 320 (want to keep it near $50k). Do you know what the real lead time is for the 320? My current lease is up at the end of December.
Thanks, again.<p>Kochster
Thanks, again.<p>Kochster