Better'n a Fiesta

[theolodian]

As you may recall, I am looking for a small automatic car for the g/f.  Something recent enough to be safe.  Got tempted by a Smart Roadster for a bit, but too small to be safe.   Found that you can get a 98-99 SLK for about £5K.  Those are pretty good, right?  2.3K Auto, 80-120K miles, leeeaaaaathhhheeerrrrr.  

[Essex_Andy]

I used to sell mercs at a main agent and I would NEVER EVER buy a merc. Poor build quality compared to how they used to be, poor reliability, stupid service costs...AVOID!!!!!!

If you want a medium sized auto and like a cabrio then mazda MX5 all the way

If you do not want a cabrio then ford focus auto

(I still have contacts for used fords, used mazdas and new/used vauxhalls)

[theolodian]

Sorry, meant CLK.  Don't want ragtop.  (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)

Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics.  She would like a Focus.  Target is £4K.

[TheBoy]

Sorry, meant CLK.  Don't want ragtop.  (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)

Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics.  She would like a Focus.  Target is £4K.

Her choice

Personally, I would never have another Focus. Biggest heap of shit I've ever had the displeasure of owning...

[Essex_Andy]

I liked the st170 I had as my company car

They're a good cheap car...the mark two is better in my opinion than the new mark three...certainly handles nicer

I dont like autos, I dont like not being in control of when I want acceleration or engine braking

You might be able to get a bmw or one of the first new shape astras

[TheBoy]

I liked the st170 I had as my company car

They're a good cheap car...the mark two is better in my opinion than the new mark three...certainly handles nicer

I dont like autos, I dont like not being in control of when I want acceleration or engine braking

You might be able to get a bmw or one of the first new shape astras

The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.

[theolodian]

Anyone else feel the same way about the CLK?

Btw, the miggy is all over the place.  So I guess a lot of work left to do there.  

[Essex_Andy]

The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.

Your old focus...did it have the front indicators in the bumper or headlamp?

What model was your escort and was it standard?

[TheBoy]

The Focus we had (51 plate) was the first car I've driven since an Escort that you cannot precisely position in corners - its handling is too unpredictable. I cannot tolerate a car like that.

Your old focus...did it have the front indicators in the bumper or headlamp?

What model was your escort and was it standard?

Indicator in bumper iirc. It was a (very flat) 1.6LX model.  Same with her brother's 1.8LX, the 2.0l Zetec that we had as a hire car from Dover to home when the Omega broke down in France.  Other Focus's I've driven I've been ultra careful with because they were properly owned by people.

As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling.  (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)

[Auto Addict]

I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)

I have...

[Taxi_Driver]

As you may recall, I am looking for a small automatic car for the g/f.  Something recent enough to be safe.  Got tempted by a Smart Roadster for a bit, but too small to be safe.   Found that you can get a 98-99 SLK for about £5K.  Those are pretty good, right?  2.3K Auto, 80-120K miles, leeeaaaaathhhheeerrrrr.  

My opinion about mercs and slk's.

Slk's prone to go rusty on A pillar metal covers......i had the covers replaced twice on mine.

Did get told once on the slk if it has the side indicator repeators built into the door mirrors.....if the bulbs blow (its does have 3 bulbs tho) they carnt be changed.....its a new door mirror  :-/

Merc make nice autoboxes....avoid the manuals.

If i was in the market for a merc......it would have to be silver , auto , full leather , climate (also in the case of the slk heated seats, peeps like to put the roof down on a sunny winters day....and still stay warm)

Reason for the above line....they are easier to sell on....people looking for 2nd hand mercs want these items

hth

[Taxi_Driver]

Sorry, meant CLK.  Don't want ragtop.  (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)

Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics.  She would like a Focus.  Target is £4K.

Sorry i replied to your slk post......which is a folding hardtop......so im a tad confused now.....coz a clk is either a ragtop or hardtop......so do you want a convertable or no  :-/

[Auto Addict]

 She would like a Focus.  

Give her a good slapping, and tell her she'll have what this forum advises...

[STMO123]

As to Escort, I've talking any Escort I've driven, from 1.1L to XR3i's. I've crashed them all, mainly due to unpredictable handling.  (I'm talking Mk3 and later - I haven't trashed a RWD Escort)

Hmmmm...obviously bad design and nothing at all to do with your driving

[theolodian]

Sorry, meant CLK.  Don't want ragtop.  (I don't fit in MX5 btw.)

Guys here have said avoid Ford automatics.  She would like a Focus.  Target is £4K.

Sorry i replied to your slk post......which is a folding hardtop......so im a tad confused now.....coz a clk is either a ragtop or hardtop......so do you want a convertable or no  :-/

Hardtop, like this one;

http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/www/CARS_popup.asp?nU=0&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&model=CLK&min_pr=&max_pr=&postcode=CV31%201HE&miles=40&max_records=200&modelexact=1&photo=1&hassearched=Y&start=1&distance=35&adcategory=CARS&channel=CARS&id=200708272559349

Cheers!