SecondHandSense: Mercedes-Benz CL:With a 5-litre petrol engine and average consumption of about 20mpg, the Mercedes CL won't be for anyone paying attention to the latest gloomy forecasts about global warming. But to judge from the numbers for sale at the moment they do enjoy a relatively high degree of popularity.
Making the decision to buy one of these cars will still involve a good deal of hand-wringing for those who can afford to run them. Can the purchase price, the running costs, the emission levels and the power output really be justified? That, as they say, is a matter for individual conscience.
Another reason to think the CL makes little or no sense is the fact that Mercedes already offers other coupés which probably do the two-seater job just as well, with half the power and which are a good deal cheaper to buy and run. However, the CL is the top of the range coupé from Mercedes and some people won't settle for anything less.
The CL has been around for several years but its most recent incarnation was in 2003 when it got a softer body shape, a good deal more electronic equipment and a more luxurious makeover. There are two versions: the standard and the AMG version, which is a souped-up model with an extra half-litre of performance on tap and greater acceleration.
The CL is a four-seater, but it is not really. You will fit two in the back but the shorter the passengers the more comfort they will have (at least in this case the very large boot area is a compensation and there is no problem with space here). Those up front though, will have a truly luxurious ride.
The car is packed with electronics. Leather seats are standard, so the interior instantly feels plush and comfortable. Expect to find heated seats which will memorise your favourite setting, a pretty incomparable stereo system, air conditioning, and climate control.
The ride and handling are extremely refined too. The CL soaks and absorbs everything, has effortless acceleration, cruises with absolute ease and takes its corners in its stride (again the electronic control of the car that kicks when the wheels are under pressure for grip is a marvel).
The CL does not have a EuroNCAP crash test rating but Mercedes has a good crash safety record and the car also has a very good reliability record. The biggest recall was of some 58,000 cars for problems with the brake pedal. It is worth noting that many of the CLs for sale have been imported from the UK and some people prefer a car with a local history. With a car like this it is also very advisable to buy only with a full Mercedes-Benz service history.
A 2004 model with all of the above listed equipment and 34,000 miles on the clock is on offer for €79,500 and a 2005 model with an AMG kit and 23,500 miles is €104,950.
FOR:Comfort and reliability
AGAINST:Cost and emission levels