While I wait to sell my mechanically pristine 02 XKR coupe...

I'm evaluating the merits of having to take a small loan to get into any low mileage XK (07-08) vs simply paying for low-mileage MB CLK convertibles. Whatever I get I'll drive for 8-10 years as I have done with other cars.

I'm a city driver who rarely has to deal with traffic, and every day is a new route so I get to savor my short trips with vigorous driving.

I suspect the XK could prove to be better choice in the long-run, and that paddle-shifted transmission is so good its a fine trade-off for my 4.0l sc motor.

 

I drive a MB E-Class for my daily driver. It's built on the same chassis as the CLK and the MB is a great bullet proof car that will be quiet and precise but will lack personality and soul. It's also very heavy and will drive like a very heavy car. If you ever want to manually shift the gears then you'll hate the lag in anything but a new MB.

Also, if you drive your cars for so long then consider this... Think of any Jag other than that awful ford taurus reskined baby sedan - particularly any 2 door jag of any year; antique, classic, recent or current and it's still a great looking - classic car. Even your 2002 is still a great looking car that shows personality and taste. Now think of a 2002 Mercedes... It's just an old worthless dime a dozen car with no personality.

 

Mercedes' styling ages like a fish on a hot pier. Only Porsche seem to get the design right the first time out of the German marques.

 

It's sad how much even the new C63 looks like an Accord.