Emotionally I am leaning towards the CLK coupe, but I am concerned about Mercedes reliability, I've heard it's gone downhill the last few years.

I don't want to pump more money into a car than I have to, so the logical side is leaning towards the TL Type S....

The CLK has average reliability but it is a very generic drive and it really is not worth the price tag. For $50000+, the CLK is not potent and the designing is dull and outdated. The Acura TL drives like a clawed cat walking on linoleum, it does not grip the road at all. The drive is not very inspiring either but I will admit the reliability is spot on. If I had to choose between the two, it would be the CLK because it is not nearly as generic as the Acura, you will at least get a little street credit compared to the Acura. I usually expect to see the Acura driven by a retired lawyer or something like that, the Benz I expect to see a retired Woman driving it. If I were you, I would also add the BMW 335 into your choices. The handling, brakes, fit and finish, and power are top in its class and reliability is also the best in its class. The BMW 335 is on a completely different level than the others.

I have had an Acura TSX , very similar to the TL , and I have had a CLK as well. Both are excellent cars. If you want to save money, go with the TL because the initial car costs and maintence costs are way higher for the Mercedes.

Have you considered any other cars, because your two selections are on opposite sides of the spectrum (in regards to price)???

BTW The mercedes have dipped in quality only in the c-classes because they are made in mexico.

As long as the TL is a 2004 or newer, then the TL is much, much, much more reliable than the Benz. I like the looks of hte Benz a little better, but the TL has a lot better quality, and will last a lot longer. And the type S still has plenty of power.
Also, you have to decide if you want RWD or FWD, that would be the major deciding factor if it was me.
GOod Luck

Chk the site out....this one is 2007 Lexus IS 350
http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_lexus_is_350...
2007 Lexus SC 430 http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_lexus_sc_430...


Saturn Cars

http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_saturn_aura_...
http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_saturn_aura/...
http://autos.yahoo.com/saturn_ion/;_ylt=...

Chrysler car u gotta chk this one out Chigga.....
http://autos.yahoo.com/chrysler_crossfir...

It's a parade everyday! Get used to it!
by Crossfire Fan from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (10/21/07)
Pros: Fun to drive, handling is outstanding as well as brakes - turns heads constantly!
Cons: Pricey MSRP, could use extra power, cup holder is worst in history!

I had many sports cars in my life, Fiat 2000, Datson 280Z, TranAm, Corvette, Opel GT, TR5, MGB to name a few. This car is a modern refined trouble free version of my TR6. Fun to drive and a real head turner. Feel like I'm in a parade everyday. For the true performance fan this is not the car for you- needs about 50-100 hp more. Fit and finish is outstanding. 6 speed transmission smooth and quick. Traded my corvette for the Crossfire. While I miss the outright power - the Crossfire is just miles ahead in refinement. I plan to keep mine forever. Some day it will be looked at the same as excellent condition TR6's are today.


http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_chrysler_300...

Why u want to just go for Acura or Mercedes as such u can as well try some other cars for that matter. Test drive some babies and then decide wat u gonna buy and look up ur budget too and get something great accordingly :) Have fun car shopping ;-)

Neither. The Lincoln MKZ is the best in it's class.

get the clk they are very reliable i own a mercedes E 350 and i have no problems with it

Acura TL =
(pro) Durable engine, VVTI, Cheaper maintence garunteed, Longer lasting expect up to 200k miles on engine, powerful v6, crash rating 5 star, speed 14.2 ET 1/4 mile time with type S.
(cons) Used one is still pretty expensive. Especailly the 2004 and up.

Mercedes CLK =
(pros) Rich look, 5 star crash rating, luxury interior
(cons) expensive maintence, Gas hog, engine is not as reliable as accesories, Burns oil, way too expensive.