At $9,500, Is This 2006 Mercedes CLK500 Ready For Frugal Fun?

With convertible weather right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about cars like today’s Nice Price or No Dice Mercedes. Let’s see if this droptop still needs a drop in its price.

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It’s been a long, long time since Torrance, California’s Beach Boys were relevant in music. These days, the band—or at least what remains of it (R.I.P. Dennis and Carl Wilson)—are relegated to playing their hits after having adopted the mantle of being an “Oldies Band.” That all being said, is there any better way to kick off summer than with the surf and sand harmonies of the Beach Boys? In fact, I think the opening verse of 1976’s It’s OK is perfect, not just for summer, but for today’s 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 convertible. It goes a little something like this:

Fun is in, it’s no sin, it’s that time again

To shed your load, hit the road on the run again

Summer skies in our eyes and a warmer sun

It’s one for all, all for one, all for all-out fun

Today’s CLK looks ready for that summer fun despite its having been built by a company better known for slide rules than surfboards. Just look at its bona fides: it has a three-layer convertible top, a solid 302 horsepower all-alloy V8 under the hood, and room for four so the party never ends.

Not only that, but when the sun goes down and it’s time for a night out on the town, the CLK looks elegant enough, even with the top up, not to embarrass its owner.

The CLK is based on the W203 C-Class platform and shares much of the saloon’s styling, including the raked grille, double oval headlamps, and oversized tail lamps. This one has been given the AMG Sports package, which imbues it with a rear lip spoiler, deeper front valance, five-spoke alloys, and white-faced gauges. As noted, the car gets the numeric portion of its name from the 5.0-liter M113 V8 under the hood. That’s good for 302 horsepower and a stout 339 lb-ft of torque. All that’s routed through the standard seven-speed automatic to the rear wheels.

According to the ad, this CLK sports a modest 129,850 miles and has a clean title and an accident-free history. Both the brakes (rotors and pads) and the convertible top are new, and the car is claimed to run and drive without issue or warning light. A clean smog test and current tags round out the car’s assets.

It’s a good-looking car, too. The elegant black paint shows no flaws nor do the AMG wheels. That new top seems to fit like it’s factory, and the two-tip exhaust adds a bit of boy racer bling to the car’s otherwise stoic vibe. In the cabin, the upholstery seems to have little wear, and, being a Benz, it’s loaded with comfort and convenience features. Overall, it’s a very clean-appearing car, right down to the engine bay. The price tag is $9,500, and your task is to now decide if that’s too high of an asking even for a car that can do both fun in the sun and date night runs.