Hey everyone, I used to post here a LONG time ago, maybe you remember me, maybe you don't.

Anyway, I've got a 2000 Mercedes CLK430 Coupe, and I'm selling it this summer. The depreciation (lack of it, really) has been great, so I'm taking my money out and looking for something else.

Now- about the Lightning: very sweet trucks, as you all know. Should I get one?

Coming from a luxury sport coupe, I'm ambivalent about a pickup truck- it just seems like such a change... know what I mean?

How is day-to-day driveability? Any of you guys drive these daily in the city? We've got roads in LA that rival the worst 3rd-world country streets, and the traffic sucks, so gas mileage might be a concern; how does it handle rough roads? People with supension work, especially the Roush suspension- your comments would be appreciated.

How much does the Roush suspension cost? What have you all done to your suspensions?

And, of course, the most entertaining part- list your favorite mods! What I should get, assuming I buy a Lightning- everything from stereo to wheels to engine mods will be appreciated.

Thanks for helping me decide!

Here's what else is on my list:

'01 SVT Cobra- lots of mods planned

'00 Audi S4- quick car, AWD, Twin Turbo, responds well to mods (winds up at about 350 hp)

'96+ Supercharged BMW M3 (about 350hp)

'94+ Toyota Supra TT- unlimited HP potential

 

Uhhh.... thanks for the help, guys.

 

Come on, somebody's got to have an opinion.

 

ttt

 

What the hell, still no replies? You guys suck. I guess nobody remembers me....

 

It's not that no one remembers, it's just no one cares

 

as the saying goes" if you have to ask what kind of gas milage it gets , you can't afford it" as for the ride, it ain't no limo baby!!!

 

Well no one seems to be helping you so I will give a shot.

I just bought my 2001 about a month ago. I love it, it rides kind of stiff which I like in this truck, because of the road feel. It feels nice and tight to me.

I don't have a mercedes so I cannot compare to it, however I think the interior comfort level is pretty good. It is not up to a mercedes or that level of car I am sure, however the L in its level of price I think it is very comfortable and seats give good support.

I drive mine daily and love it , I would buy another if I had the funds. It is a blast to drive and gets a lot of attention.

As for gas, I don't really care. I can afford the gas and am not really a huge enviromentalist. I do care about the enviroment, but just not too extreme. If mileage is a concern it is not the vehicle for you.

My truck as for now is stock. However I have ordered a power surge performance air filter kit, lower pulley , 4 way chip, and the bassani exhaust. I also ordered some wet okole seat covers. And I have a bedrug.

As for suspension, I do not plan any mods, because I live in wyoming and we have some really bad roads. Also if I lowered it at all my front bumper would drag going out of my driveway. So I cannot help you on that question.

In my opinion, the L is the best sport vehicle out there, Of course there are faster and more comfortable and vehicles that do some things better, however I do not believe you can find another vehicle in this price range to compete with the L in everday usability and fun.

Hope this helps
Paul

P.S. Go out and drive one and then see if you have to ask whether you should buy one or not.

 

Ando:

Ridgebacks look just as cool in Lightnings as they do in the CLK430. You should get the Lightning and keep the CLK.

George

 

You really can't compare a Lightning to those vehicles. They are small and light(er) coupes. You could put anyone of those on a trailer and tow it with a Lightning.

I would suggest a test drive, so you will be able to make your own decesion. If you do test drive the L, be prepared to buy it. IThe torque and power is intoxicating.

Good Luck!