Kamisama

Car Lot (not MB) has a 2002 CLK AMG 55/125k miles. Paint isn't too great, head unit replaced with **upgraded unit (I'd prefer stock), and could be some minor mechanical (tail pipe leans left). I cannot go see the car. 4 owners. No reported damages. Good maintenance records through about 80k miles.

Lot wants 7k. Any advice? I think it's probably gambling to pay more than 5k or so. Service B is probably due - that's about $500. Pre-inspection can be done for $180 at dealer.

Anyhow - just wondering what anyone thinks. Thanks!

GatorMB

If you can do most of the wrenching yourself go for it.

Have a pro inspect it before buying. Sounds like a good deal

jonUF02

$7K is top dollar for that car. I've seen very nice examples here in FL for that price.

My recommendation is to find a very well kept example, rather than trying to fix something that has been neglected. You will end up worse off than if you paid a premium for a better car.

On a side note, my CLK430 in the pic may be up for sale in the next few months. It's beyond perfect for a 15yr old car. I'll probably want about $7500 for it. Wish I could keep it, but I need a 4-door, and I only have 1 garage bay. I'd hate to leave it out in the weather.

burgca

Get the pre-purchase inspection and negotiate your based on the needed repairs. Good Luck, you will enjoy the car!!!

Kamisama

Had my brother check the car. Seems the sunroof opened the didn't close all the way and drivers seat adjustment motor didn't work. If I was close I'd offer 5500 and repair but I'm far and it's for my son. I'm leaning away now. Are those two issues common for this car?

MarcusF

For a DIY type, the seat motor is under $150 and the sunroof may be a simple repair - mine was.

Chadzu

Is this the car with the blacked out headlights?

Kamisama

If you are interested in the car, then arm yourself a bit. http://www.ksl.com/auto/listing/2188184?ad_cid=1 VIN WDBLJ74G82T106495

Seller was not very forthright with description or discussion. For example, there are very clear problems with the car on the photos posted. You can see several items broken, including exhaust hanger. The car is listed as "Super Clean."

I called the dealer and they replied with "If you are an out of state buyer, then the car is sold at the purchase price listed, plus a documentary fee and temporary registration and plates(good for 45 days), which would be a total out the door price of $7,469.00." I asked them to take the car to the dealer, but they refused. They said there isn't anything wrong with the car mechanically.

The ad is very misleading. The car is not at all clean. It is in very poor shape. The car never ever was a "4.8 second car." Why would they even write that? Things that look odd - are. The listing shows "manual sunroof" and "automatic sunroof," for example. What this means is if you happen to test the sunroof, then it doesn't close again. The passenger seat is broken. Rear main seal is leaking, valve covers leaking, hole in the muffler, broken hanger, pilot bushing leaking, right lower ball joint is worn out, and service Bi is due. Head unit is not with the car and and aftermarket stereo is installed.

I am pretty far from the car, so sent someone to take a closer look. Once I paid for the inspection at the dealer and saw the $7728.39 repair bill I was no longer very eager to get the car. I have the report if anyone wants it.

I then made a good offer (still too much for that car) and was quickly/flatly refused.

The car was purchased at an auction in CA, and the current seller just paid too much for it. The best $1,000 I spent last month was sending someone to check what the seller could have told me offhand or done himself for $177.00.

Chadzu

This car is local to me and you made the right decision in walking away.
There is a decent silver 55 that recently has been listed on ksl for 4900, may be worth looking at

Kamisama

Thanks for the confirmation. I also don't mean to denigrate the seller - they were nice enough and I do think the are just back peddling to try to save sunk funds... however, they are going to rip someone off with this deal. Even with the price drop.

I am looking at another CLK 55 AMG now - same year and mileage, but seems to be in garaged and cared for shape. You know, something you might take a photo of and proudly show in your avatar, like your car, and not something you have to bull**** about because you don't want to confront that punched-in-the-gut feeling when you talk about it.

DTMLGND

If you're interested, my good friend just happens to be letting go his very clean 2000 CLK55 AMG White 110k. I'm in Central CA. He asked me to post up a sale ad today.
Just waiting for some decent pictures.

Serndipity

Can't comment on your example, but if you want a W208, by far, the 2001 - 2002 coupes or 2001 - 2003 cabriolets are the way to go.

Why?.......the specifics are here http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/W208.html

miatawnt2b

It sounds way overpriced to me. If it's that rough with 125k miles I'd probably go no higher than 4k$. Four owners is also a red flag. Not necessarily an issue, but something to be concerned with without a good inspection.


I just saw a local 1 owner AZ 320 cabrio for 3k$. 120k miles. All paperwork. By the time I called him it was gone. There are deals to be had. Just be patient.

Scott Simoncic

You pay the shipping and I'll gladly send you a stock deck and changer from my 430...

Kamisama

Thanks - I didn't buy it though.


Tokay HS~!

2MERKS

Good for you, sometimes we get settled on something our hearts love, like we eat with our eyes, but Pretty sure you'll come across a better Double Nickel if you keep looking.

"Trying to get the Mercedes Benz alphabet in my garage"

Gamecock92

I looked at the link. What makes the 2001-2003 clk430 cab better than a 2000? The only think I saw was ME 2.8? Is there anything else? If so what?

MarcusF

For anyone that has a pre-2001 CLK, no one is saying anything bad about those model years. There's nothing wrong with a pre-2001 CLK. If the owner is happy, that's all that matters. All anyone is saying is if someone had a choice, they might want to consider the car with the bigger throttle body, higher flow fuel injectors, faster engine processor, transmission upgrades, one touch sunroof (coupe naturally), and windows that drop a half inch when the door is opened so they don't hang on the insulation. That would be the 2001 through 2003 year cars.

Kamisama

Now looking at the next car. Exterior and interior are muchbetter than the previous car. Have to travel for it - in the next 6 hours. Justgot the MB report done and had a few issues, though may be in line with overallage and typical condition. I'd appreciate comments again.

2002 CLK55 AMG. 120k miles. $7500. I need to find an independent shop in ND. Please comment if you have thoughts and thanks all for your time!

Kamisama

Just curious - what is the price?