CLS 55 for son
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From: Bowie, Md
2006 CLS500 with 55 AMG motor, 2008 Infiniti G35, 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
I think close to $100,000 is a little better for a brend new CLS 55, back in its day.
I paid $77,000 for my CLS 500 brand new December 2005.
The prices of used 55's these days make me want to bang my head against the wall
I paid $77,000 for my CLS 500 brand new December 2005.
The prices of used 55's these days make me want to bang my head against the wall
The car was $80,000 in its day. I have found some nice used ones for around $45,000. Low miles here is a nice one.
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mer...z&distance=any
http://autos.yahoo.com/used-cars/mer...z&distance=any
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Yes your right but the person I quoted said 80k so I was just going by him. I think they about $105,000 or something like that new. But he can buy his son this one for around $45,000.
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From: Woodland Hills, CA
Whatever there's gas in...
although I understand your sentiment, I don't think that everyone that's posted here is a hater. I for sure am not. Most MB owners certainly enjoy the finer things in life and hence we buy nice things for ourselves and those around us.
Contrarily, I just don't think its wise to give an inexperienced driver a 500hp car. I don't even think its wise for my wife to drive 500hp cars and she's been driving for many years now. I notice that many of those tossing opinions around are not owners of cls55's and so you are giving opinions on things that you are not fully experts on. the cls55's (like all 55's, 63's, or 65's) are monsters on the road and sometimes require quick thinking and instincts that are gained over time and through experience. even among the high powered cars, my sl55 or my 996 turbo are much more controllable, both with similar horse power but much better (and predictable) handling characteristics than the cls55. if you drive around a tight bend going 60mph in the sl or porsche you won't have any problems regaining control even if there is a slight oversteer (or understeer as the case my be). Even with all of the sophisticated electronics and controls on the cls, its not as easy to control as a lighter or more nimble car. sometimes, on a rainy, snowy, or otherwise slippery day, pressing on the gas instantly causes the car to lose control. with the lighter cars you regain quickly, with the heavier ones its not as easy.
look, all i'm saying is that you should learn to drive before you get behind the wheel of a car like this. if its the looks you want or the status or the luxury there are many other cars to buy. if you read my post above the cls55 is like a 911 turbo on drugs... sometimes its perfectly awesome and sometimes its a nightmare.
Contrarily, I just don't think its wise to give an inexperienced driver a 500hp car. I don't even think its wise for my wife to drive 500hp cars and she's been driving for many years now. I notice that many of those tossing opinions around are not owners of cls55's and so you are giving opinions on things that you are not fully experts on. the cls55's (like all 55's, 63's, or 65's) are monsters on the road and sometimes require quick thinking and instincts that are gained over time and through experience. even among the high powered cars, my sl55 or my 996 turbo are much more controllable, both with similar horse power but much better (and predictable) handling characteristics than the cls55. if you drive around a tight bend going 60mph in the sl or porsche you won't have any problems regaining control even if there is a slight oversteer (or understeer as the case my be). Even with all of the sophisticated electronics and controls on the cls, its not as easy to control as a lighter or more nimble car. sometimes, on a rainy, snowy, or otherwise slippery day, pressing on the gas instantly causes the car to lose control. with the lighter cars you regain quickly, with the heavier ones its not as easy.
look, all i'm saying is that you should learn to drive before you get behind the wheel of a car like this. if its the looks you want or the status or the luxury there are many other cars to buy. if you read my post above the cls55 is like a 911 turbo on drugs... sometimes its perfectly awesome and sometimes its a nightmare.
I can only assume the CLS55 is as much as a beast as a V12tt car, and I've owned an S55k two or three years ago so I've got an idea of what 500+hp feels under your foot and what it does to you. But you are correct and I see your point.
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From: Chicago, IL
Real Cars
I was once 17 and came from a family that could have bought me a car at that age, but they didn't. Instead they gave me a beater at 16, and when I was 17 I sold it ($2500), and used it for a down payment on a new car, and made the monthly payments myself (with my parents as co-signers).
There are really two things here - ability to handle the car/safety and the other side that is easily overlooked is the perception of the value of a dollar. There's something about having your name on a car and making the payments yourself that makes you really appreciate what it is you have. I took care of my beater the best I could but just because you can take care of a car doesn't mean you should be provided one for free. The world doesn't work like that, it's actually the other way around - when you value something you've worked hard for and have put tremendous effort into obtaining (getting good grades does not generate revenue, it is an investment into your future, so it doesn't count) - the motivation to take good care of it is something that usually follows.
FWIW, I was also an excellent student who got a full academic ride to the university of my choice. No accidents (knock on wood) and 2 speeding tickets in all my years driving (despite having had numerous high-hp sports cars). I could have handled a CLS55 when I was 17, but the overwhelming majority of kids cannot. Beyond that, being able to appreciate what it means to be paying for your own car is almost as important if not more so.
Just my $.02
-m
There are really two things here - ability to handle the car/safety and the other side that is easily overlooked is the perception of the value of a dollar. There's something about having your name on a car and making the payments yourself that makes you really appreciate what it is you have. I took care of my beater the best I could but just because you can take care of a car doesn't mean you should be provided one for free. The world doesn't work like that, it's actually the other way around - when you value something you've worked hard for and have put tremendous effort into obtaining (getting good grades does not generate revenue, it is an investment into your future, so it doesn't count) - the motivation to take good care of it is something that usually follows.
FWIW, I was also an excellent student who got a full academic ride to the university of my choice. No accidents (knock on wood) and 2 speeding tickets in all my years driving (despite having had numerous high-hp sports cars). I could have handled a CLS55 when I was 17, but the overwhelming majority of kids cannot. Beyond that, being able to appreciate what it means to be paying for your own car is almost as important if not more so.
Just my $.02
-m
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From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
I'm not about to read all of the posts as I just found out about this thread.
I'm gonna guess that you got the opinions of a lot of older people and parents. I'll give you the opinion of a 20 year old who has an E55.
If you trust your kid, and if he's trustworthy, and mature it wont be a problem. It all depends on your son. If you think he deserves it, go for it. Like I said, we dont know your son, you do.
As for the speeding, a kid can speed in any car. It doesnt need to have 500 HP for a kid to go 50 on a city street. I'm not saying it's not easier to speed in the CLS55, but I'm trying to say that if he doesnt speed normally, this probably wont make him a speeder.
And to the first few posts that I read, it depends on what kind of kid he is. Every kid who gets a car doesnt take it for granted just because they didnt pay for it. I didnt pay a dollar for my car, my deal with my parents was about grades, but believe me, I love and take care of my car more than most people I know, more than my older brother who completely paid for his CLS.
I'm gonna guess that you got the opinions of a lot of older people and parents. I'll give you the opinion of a 20 year old who has an E55.
If you trust your kid, and if he's trustworthy, and mature it wont be a problem. It all depends on your son. If you think he deserves it, go for it. Like I said, we dont know your son, you do.
As for the speeding, a kid can speed in any car. It doesnt need to have 500 HP for a kid to go 50 on a city street. I'm not saying it's not easier to speed in the CLS55, but I'm trying to say that if he doesnt speed normally, this probably wont make him a speeder.
And to the first few posts that I read, it depends on what kind of kid he is. Every kid who gets a car doesnt take it for granted just because they didnt pay for it. I didnt pay a dollar for my car, my deal with my parents was about grades, but believe me, I love and take care of my car more than most people I know, more than my older brother who completely paid for his CLS.
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[quote=W211 BEAST;3253956]
As for the speeding, a kid can speed in any car. It doesnt need to have 500 HP for a kid to go 50 on a city street. I'm not saying it's not easier to speed in the CLS55, but I'm trying to say that if he doesnt speed normally, this probably wont make him a speeder.
quote]
Thank you for supporting me. Thats kinda what I said when I said that the car will only goas fast as you let it.
As for the speeding, a kid can speed in any car. It doesnt need to have 500 HP for a kid to go 50 on a city street. I'm not saying it's not easier to speed in the CLS55, but I'm trying to say that if he doesnt speed normally, this probably wont make him a speeder.
quote]
Thank you for supporting me. Thats kinda what I said when I said that the car will only goas fast as you let it.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
06 612 Scaglietti
Your son seems like a smart kid. If so, i dont see anything wrong with him getting a cls55. My nephew is 2 years older and he's been driving an m6 since around 18. His dad promised that if he gets accepted to a good university (Ucla), then they would buy him that car. Surely, he got in and they got him the car. He has not gotten any tickets and he knows that if he does, then his dad will most likely take the car away from him. Simply lay out some boundaries and get the kid the car he wants.
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From: SoCal
C63S coupe, X5M
He's your kid, you know him best. If you are close to your son and really know him well and feel he is honestly responsible to both acknowledge the great gift you are giving him as well as handle the power then go for it.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
Same deal I had, but with USC.
Unfortunately I did get a speeding ticket, but my parents are the kinds of parents that know that I should know better. I proved that I'm responsible my entire life and they know that one speeding ticket on an empty street doesnt mean I'm a dangerous driver.
Another thing that people need to understand is that speed and dangerous aren't comlpletely synonymous. There are a ****load of dangerous drivers out there who never go over the speed limit.
Either way, good luck with whatever you decide. Right now is the prime time to buy any AMG car as prices are falling like feathers on the moon. Wait, that isnt right?
Unfortunately I did get a speeding ticket, but my parents are the kinds of parents that know that I should know better. I proved that I'm responsible my entire life and they know that one speeding ticket on an empty street doesnt mean I'm a dangerous driver.
Another thing that people need to understand is that speed and dangerous aren't comlpletely synonymous. There are a ****load of dangerous drivers out there who never go over the speed limit.
Either way, good luck with whatever you decide. Right now is the prime time to buy any AMG car as prices are falling like feathers on the moon. Wait, that isnt right?
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From: Long Island, NY & SE England
A Mercedes obviously!
I never understood why when someone asks something like this the replies consist of "when I was xx years of age, I drove a ___ and had to ____" 
I'm sure there was a car that you wished to the heavens above that would come off the poster on your wall and into your driveway and you'd hate to be told you were too young to drive it, if it's the kid's dream car and the parents can afford to buy it, more power to them..no?
If anything he'd set his goals higher than the CLS next time and work his way up. I don't mean to sound like an *** but threads like this attract alot of haters that seem to think no teen should drive a car equal or a tier higher than the car they had to drive a ______ for or that they had to ______ for 8 summers/save for xx years and live off of rice & beans for. Some people have it better than others, don't hate.
I'm sure there was a car that you wished to the heavens above that would come off the poster on your wall and into your driveway and you'd hate to be told you were too young to drive it, if it's the kid's dream car and the parents can afford to buy it, more power to them..no?
If anything he'd set his goals higher than the CLS next time and work his way up. I don't mean to sound like an *** but threads like this attract alot of haters that seem to think no teen should drive a car equal or a tier higher than the car they had to drive a ______ for or that they had to ______ for 8 summers/save for xx years and live off of rice & beans for. Some people have it better than others, don't hate.
When I was at University I learned to fly with the Royal Air Force. They didn't put me straight into a Tornado F3 and let me have at it. You learn the basics of flight and handling of an aircraft on a single engine prop aircraft, then graduate through jet training aircraft and ultimately end up on the big tamale. I don't see why driving a performance car is any different....
OK, so you don't need to start them on a Kia Spectra and work up through a C Class to an E Class and so on but there are plenty of cars that offer the cache of a top of the line CLS and with a bit of power so the son can get an idea of driving a car with a decent slug of power without having a baptism of fire. Then perhaps award the responsible driving on that with a CLS55 and a few days at a performance driving school.
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
The answer is, no, don't get him the W219. Especially an AMG 219.
A W201 is a car that he can learn to appreciate its value and understand how he has to continue working hard in order to earn his own material prosperity.
Remember the story of the 18 yr old who's parents bought him an E60 M5, when he got a full scholarship and straight As to college, or something like that? he ended up crashing it into a tree after flying off of an elevated airstrip. It was all over the news a couple months ago.
A W201 is a car that he can learn to appreciate its value and understand how he has to continue working hard in order to earn his own material prosperity.
Remember the story of the 18 yr old who's parents bought him an E60 M5, when he got a full scholarship and straight As to college, or something like that? he ended up crashing it into a tree after flying off of an elevated airstrip. It was all over the news a couple months ago.
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From: USR, NJ, United States of Americaland
1994 C124 E320 Coupe - 1975 W116 280S
It's not about hating...
When I was at University I learned to fly with the Royal Air Force. They didn't put me straight into a Tornado F3 and let me have at it. You learn the basics of flight and handling of an aircraft on a single engine prop aircraft, then graduate through jet training aircraft and ultimately end up on the big tamale. I don't see why driving a performance car is any different....
OK, so you don't need to start them on a Kia Spectra and work up through a C Class to an E Class and so on but there are plenty of cars that offer the cache of a top of the line CLS and with a bit of power so the son can get an idea of driving a car with a decent slug of power without having a baptism of fire. Then perhaps award the responsible driving on that with a CLS55 and a few days at a performance driving school.
When I was at University I learned to fly with the Royal Air Force. They didn't put me straight into a Tornado F3 and let me have at it. You learn the basics of flight and handling of an aircraft on a single engine prop aircraft, then graduate through jet training aircraft and ultimately end up on the big tamale. I don't see why driving a performance car is any different....
OK, so you don't need to start them on a Kia Spectra and work up through a C Class to an E Class and so on but there are plenty of cars that offer the cache of a top of the line CLS and with a bit of power so the son can get an idea of driving a car with a decent slug of power without having a baptism of fire. Then perhaps award the responsible driving on that with a CLS55 and a few days at a performance driving school.
+19348
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From: Illinois
GL550, C55, 335i Coupe, vintage Mustang
Please don't do this. I agree with most posters here, I feel he should graduate later on into a car like this. If he can handle a C55 for a few years, great. After college, if you still feel like rewarding him, maybe then you can go shopping with him for something to replace the C.
Nick
Nick
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From: Los Angeles, CA
06 612 Scaglietti
The answer is, no, don't get him the W219. Especially an AMG 219.
A W201 is a car that he can learn to appreciate its value and understand how he has to continue working hard in order to earn his own material prosperity.
Remember the story of the 18 yr old who's parents bought him an E60 M5, when he got a full scholarship and straight As to college, or something like that? he ended up crashing it into a tree after flying off of an elevated airstrip. It was all over the news a couple months ago.
A W201 is a car that he can learn to appreciate its value and understand how he has to continue working hard in order to earn his own material prosperity.
Remember the story of the 18 yr old who's parents bought him an E60 M5, when he got a full scholarship and straight As to college, or something like that? he ended up crashing it into a tree after flying off of an elevated airstrip. It was all over the news a couple months ago.
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From: Philadelphia Suburbs
2002 C32, 2007 E550 4matic
Simply put, do you honestly think your son will drive the car responsibly? Judging from your posts, I would say the answer is yes. I would then ask the question of why this thread was created. If you are concerned that the car may be too powerful or have any doubts about him handling it, then don't do it. Like others said, it is your son and you have known him 17 years longer than the rest of us. If in your heart you feel the car is for him, then go for it.
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From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
I do agree with some of the posters here that its not a good first car for most. It has a lot of power, and it's not a car that someone should be learning to drive on. Personally I had 5 years of driving experience before I got my car and it took me a while to get familiar with it as my first car was a Tahoe, but overall I feel safer in my E than I did my Tahoe.
If you are worried about him using the power too much you could always get him a CLS500. Take him for a test drive in one and he'll see that the 300HP is more than enough for everyday driving. If he persists that the 55 is the one he wants then it's up to you as a father to make those choices. Thats what fatherhood is about, hard choices. You might want to get your kid the AMG because you're the cool dad who wants nothing more than to make his kid happy, but deep down you think that it's too much power for him. It's up to you to decide what happens in the end. If your kid doesnt do too well in school or has disciplinary problems you can always use the car as motivation. I can honestly say that my car is the reason that I tried so hard to get into USC.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
If you are worried about him using the power too much you could always get him a CLS500. Take him for a test drive in one and he'll see that the 300HP is more than enough for everyday driving. If he persists that the 55 is the one he wants then it's up to you as a father to make those choices. Thats what fatherhood is about, hard choices. You might want to get your kid the AMG because you're the cool dad who wants nothing more than to make his kid happy, but deep down you think that it's too much power for him. It's up to you to decide what happens in the end. If your kid doesnt do too well in school or has disciplinary problems you can always use the car as motivation. I can honestly say that my car is the reason that I tried so hard to get into USC.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
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CLS55 plus a few Ducati's
I awoke at 4 am this morning thinking about this thread and had another couple of points in no particular order.......
1. Let him know that there are many people on this forum that do not know him, but are concerned for his well being and survival!
2. The experience and lessons learned by driving a lesser quality car would teach him that many vehicles are not as capable as a CLS..... here is an example .... I recently drove our next door neighbor to the airport at 4 am in their Toyota minivan. When returning, on the freeway, I suddenly came across a large dark box in the middle of the fast lane. I reacted instinctively, as if I was in my CLS, and swerved to miss the box. I almost killed myself! what a piece of crap that minivan is... it almost rolled over!. SO... If he learns to drive in the CLS and then gets into a friends less capable vehicle he can easily end up in trouble this way too.
3. How about getting him a CLS500 instead?... it still has the stunning shape and you could use the money you save to trick it out with some killer wheels, upgraded stereo and even some custom upholstery.... what a cool car that would be! If not interested in this, then he is really chasing the horsepower. This would be a revealing exercise.
4. Lastly, if you do buy the 55, print this entire thread, sit down with him and read each post and discuss each post with him. I would then seal it in an envelope, write "Prove them wrong" on the front of it and put it in the glove box .... and give him the challenge of proving the naysayers wrong.
just my 2c again......
1. Let him know that there are many people on this forum that do not know him, but are concerned for his well being and survival!
2. The experience and lessons learned by driving a lesser quality car would teach him that many vehicles are not as capable as a CLS..... here is an example .... I recently drove our next door neighbor to the airport at 4 am in their Toyota minivan. When returning, on the freeway, I suddenly came across a large dark box in the middle of the fast lane. I reacted instinctively, as if I was in my CLS, and swerved to miss the box. I almost killed myself! what a piece of crap that minivan is... it almost rolled over!. SO... If he learns to drive in the CLS and then gets into a friends less capable vehicle he can easily end up in trouble this way too.
3. How about getting him a CLS500 instead?... it still has the stunning shape and you could use the money you save to trick it out with some killer wheels, upgraded stereo and even some custom upholstery.... what a cool car that would be! If not interested in this, then he is really chasing the horsepower. This would be a revealing exercise.
4. Lastly, if you do buy the 55, print this entire thread, sit down with him and read each post and discuss each post with him. I would then seal it in an envelope, write "Prove them wrong" on the front of it and put it in the glove box .... and give him the challenge of proving the naysayers wrong.
just my 2c again......
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From: Los Angeles, California
2006 E55 BEAST
+100... Point #4 is a killer idea.
And I dont think that this should be his first car at all. I'm not sure what this will be for him, but I dont think a CLS500 should even be a first car. He needs to drive something that will train him.
And please dont get mad at me, but I think (a MINOR) car crash is the best thing for a kid. People can tell you how much power a car has over and over again, but until you feel it first hand in a smallc ar crash you wont understand it.
Like I said, take him to the dealership and take out a CLS500 for a test drive. Dont make it a 5 minute drive. Explain to the salesman that you're seriously in the market for one and that you need an extensive test drive. Let your kid drive it around for a while, get to know it. Put the transmission in S mode. Lol. After a while he'll probably realize that the 500 is enough for now.
And I dont think that this should be his first car at all. I'm not sure what this will be for him, but I dont think a CLS500 should even be a first car. He needs to drive something that will train him.
And please dont get mad at me, but I think (a MINOR) car crash is the best thing for a kid. People can tell you how much power a car has over and over again, but until you feel it first hand in a smallc ar crash you wont understand it.
Like I said, take him to the dealership and take out a CLS500 for a test drive. Dont make it a 5 minute drive. Explain to the salesman that you're seriously in the market for one and that you need an extensive test drive. Let your kid drive it around for a while, get to know it. Put the transmission in S mode. Lol. After a while he'll probably realize that the 500 is enough for now.
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CLS55 AMG
You never know.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: West Michigan
2007 E63
As a 17 year old myself that wishes he were in such a predicament, I say get him a CLS500 with the Sport package. Killer looks of the CLS55 (almost) but with less, slightly more manageable power. Ultimately it's your decision and you know your son better than any of us.
Do get him in a defensive driving course or a racing school like Skip Barber regardless of the car you get him though.
DucatiNut's 4th point is one I've never come across before and I love it.
Do get him in a defensive driving course or a racing school like Skip Barber regardless of the car you get him though.
DucatiNut's 4th point is one I've never come across before and I love it.
