socaljst1970

I have been a Viper aficionado for years, but looking at this auction, I am having a hard time not being impressed.... seriously thinking about going MB.

what would i look for as far as issues on buying this car?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131067578681?forcerRptr=true&item=131067578681&viewitem=&autorefresh=true

02cl55amg

$25k at the most! Too many miles, ugly interior and wheels for $30k. Abc suspension and coil packs are a common problem. My 2005 Eurocharged tuned cl600 is for sale for $18k if interested. The power of the v12 twin turbo is intoxicating. 2005 Cl65 is the best bang for the buck car on the market now IMO

alx

search the forum. all common problems (and fixes) have been discussed previously

socaljst1970

thanks - still looking into common problems - has anyone written an newbie FAQ about the CL65?

RaceHorse

Hey good luck with your search but like anything else you get what you pay for. If you look for the best deal it will cost you more in the long run. Sadly some parts fail without much of a warning, others are more noticeable. For example, just a quick glance at the pics show rotors that could really need replacing. Depending on what you can do yourself or if you go to the extreme and pay dealer retail repair prices can make a world of difference. Also, motor mount replacement is something to consider the along with the coils. The ABC system can be your best friend when it works or your worst enemy. Good luck learning and again, do yourself a favor and don't try to bargain shop a 65.

socaljst1970

Thank you so much RaceHorse for the reply, that as always is helpful info. I was thinking the same about the rotors and also some issues I read about when he sent me records.

Anyway, using that mentality I have found this one very interesting so far also and I have not price conscious over a few grand.

http://www.chicagocarsdirect.com/web...inois/8545072/

My biggest challenge so far is finding an extended warranty - I know USAA does it but I am not really military related. I also found Easy Care that is sold at some MBZ dealers but have yet to get a call back on a quote..... frustrating but I cant go into one of these cars naked...

RaceHorse

Finding a warranty will be close to impossible. These cars are nearly 10 yrs. Also most warranty companies lost their shirts on the V12TTs and dropped future coverage as a results. Those who still offer it want so much its almost the same as if you paid out of pocket for repairs. I'd suggest looking a little longer you may be able to find one sitting around with 35,000-45,000 miles in the mid $30s assuming the buyer is eager to sell. At that point hopefully maintenance is up to date. The $6,000 they are going to want for a warranty will go a long ways at an independent repair shop. I would purchase and then take my chances with repairs out of pocket. That's assuming some of the bigger common problems have been addressed. Find one to drive if you already haven't good luck.

socaljst1970

Racehorse - again thank you for the info - I really appreciate being brought up to speed on what works and what doesnt. I have found that USAA offers warranties for nearly 4k that will cover 3/36. In your opinion, still stay clear of the 80k mile cars even with that warranty? (the chicago car still peaking my interest.... ) Thanks again all of you for ANY input, this is a big decision and I just want as much info as possible....

Rehan98

This is better than other sites. Always so inteesting to visit your site.

RaceHorse

I wouldn't make the mileage my number one concern as much as the number of owners. Lets face it, 99% of us that get a 65 is for the power and to drive it hard. To me every time a performance car changes hands a new owner has a new group of friends to say "Watch this!!!" and then proceed to beat the snot out of it. In a perfect world the one owner car is the best since the original owner paid a high sticker price and as a result has a higher level of respect for the car. I realize thats not so easy to find as these cars get older. The thing with getting a car with 80k miles is if you use it for a couple years then you are at the 100k mile mark and lose interest, it will be that much harder to find a home for it. A lower mileage older car still may have a little appeal down the road. If you find a 1-2 owner car with a good maintenance history showing replacement of key parts the mileage may not play a role other than for resale. Be sure to check what is included and excluded in the warranty, that can make a world of difference. If the suspension is not included that might be a deal breaker.

I am no expert, this is just my opinion on things. Like any other big purchase, if you do your homework and know what you are getting into then there should be no regrets.

richvegas

I like my 65, but i regret selling my viper every single day.

richvegas

also if i couldn't do most things myself, i wouldn't own one

kamilclk430

$18,000 is a steal for that CL600. Why so cheap?

100% agreed. I ended up paying AVG on my CL600 V12 TT and I'm glad I did buy it of a forum member that took great care of the car. With this car buying it cheap will most likely mean it is expensive soon enough. I spent about $2000 more than I could have on a cheaper one but I could not be happier. These car do have issues that is why the warranty is $6000-$7000 ABC is a huge issue but its something you have to be ready for when you buy the car. The best thing to do is maintain the car right and it should be a great car to own.

Good Luck

Doing things on your own does save a lot of headaches and money, but having Speedriven 10 min away from the house is great as well.

socaljst1970

kamilclk430 - the speedriven mod - how is it and does it require anything to be upgraded to handle the additional power?

Thanks for all the other info gang on the used market - I appreciate the input and am excited to find the right car and 'join' the club

kamilclk430

No the ecu tune and t u tune are amazing my entire combo is amazing to say the least on a CL65 even better I would say since tey have slightly dif turbos. I dont think words can describe it its like the entire car waking up a heavy jet that feels like it will take off and on the hwy will eat almost any car out there.

02cl55amg

x2. In my modded cl65, modded gtr's,vipers and zo6's were my only threat. Great feeling running side by side with those caliber of cars in a 4800lb luxury coupe!

02cl55amg

I know it is!! 05, silver, Amg sport pkg, lowered, tuned, clean title, 69kmiles, loaded, maintenance up to date. Selling for what I'm in it to furnish my new house.

kamilclk430

Can't agree more, I raced a built M5 (V10) that ran a Vortech and with my mods which are not big at all I pulled on the car, I do have videos. I also raced my buddys C5 Z06 with a procharger and I pulled on him and some races he pulled on me but cery close matching cars. I think just with bew billet turbos and intercoolers I can hang with all the big boys on the HWY since top end is where our cara make allthe power. Just look at all the modded 65s 10.9 times with 1.8 60ft. The car just needs to be moving and u got a 10sec car with light mods. Im debating the turbos now and Intercoolers since I have a wedding in June mods come last but maybe I can somehow squeeze them in for the new season.

DoctorV8

My CL is available for $35k and fits the bill exactly. Eurocharged tune, Kleeman LSD, Reus audio, 41k miles, beautiful condition. I've loved every minute with it. New coil packs (after the tune) and tires earlier this year.....needs nothing.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-CL-Class-CL65-AMG-2005-mercedes-benz-cl-65-amg-automatic-2-door-coupe-/141133218988?forcerrptr=true&hash=item20dc3204ac&item=141133218988&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

shardul

iTrader: (1)

+1 for DOCV8 if anyone know him you will know he takes care of his cars!

02cl55amg

x2. Sanjay, I've seen that car online- looks greats with a great price