joe b

I am considering buying a 2001 CLK 430 conv. The car has 20,000 on the odometer and the car is in great shape. I am concerned because the car only has 20,000 and has probably sat up in a garage or storage. I know dry rot is a concern, but the reliability is questionable as well. The seller wants $16,900. What concerns should I have and should I buy this car? It seems like a really good deal, almost too good.

bobbyjo9

"dry rot"????? it's not a boat! LOL. Verts are fair weather for the most part so I wouldnt sweat the mileage. Prices are in the toilet for these cars so bargains abound. Id say beat him down and enjoy the ride. Make sure to have the car cked though because it is a buyers market.

dlbehrns

If the car has been maintained by a MB dealer, ask the seller for the VIN, present that to the dealer and they will/should be able to give you a complete maintenance history. I personally wouldn't have a rag top. Look on this forum at the problems convertables have. With that said 20K is really low mileage. NADA.COM has clean-retail priced at $19,250. The seller is not asking too much.

DropTop430

Rag top? shouldnt say words like that around us lol

Serndipity

When new, that model went for around $60,000 and has taken a massive deprecation hit and urther deprecation will be minor.

I've had my CLK320 cabrio since new and other then routine maintenance (e.g. tires, oil/filter and coolant changes), the only repair needed has been a mass air flow sensor.

If original, the tires and battery will probably need replacement. I would change the oil/filter (use Mobile 1 0W-40) and coolant (use only MB brand or Zerex G-05).

The only dry rot concern would be the tires.

My independent mechanic said that German rubber (e.g. serpentine belt, coolant hoses) is good stuff. I do use a good rubber protectant annually on the rubber seals associated with the roof.

IMHO, there might be some flexability on the asking price (but not much).

DHDOC

I bought a W208, 2002, CLK55 AMG Cabrio 3 months ago, with 20,000 miles on it for $25,000. Paid too much? Not in my mind, it is essentally a new car. What else can you buy for $25,000, not much. It replaced a 2001 CLK430 Cabrio with 94,000 relatively trouble-free miles. I love cabs and coudn't be happier with my $25,000 CLK55 AMG. I say buy it and consider yourself lucky to have found it. Of course get a CarFax before handing the check over and if it is clear, enjoy the car. What else can you buy for $16-17,000? A Honda, UGH

paul65k

Man this is sooooooo true. You can likely even get an extended warranty (almost bumper to bumper for up to 4 years from Chrysler for around $2500. Put those 2 numbers together (Purchase price and full warranty) and you have the best deal on the road for under $20K.....you sure couldn't get anything else with a warranty for that long for close to that price....never mind the style and performance of this car!

I love 00 430 Cab and just keep it around for sunny days (Most of the time where I live) even though I drive a CL55 on a daily basis!

GO for it!!!

FelixF16

Ditto the above.

Bought a 2003 430 Cab last Fall and absolutely adore it. Car had 38K miles and is in nearly pristine condition. Paid $19K. I don't see how you could go wrong...

My advice would be to buy it and enjoy!