2001 CLK340
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 535
Likes: 44
From: Pottstown, PA
'97 S500 Coupe, 2016 AMG S63 Coupe, 2007 Audi Q7
I agree $1500 is for a part car, or for a true collector who has the time, money, and knowledge to execute a restore back to a drivable standard. The W208 isn't normally associated with a collector (not old enough), and there are too many "decent" models available at reasonable prices to consider this car for purchase as more than a part car (bumper, glass, trunk, etc). I purchased miy 2003 CLK430 Cab for $3500 but I knew what needed to be done and had the funds to execute.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
CLK430
With only $1,500.00 to spend on fixing a Benz, if you purchase this car you're not only going to *not have enough money*, you'll have something:
1. Can't afford to get running
2. Will have a very difficult, if not impossible time selling this car and not losing a lot of money.
I have an "amazing, pristine" condition CLK430, and I'm going to tell you that even an "amazing, pristine" condition CLK will cost more than 1,500 in parts and work, which includes servicing and stupid little things here and there that cost a lot, like leaking differentials, wonky electronics, and sealant that's used in the dumbest places. And yes, I do my own work. I even have a hydraulic lift, engine hoist, transmission lifter, tire remover, wheel balancer, yes, a full service repair shop. You name it, I probably have a few of it. The only thing I don't have is a star diagnostics machine. So the only money I spend is for parts.
AND I STILL SPEND WAY MORE THAN $1,500 on this car!
So, with that in mind, you, with a non-running car, with a trashed interior, missing exhaust, *who knows what else* missing, no full-service auto shop at your disposal, how will you get away with just 1,500 put into that car and have something even close to drivable/decent?
The only reason I would have any inclination to buy that car is if I suspect it might have a good tranny-and even that's a gamble. I would keep the tranny and a couple little bits/pieces here and there and the rest? scrap metal. That's the only semi-wise reason to buy that hunk of turd.
Walk away, save some more money, or look into other vehicles. You have a better chance of putting that $1,500 into an Atlantic City casino than into that POS Benz.
1. Can't afford to get running
2. Will have a very difficult, if not impossible time selling this car and not losing a lot of money.
I have an "amazing, pristine" condition CLK430, and I'm going to tell you that even an "amazing, pristine" condition CLK will cost more than 1,500 in parts and work, which includes servicing and stupid little things here and there that cost a lot, like leaking differentials, wonky electronics, and sealant that's used in the dumbest places. And yes, I do my own work. I even have a hydraulic lift, engine hoist, transmission lifter, tire remover, wheel balancer, yes, a full service repair shop. You name it, I probably have a few of it. The only thing I don't have is a star diagnostics machine. So the only money I spend is for parts.
AND I STILL SPEND WAY MORE THAN $1,500 on this car!
So, with that in mind, you, with a non-running car, with a trashed interior, missing exhaust, *who knows what else* missing, no full-service auto shop at your disposal, how will you get away with just 1,500 put into that car and have something even close to drivable/decent?
The only reason I would have any inclination to buy that car is if I suspect it might have a good tranny-and even that's a gamble. I would keep the tranny and a couple little bits/pieces here and there and the rest? scrap metal. That's the only semi-wise reason to buy that hunk of turd.
Walk away, save some more money, or look into other vehicles. You have a better chance of putting that $1,500 into an Atlantic City casino than into that POS Benz.
Last edited by zenderfall; Mar 26, 2015 at 01:28 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
When there is a will there is a way. That car has the look that he is after.
All the advice here is strong from many reputable sources, I say buy it and fix it if that is what you want.
When you desire a project for a car there is no stopping the weary. There must be something else we do not know about the car that he does.
I have the eye for many projects but time and funds often intrude on the labor of love.
If you buy it and get discouraged do not be afraid to remember you were warned, also if you put a crank sensor and drive it home we will cheer for ya.
All the Best, Gator
All the advice here is strong from many reputable sources, I say buy it and fix it if that is what you want.
When you desire a project for a car there is no stopping the weary. There must be something else we do not know about the car that he does.
I have the eye for many projects but time and funds often intrude on the labor of love.
If you buy it and get discouraged do not be afraid to remember you were warned, also if you put a crank sensor and drive it home we will cheer for ya.
All the Best, Gator
