Is it worth it?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
Is it worth it?
I notice that many of you are purchasing used W208s and spending $5K+ modifying them to your liking. I am assuming that you are purchasing a W208 instead of a W209 because you either can't afford a W209, or you have better things to do with the extra $20K. However, that $5K spend modifying your car brings the difference to only $15K. Considering the Mercedes recent reputation for reliability, and the cost of repairs and parts for a Benz, you could easily spend $15K on repairs during the next four years of ownership. So... is it really worth it to buy a W208 instead of a W209? If so, why?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
1999 CLK430
I have wanted a CLK ever since they first came out when I was 18, I always thought they were a great body style that steered away from Mercedes' conservatice designs. I think the 209 looks like a crappy accord coupe and very feminine while the 208 looks like a masculine muscle car. I got a '99 with 38k miles on it which if you know about mercedes engines is not even broken in ( I have a W124 w/ 200,000 miles on it going strong) and I only paid 21,350 for it. This is less than half the price for a new uglier (IMHO) car. Plus my dad owns a repair shop so repairs are not a problem for me.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
Originally Posted by Bagher
I got a '99 with 38k miles on it which if you know about mercedes engines is not even broken in ( I have a W124 w/ 200,000 miles on it going strong)
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: Gulf Coast
2006 E55 & 2009 Audi S5
I got the W208 because I liked the body style and found a 2002 with only 19k miles on it and it was Starmarked so it has plenty of warranty left. I could have bought a W209 but just didn't like it. It may grow on me and if it does then I'll get one. I would have been willing to pay more for a 208 than a 209. I'm not wealthy by most standards but money wasn't the reason.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
Likes: 65
From: Hotlanta
AMG
Originally Posted by Maestro
It's a common complaint that Mercedes quality and reliability aren't what they used to be... hence why so many 300E drivers on this forum are complaining about the W211. Your W208 shouldn't be nearly as reliable as your W124. Personally, I also love the W208 but if there's a real problem within the first four years of ownership which is a realistic concern, that $15000 savings could be easily eaten up. Also, much of that $15000 difference is made up for by the depreciation difference... it just seems like people here really aren't saving any money by purchasing a used W208 instead of a W209, unless you know someone who does repairs.
99% of cars depreciate....can't get around that fact, but a new (W209) will depreciate at a much higher percentage in the first 3 years than would a used (W208) for the same time period.
In addition, for those truly concerned about warranty, there are many examples available with the extended warranty purchased by the original owner. BTW, I don't think $15,000 in repairs in 4 years on a used CLK is realistic....the figure will be much lower (between $3-$6K), not including maintenance. The new 2005 models don't come with maintenance included anymore, so that's not a savings in your comparison.
There may be other factors involved as well...timing, affordability, etc. Enjoy the ride
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Oddball Mercedes Ideas That Actually Made it to Production
Verdad Gallardo
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hmmmmmmmmmmm...
But i think a good point was made in an earlier thread....People "buy" what they like. That's why some people will buy a 1967 GM muscle car, where others dont see the value. It might just be something that the buyer had set his or her sights on. I too as well as alot of folks on the forum could have brought "new" Mercedes or even BMW, but I for one am not really happy with the new design by both dealers. But not to dwell on that, but I guess that what makes people different....and we all have to respect each others individualism....
My .02
GREAT FORUM!!!!
Ed
My .02
GREAT FORUM!!!!
Ed
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Earth
W208 CLK320 & E39 M5
Originally Posted by smalldog
Maestro are you think about buying a clk?
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
06 M3
I was going to buy an E55 but decided I didn't want a 4-door. So I loved the W208 anyway and found a good deal on a 2002. I also don't care for the W209 style much.
I may keep my W208 for a long time, but I think my next Benz will probably be a CL.
Unless I win one of those crazy $300 million lotteries, then I'm buying a SLR.
I may keep my W208 for a long time, but I think my next Benz will probably be a CL.
Unless I win one of those crazy $300 million lotteries, then I'm buying a SLR.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,929
Likes: 5
From: Tampa, Florida
06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
Originally Posted by Maestro
I notice that many of you are purchasing used W208s and spending $5K+ modifying them to your liking. I am assuming that you are purchasing a W208 instead of a W209 because you either can't afford a W209, or you have better things to do with the extra $20K. However, that $5K spend modifying your car brings the difference to only $15K. Considering the Mercedes recent reputation for reliability, and the cost of repairs and parts for a Benz, you could easily spend $15K on repairs during the next four years of ownership. So... is it really worth it to buy a W208 instead of a W209? If so, why?
