Quality of CLK
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Maryland
CLK 430
Quality of CLK
Hello everyone....I purchased this car because I love the look, performance and course MB. As I am reading more about the care it seems somewhat problematic. Of course, I know there are not many websites about how great a vehicle is rather its to get help or bash. Truly, I need some opinions of whether this CLK 430 will run 200 to 300k miles for me. If it is going to cost more to fix it than what I payed for it ....I will just sell it now. I love it, but I'm seeing some posts that are starting to freak me out a bit. Thanks so much
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
I think any car you try to keep running for 300,000 miles is gonna cost you some change....whether it be a Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz.
As an example, my 1991 300CE has 197,000 miles on it (bought it in 1995 w/ 70K miles). But, I have easily managed to spend over $20,000 in service and repairs on the nearly ten years I've owned it. Take a yearly average, however, and that's just $2K per year.
Keeping your CLK for 300,000 is probably going to cost you one transmission, several computers, maybe a stereo, two or three rear window sun shades, a few xenon headlights, 20 or 30 tailight bulbs, two air conditioners, new seat motors, at least one outside mirror, numerous wiper inserts, suspension parts and possibly an engine if not serviced religiously. Heck, maybe even a paint job.
My guess is probably over $50,000. However, divided by the number of years you will own the car (300,000 miles @ 15K miles average = 20 years). So really....$50K divided by twenty years is just $2500 per year....cheaper than leasing a VW Jetta!
As an example, my 1991 300CE has 197,000 miles on it (bought it in 1995 w/ 70K miles). But, I have easily managed to spend over $20,000 in service and repairs on the nearly ten years I've owned it. Take a yearly average, however, and that's just $2K per year.
Keeping your CLK for 300,000 is probably going to cost you one transmission, several computers, maybe a stereo, two or three rear window sun shades, a few xenon headlights, 20 or 30 tailight bulbs, two air conditioners, new seat motors, at least one outside mirror, numerous wiper inserts, suspension parts and possibly an engine if not serviced religiously. Heck, maybe even a paint job.
My guess is probably over $50,000. However, divided by the number of years you will own the car (300,000 miles @ 15K miles average = 20 years). So really....$50K divided by twenty years is just $2500 per year....cheaper than leasing a VW Jetta!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Seattle, WA
G500
Yeah, I completely agree with the avg/ cost/ year breakdown...well said. However, don't forget that most of the $2500/year, comes in chunks of $700-$1000 at a time. I always wince when I think of going to the dealership b/c you can rarely escape without anything less than $350 bucks. Also, don't foget the MASS Air Sensor, tires, and the Flex A and B services.
Why do I still love it so much?
Why do I still love it so much?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: SF Bay Area
991.1 gt3, w204 c63 507
Originally Posted by Chappy
I think any car you try to keep running for 300,000 miles is gonna cost you some change....whether it be a Toyota, Kia, Nissan, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz.
As an example, my 1991 300CE has 197,000 miles on it (bought it in 1995 w/ 70K miles). But, I have easily managed to spend over $20,000 in service and repairs on the nearly ten years I've owned it. Take a yearly average, however, and that's just $2K per year.
Keeping your CLK for 300,000 is probably going to cost you one transmission, several computers, maybe a stereo, two or three rear window sun shades, a few xenon headlights, 20 or 30 tailight bulbs, two air conditioners, new seat motors, at least one outside mirror, numerous wiper inserts, suspension parts and possibly an engine if not serviced religiously. Heck, maybe even a paint job.
My guess is probably over $50,000. However, divided by the number of years you will own the car (300,000 miles @ 15K miles average = 20 years). So really....$50K divided by twenty years is just $2500 per year....cheaper than leasing a VW Jetta!
As an example, my 1991 300CE has 197,000 miles on it (bought it in 1995 w/ 70K miles). But, I have easily managed to spend over $20,000 in service and repairs on the nearly ten years I've owned it. Take a yearly average, however, and that's just $2K per year.
Keeping your CLK for 300,000 is probably going to cost you one transmission, several computers, maybe a stereo, two or three rear window sun shades, a few xenon headlights, 20 or 30 tailight bulbs, two air conditioners, new seat motors, at least one outside mirror, numerous wiper inserts, suspension parts and possibly an engine if not serviced religiously. Heck, maybe even a paint job.
My guess is probably over $50,000. However, divided by the number of years you will own the car (300,000 miles @ 15K miles average = 20 years). So really....$50K divided by twenty years is just $2500 per year....cheaper than leasing a VW Jetta!
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From: Vegas-Baby
a Black
Great response up front
I think that you could keep the CLK forever. 
....but keep a solid eye on fluids (obviously oil). Also keep it clean 
.....(but really that will help the exterior stay nice which will also keep you checking the interior stuff too...it is easy to neglect an oil change, regular maint. trip if the car looks bad).
Do not forget tires (about $1k every 20k miles est.) and brake pads.
Finally, you guys are all forgeting MODS! That kills us all on this crazy forum...plan on about $5k in MODS before your done!
....but keep a solid eye on fluids (obviously oil). Also keep it clean .....(but really that will help the exterior stay nice which will also keep you checking the interior stuff too...it is easy to neglect an oil change, regular maint. trip if the car looks bad).Do not forget tires (about $1k every 20k miles est.) and brake pads.
Finally, you guys are all forgeting MODS! That kills us all on this crazy forum...plan on about $5k in MODS before your done!
