Hello, I am new here. Have been looking at a 2004 CLK 500, with 39,xxx miles. The thing about the cars is that it has a rebuilt title. The work was really done well, it wasn't done at a dealer but looks great. The front bumper was damaged in the accident. The front bumper, radiator, and headlights were all replaced. The hood wasn't damaged. Everything works on the car except two things, the front pass light on the bumper (the yellow reflector doesn't light up) and also it complains about the phone not being hooked up. It has about every option, nav, rear windshield, xenons, heated seats.

It says Service B will need done in 1200 miles (although he just had an oil change and the transmission fluid flushed)

He wants $22,900

Any input, or anything to look for would be appreciated, also I know the seller, not personally but I know he wouldn't lie to me (when we were kids I was friends with his son). I now have a 01 330i that I love but is getting a lot of mile. I drive about 20k a year so I need a dependable car.

Thanks,
Todd

sounds good except rebuilt title, i think you will get alot of people on this forum saying don't touch it.........rebuilt title lowers the value big time. if you know that up front then go for it, but don't think you will be able to get a good price when you sell because you won't ..... my two pennys worth

I wouldn't offer more the 18k for that car. You can get the same car without a rebuilt title for 5-7k more than the price he's asking.

I know the rebuilt title is an unknown, how much can I expect a rebuilt title to lower the value of the car? Another 5-7k is out of my range but if I did have another 5-7 I would probably get a 545i.

I drove the clk a few hours this afternoon and it has tons of power and looks great but there is just something about my bimmer that I like. Problem is that there is a lot of nice cars out there.

Thanks for the help

I know the rebuilt title is an unknown, how much can I expect a rebuilt title to lower the value of the car? Another 5-7k is out of my range but if I did have another 5-7 I would probably get a 545i.

I drove the clk a few hours this afternoon and it has tons of power and looks great but there is just something about my bimmer that I like. Problem is that there is a lot of nice cars out there.

Thanks for the help

YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO SAY TWICE WE GOT IT...

I think you just answered your own question. If spending an extra 5-7k is out of your range, you should stick with something a little bit more dependable. You're going to have problems with the car and it's going to cost you a bundle.

you need a reliable car, i'd say either get the clear title 500 for about 28-30, the 545i, or a toyota camry. the last choice is going to be your most reliable choice. rebuilt may offer a great price now, but i assume it has no warranty so you're going to shell out big bucks if there is a problem

+ there are few companies that will put a warranty on a vehicle with a rebuilt title.

you guys are right, the car could bring a lot of expenses for me in the future. I was drawn to it because it was in my price range, and a clean title is not. I have gotten use to driving my BMW it is somewhat hard to get a Camry but I guess they are nice cars as well.

Well I went to the MB dealer today and fell in love with the new C class. I will take delivery of a new c350 on Sunday, I think a much better choice then the CLK500.

Cheaper to maintain but more expensive in terms of price compared to what you were looking at.

I know but once I saw it and drove it I couldn't resist, I leased it so my payment isn't horrible, just about $100 more a month then the clk500 would have been.

oh nice choice, looks like a great car...........when i looked at it......well equipped was 45k, but since you're leasing its ok

Congrats on the C350! The CLK500 offers more power, but down the line it may need new Engine & Transmission mounts as well as other high dollar repairs.

With a new C350, you are totally covered under warranty!