sickofcollege

I'm considering buying a used 2004 MB CLK 500 Cabriolet. It has been owned by one person (a corporation) and has 36k miles. I'm looking for a fun, safe, reliable car to get me through the next two years of college. Upon graduation I'll get something newer.

Basically, I want to know if someone knowledgeable will look at the CarFax report to give me some honest advice.

I see that it has a new transmission along with some other things. Was there a transmission recall on this model? Is that the kiss of death? Does that pretty much guarantee that it will continually have major problems? Is this common with this year/model? Any reviews or personal experience?

Should I move on and get something different? I would hate to get such a beautiful car only to have problem after problem.

Thanks in advance

07/22/2003 51 Service Facility Vehicle serviced 08/02/2003 Dealer Inventory
Texas Vehicle sold 08/02/2003 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01537837842091338 Title issued or updated
First owner reported
Registered as
corporate vehicle
Loan or lien reported 08/28/2004 6,966 Service Facility Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed 09/13/2004 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01537837842091338 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection 10/11/2004 7,578 Service Facility Vehicle serviced 12/11/2004 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Vehicle serviced 05/24/2005 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Brake fluid flushed/changed 07/27/2005 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Fuel level sending unit replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Camshaft position sensor replaced 09/01/2005 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01537837842091338 Registration issued or renewed
Passed safety inspection 02/18/2006 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Transmission replaced
Automatic transmission checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module reprogrammed
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed 05/20/2006 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com High mount brake light assembly replaced 08/30/2006 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Engine/powertrain computer/module checked 09/01/2006 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01537837842091338 Registration issued or renewed
Loan or lien reported
Passed safety inspection 05/05/2007 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Console armrest replaced
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
State safety inspection completed 08/21/2007 19,825 Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Dealer Offered for sale as a Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle
Black Exterior
Grey Leather Interior 08/29/2007 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Front brake pads replaced
Tires rotated and balanced
Brakes checked
One tire mounted and balanced 09/01/2007 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01537837842091338 Registration issued or renewed
Loan or lien reported
Passed safety inspection 10/02/2007 19,851 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01520739344091718 Title issued or updated
Loan or lien reported 03/22/2008 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Maintenance inspection completed
Four wheel alignment performed
Two tires mounted and balanced 07/17/2008 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Oxygen sensor replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked 09/01/2008 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01520739344091718 Registration issued or renewed
Loan or lien reported
Passed safety inspection 03/09/2009 Tom Benson Chevrolet
San Antonio, TX
210-341-3311
www.tombenson.com Vehicle serviced 09/01/2009 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Antonio, TX
Title #01520739344091718 Registration issued or renewed
Loan or lien reported
Passed safety inspection 01/19/2010 36,420 Mercedes Benz of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
210-366-9600
www.san-antonio.mercedescenter.com
ww.san-antonio.merc
edescenter.com Vehicle serviced 01/27/2010 Online Listing Vehicle offered for sale 02/06/2010 Mercedes-Benz USA, Inc. No recalls open for repair

mk4mike

calm down! get a 05 clk55 you get big brake kit and facelift interior. i say stick with a can there more fun, sometimes i wish i had a cab.

sickofcollege

Thanks Mike...

I'm a girl and I know nothing about cars. But, I have to make a decision pretty soon and my knowledge involving mechanics in non-existent. I just think the car is so incredibly sexy and I want it. But, I won't buy something that is going to cost a ton in repairs, like my old Acura.

M-bENZ

Every MB parts will be twice (or maybe more than that) as much as your Acura. I suggest bring the car to the dealer to check everything. Yes you will have to pay for it. Also you might want to think about the extended warranty just to have peace of mind.

Andy

sickofcollege

Thank you, Andy. I appreciate your help. I don't have a problem paying for general upkeep and steeper parts when necessary. My family has a BMW dealership and I'm familiar with the costs of having a German car.

I am planning on keeping my family out of this purpose because they will not allow me to have a convertible under any circumstances. But, I want one, and I'll buy one if I feel like it. It doesn't hurt that this car is such a steal price-wise...

I do have two private mechanics that I could take with me to get a good look at the car. But, my main concern was to ask fellow MB enthusiasts if the Carfax alone would make them lose interest in this car.