I did some searching and I may end up buying from Toronto instead of locally. A 24 hour drive home isn't bad if I can save $5k lol. I found an 03 CLK500 with just over 100k for $14k. The local 04 is $19k with the same mileage.


I also found a couple of 07 CLS550s around the $26k mark. Hopefully I will have saved up enough over the course of the fall/winter to bite the bullet on a 550. I'm crossing my fingers for a great deal to pop up..

 

The only car I have ever owned that was more fun to drive than the clk is my wife's cls. If you even remotely thinking of a cls I strongly suggest that you save up. My wife's cls is only a 500 and after a simple tune it's a butt load of fun. Handles waaaaaaay better than clk. Just make sure it's not an 06 where they still had that loud brake system.


Edit: just realized you were talking 550... No worries about the brakes... Good to go.

 

Still, before buying a 550 (i.e. M273 V8 engine) vehicle, check the engine serial number to make sure it's not affected by the bad timing gear problems.

 

Yes, I'll definitely check the VIN and post it here for confirmation. I love how helpful the people in this online community are!

 

04 CLK500 is my 2nd Benz, I started with an 01 CLK430, all I can say is I love her.

I would def go a little older and get the better model (clk vs. c)

Either way enjoy your first Benz man!!!!