Looking to buy a 2003 CLK55 with 100k miles -problem is I pulled a carfax and it shows 8 owners! Technically it has 6 true owners -- car appears solid and no accidents or mileage issues reported to carfax --- have many of you would buy anyways? need advice ASAP - looking to leave in the morning - Thx in advance!

 

People tend to swap sports cars more often. Given that this is the 55 version, it might be the reason for the number of owners. Eight owners in itself would not put me off. Rather, a lack of service history would deter me. If the car swapped owners within a few months of each other it might indicate damage of some sort.

If you don't feel comfortable walk away, more 55's will become available.

 

Thanks so much for your response! this particular one has average ownership of 1-1.5 yrs with the shortest at 4 months -- doesn't seem to have 2 much repair history records but seems well cared for --- knowing that, what would you do?

 

That many owners at least raises questions, but may mean nothing. Is there some other reason that you are anxious to buy this particular car? Is it much less expensive than a similar car with 2 owners? Have you actually seen and driven it? If not, how do you know it was well cared for? Have you considered getting it inspected?

 

I would pass, it is a buyer's market in this economy.
I understand that particular model doesn't come up for sale too often but you want to be a 100% confident when buying a car of that caliber.
There could be nagging problems which may not show up in a carfax report or maintenance records. Plus the car is now 11 years old, so I would prefer one car that has been loved over one that has been passed around.

 

I would look at a CLK550 as well. the 2007 and up clk550 has more HP than the 2003 CLK55. You get more power and a 4 year newer car for not much more money.

 

Agree with sliver,
I have a 09 clk550 more hp than the old clk55 plus better gas miles. I believe the 03 55 is a 5 speed at while the clk550 is a 7 speed at. I wanted the clk55 so badly but do not regret the decision one bit. However, I will be looking for a w208 clk55 cab next year. Love the look

 

Comparing the CLK550 to the CLK55 AMG, the 550 will not have the AMG-tuned "speed shift" transmission, nor its AMG-tuned suspension. The 550's increased torque and HP produce 0.2 - 0.3 second faster 0-60 times Ironically, MBZ published it as the same as the CLK55, but actual testing proved otherwise. I suspect they didn't want to make the MY2006 CLK55 buyers angry when the MY2007 CLK550 came out for $10K less and better performance. And as Omega48er stated, better MPG. If I don't romp on my CLK550, too much, I get 19mpg around town. Even enjoying the trips between red lights, it's never below 16mpg.

 

Thanks for all the comments - I just picked up a 2003 CLK55 with 48k miles and drove it home yesterday -- although the 07+ CLK550 might have more HP its still NOT an AMG -- plus I got it for a WAY lower price than what I could touch a 2007 550 -- about 11-12k less with similar mileage

 

Congratulations! I was also looking for a 05 55 but couldn't find a low milage one and because of that I actually found the perfect 550 and I love it! Please post pics soon

 

lets see if I did this right ...

 

Nice! ! Now time to sleep have a presentation tomorrow and hate group work. ... lazy people sign

 

LOL -have a goodnight!

 

Congrats, nice looking car.

 

Thanks! Now comes the fun part of making it my own ... Came with gross halogen headlights! already upgraded mt smoked taillights - next is Bi-Xenons, window tint and front bumper touch up's ...

 

Nice car - love it in black and I really like those wheels.

 

yes - looks like the 18" AMG i just upgraded to. love them too..