EyesOnly

Greetings,

I must admit, I'm a little on the fence about this. I'm looking at an '03 or '04 CLK55 coupe, very low mileage, but am wondering what you experts think about this.

I really like how it drives, the power, the comfort, and the style. It'd be a nice change from my Lexus GS 400.

I'm concerned about the following:

1. Maintenance costs. With my Lexus, I can take it to any Toyota dealer (since they're essentially the same automaker) and get a $20 oil change if I bring my own synthetic. 30k and 60k services don't really require much work on a Lexus (fluid changes, mostly), and run a few hundred bucks. Same with brakes- full set of pads and resurfacing rotors is about $600.

What would I be looking at maintenance-wise with a used CLK55 from '03 or '04?

2. Warranty. I got my warranty extended through Lexus (not some off-brand) for a pretty good deal; I know nothing about certified CLK's, and even less about certified AMGs. Is this even possible?

So... Does anyone have any suggestions for me? It'd be nice to pick up a CLK55 for the low $30k range, but I don't want to be destroyed by maintenance costs. Would any of you buy an '03 or '04?

Thanks in advance!

SemiSilentBob

I picked up my 2003 CLK55 AMG about 6 months ago and I can't even begin to say how much I enjoy it. I got it with 56,000 miles and for $27,000. I went to a local MB specialist that only works on Benz and had the oil, coolant and a general inspection done right after I got the car and found that the service is close to what it was for my BMW other than it taking more Mobile 1 oil for the 8 over the 6, but I expected that.

If you are thinking of getting a CLK-55 AMG IMHO GO FOR IT!!! I love mine and expect to have similar maintenance costs as I was paying for my BMW (maybe a little more for the V8 over the straight 6 but I expect that)

Just get it, you will not be disappointed.

hope this helps,
Bob

150shot

I dont own a CLK AMG, but I have previous ownership experience with Lexus from a close friend...overall if you do maintenance costs in general matters, the car is a "foreign" parts/labor and other determining factors will be higher.

Yes you can take the Lexus to alot of independent or dealer toyota shops, but its basically a Toyota, if you know what I mean..

The CLK 55 even a 500 is IMHO is a far more superior total package than a lexus GS. Its not even close the power, class, and the driving experience. It all depends on what you want from the car you purchase..

GSUNole

This may be the wrong place to ask this question since the majority of us own a 55, we are natuarlly going to be a bit biased. Screw impartiality here! I have had my 55 for about a year, and it is an absolute dream to drive, and own. The things I love about it are the following, A) You don't see another one on every street you drive down. B) The 55 gives you the muscle car and the luxury car in one nice little package...other cars say they give you this, but really you get the muscle car with this, turn the ESP off and put it in the manual mode and you will quickly realize this ain't your run of the mill Mercedes.

I have had only one major problem with the car, and that was some sort of coolant leak into the transmission, which they explained to me was a freak thing. Other than that the car has been flawless. My warranty recently ran out but I also bought a great after market one that covers 95% of what the factory covered. I mean it even covers my cigarette lighter. So be different, who wants to be in a glorified Toyota masquerading as a luxury car anyway.

brabusw209amg

that's an amazing price

Stiggs

Amen brotha!

I think the earlier models (2003) had some radiotor problems and recalls. Check that out before buying. Do a search here for radiator and valero....or something like that.

EyesOnly

Hmm... Thanks for the advice so far. I used to have a Mitsuibishi 3000GT VR-4 which, brand aside, is an amazing performance car, but also basically an exotic so I blew a LOT of money on maintenance and fixing sh#t. (The Lexus, regardless of what has been said here , is an amazing ride- the 300hp V8 in the GS is one of the best engines in the world.)

Anyway, back to the topic... What is required at the more 'major' services like 30k and 60k? I can't seem to find this anywhere online. Is it just fluids, or what?

I don't want to pick up an '03 and be left with some huge repair costs 2 years down the road. Is any aftermarket warranty worth its price here? Most that I know of usually exclude AMG products...

MarcusF

With FSS, it’s an A or B Service. If you go to Signal to Noise and click “what does this thing cost” on the left, you’ll see some examples of pricing. You can also click “Flexible Service System” on the left to get an idea of what the service includes. Costs are dealer specific. My local dealer, MB of Valencia charges about $200 for an A-service, and $300 for a B. Another dealer, about 30 minutes away, charges $300+ for an A and almost $500 for a B. Here's a link to the current "specials" at my local dealer. MBCA members always get the special price, coupon or not.

clk22

I have my 03 CLK55 for sale it has 36,500 miles on it silver w/black and merlot interior and has a suede headliner. It is in very good condition. All maintenance is done on a regular basis. Just PM me if you want more info.

GSUNole

OK dude if you had a 3000GT for any length of time and are used to dealing with that ish then owning this car will be a breeze. I went from a 3000GT to this and talk about saving money. I was meticulous with the maintenance of my 3kgt and had the same Mitsubishi mechanic and service advisor for seven years, my joint was in amazing condition and it was still draining me like a high dollar prostitue. Unless you buy a lemon you will be fine. And yes 3S's were super amazing performance cars, that were under rated by almost everyone who didn't own one.
As far as aftermarket warranty I have the platinum level from Mercury Insurance Group, and it covers everything from my cigarette lighter to my wheel lug nuts and studs. No joke. It also covers my navigation systems. So certainly check that out, and them out. Plus if you decided to sell the car, they allow you to transfer the warranty to the new owner. Which will certainly add value to your car, that others may not have.

Act of God

Did you get my PM about the roof spoiler?