Buying used 2003 clk55 amg
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M35x
Buying used 2003 clk55 amg
Guys I need your help, I was looking around for a clk either 500 or 55 amg and I think I finally found one, what do you guys think of a 2003 clk55 amg with 78,000 miles for around 14,000 - 14,500. This is like pushing my price range a little but for this car it's totally worth it. Please help with decision, also what kinda problems may I be looking for and so on and so forth. Also any suggestions of fast used coupes for around 13k would be highly appreciate, thank you
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From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
if you can, try to get 2004 or 2005+...i think it has upgraded brakes.
also, recently i saw a 2004 clk55 cab for $19k...so depending on what you think the value of cab and the upgraded parts, perhaps you can factor that in.
overall, my CLK55 cab has been an UPSIDE surprise - much more fun than i expected.
the aggressive sound of the free-flowing V8, the very responsive AMG setting on the transmission, the nice seats/interior, and the handling...all much better than i hoped for.
good luck with your search.
PL
also, recently i saw a 2004 clk55 cab for $19k...so depending on what you think the value of cab and the upgraded parts, perhaps you can factor that in.
overall, my CLK55 cab has been an UPSIDE surprise - much more fun than i expected.
the aggressive sound of the free-flowing V8, the very responsive AMG setting on the transmission, the nice seats/interior, and the handling...all much better than i hoped for.
good luck with your search.
PL
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'05 CLK55, '04 CLK320
price is ok but keep in mind when you are buying an amg or even a regular benz you need to put aside funds for the extra maintenance and costly repairs for these cars. Even if you do your own work the parts themselves are expensive. Dont buy a $14k benz if your budget is just $14k. At that mileage things go wrong. Im not sure if the brakes have been changed but if they arent, those are expensive. Also 2003 was the first year of the car so it might have some bugs. One common problem with the 2003's was the transmission contamination
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IMO, the mileage is high and there isnt a person here who will be able to answer the question " how long do you think it will last". It all depends on the cars owner, history, etc... Make sure it's been serviced properly and really it all comes down to how the car feels on the road. If it rides good then go for it. If the cars feels like its not so solid then forget about it because what Moedy said is very true, used AMGs require significant $ for repairs, upgrade and just simple maintenance!!
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From: SOMD
2001 CLK55 AMG
My CLK55 wasn't properly cared for, and it has eaten up a chunk of money to pass state inspection. Overall it's a solid car though. If you do your own work, and take care of it they'll last. Mine is at 107,000 miles right now, and still pulls hard. I'm doing a fair amount of spring cleaning on the maintenance side as well. These are cars you don't want to let reach the point of a check engine light. Stay on top of preventative maintenance.
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My CLK55 wasn't properly cared for, and it has eaten up a chunk of money to pass state inspection. Overall it's a solid car though. If you do your own work, and take care of it they'll last. Mine is at 107,000 miles right now, and still pulls hard. I'm doing a fair amount of spring cleaning on the maintenance side as well. These are cars you don't want to let reach the point of a check engine light. Stay on top of preventative maintenance.
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M35x
All of this maintience that I nights run into is scaring me a bit lmao, I was doing some research and found a 2010 hyduia genises 3.8 coupe with like 7k miles and a warranty for up to 60k miles on it for about 20k grand, I know thats pushing my budget bit I was thinking of giving like a 12k deposit and fianancing the rest. What do you guys think about this?? What woul you guys do, get a high mileage clk55 amg , or the genesis coupe which is practically new with very low mileage and a warranty?? Thanks for your answers in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: EURO Style
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All of this maintience that I nights run into is scaring me a bit lmao, I was doing some research and found a 2010 hyduia genises 3.8 coupe with like 7k miles and a warranty for up to 60k miles on it for about 20k grand, I know thats pushing my budget bit I was thinking of giving like a 12k deposit and fianancing the rest. What do you guys think about this?? What woul you guys do, get a high mileage clk55 amg , or the genesis coupe which is practically new with very low mileage and a warranty?? Thanks for your answers in advance
The Genesis 3.8 coupe is indeed a nice car and might be better suited for you. It has low mileage and warranty something you won't find in a used 55.
I used to hate everythang Hyundai made until a year ago, they've really stepped it up these last few years with very reliable cars.
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'05 CLK55, '04 CLK320
All of this maintience that I nights run into is scaring me a bit lmao, I was doing some research and found a 2010 hyduia genises 3.8 coupe with like 7k miles and a warranty for up to 60k miles on it for about 20k grand, I know thats pushing my budget bit I was thinking of giving like a 12k deposit and fianancing the rest. What do you guys think about this?? What woul you guys do, get a high mileage clk55 amg , or the genesis coupe which is practically new with very low mileage and a warranty?? Thanks for your answers in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
AMG brakes can be expensive, but the rotors last a long time. If you buy the 500 instead, genuine factory rotors are only $75 per side. Join the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Most long term members can tell you where to get stuff fixed right, and who has parts at a reasonable rate in your city.
What you want to avoid is the broken stuff - and you can do that with a pre-purchase inspection. THAT is money well spent.
Member
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From: SOMD
2001 CLK55 AMG
Agreed, I took it to a place for a compression test, not a full inspection. Seeing as how with a 12K CLK55 more than half that cost is tied up in the engine I just needed that to be in solid shape to be a good buy. In retrospect however taking the time for a full inspection would have saved me a lot of trouble.
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'05 CLK55, '04 CLK320
Also make sure the valver cover is not leaking oil. This is a common problem and around 800 if you go the dealer and less than 60 if you do it yourself because it takes at least 4 hours of labor. If its leaking oil get them to fix it before they sell it to you
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From: Chicago
V8, Flat 6, V6, & Turbo flat 4
If you are worried about maintenance then go with the genesis. If you're willing to accept that the benz is an older car and will need more attention, then the benz is the better choice and you will enjoy it more.
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M35x
Yea I'm pretty frustrated, I realized that the hyduia genesis coupe is out of my price range 
and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advance
and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advance
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Chicago
V8, Flat 6, V6, & Turbo flat 4
Yea I'm pretty frustrated, I realized that the hyduia genesis coupe is out of my price range and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advance
and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advanceIn the past I have owned a 2003 and 2006 350Z, and both were great cars. No maintenance issues with them, reliable and cheap to own. Also plenty of aftermarket support for the VQ motor.
The only thing to watch for on 2003 was front tire wear, as some had an issue with alignment causing premature wear of front tires and thus resulting in tire noise.
Test drive it and if you like it, I say go for. For that price, its fun, sporty, and reliable.
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When did you see that car? It's funny that I'm thinking of going to that same dealership to look at 2003 clk 55 with 56k miles for $13k. Something is fishy. It seems to good to be true.
Is $13k sound about right to everyone?
Is $13k sound about right to everyone?
Yea I'm pretty frustrated, I realized that the hyduia genesis coupe is out of my price range and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advance
and the clk was a scam, what a screwed up dealership, I read tons of reviews on the dealership (21st century auto group) and that they do the bait and switch scam all the time! Anyways I did further research and there aren't really any clk 500 or 55 in price range sadly and I just wanted to know your opinions on a white 2003 g35 coupe with black leather I interior fully loaded with a navi, it has 60,000 miles and is going for about 13k. What do you guys think? All opinions are appreciated, thanks in advance
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Chicago
2015.5 Volvo V60 Polestar
Remember, if they are at a no name dealer, it is for a reason.
Against my better judgment, I tried only once to buy a car at one of those dealers. A 2001 Integra type R with 23k miles, low and behold, odometer roll back. I don't care how enticing the deal is, if its at one of those mickey mouse dealers. Stay away.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Texas
C63 507 AMG DA Car #19
I bought a so called CPO clk55 with 20K miles at MB of sugarland...... it had several issues which were not disclosed upon sale; however, I promptly brought it back within 1 week for all the warranty work. So don't be fooled that CPO means any sort of special inspection at the dealership. The main thing is to get a warranty.... so when it breaks you don't get it broken off in you.
Use the search feature here...... most common things that go wrong with the 500 and 5.5 motor are pretty easy DIY deals..... I'm learning to do some of this myself.
GL.
Use the search feature here...... most common things that go wrong with the 500 and 5.5 motor are pretty easy DIY deals..... I'm learning to do some of this myself.
GL.
