UncleSlam

Hi, I've been lurking on this forum for a few years dreaming of owning an AMG. The closest Lamborghini dealership just got a 2002 CLK55 convertible in, with 19,000 miles and are asking $19,000. That sounds like a deal to me and fits my budget.

The only problem I can see from the pics they sent me is a crack in the front lip and a the long plastic piece(?) missing in the grill opening, anyone want to guess know how much that would cost to fix and what it would take?

Also, it looks like some gizmo is installed (maybe a shift kit?) in one of the pics. Not sure if I should just let it go since it is a 7 hour drive just to look at it.

UncleSlam

Forgot the pics:

Tikolx333

If you are ready to buy than that's a great car. It's a brand e AMG Benz, it's worth 7 hour drive.

Before you drive call someone there request carfax, more detail pictures of the car and any damage. Service records from the glove box scanned if any. Credit app sent in and approved and then drive there have independent mechanic check it out. Confirm no speedo roll back or accident. Good luck, awesome car. I just drove a convertible yesterday. It was awesome having the top down.

HCUBED

The price sounds a little steep. $19,000 is outer limits!
Why not check it out on Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.com) to see what the retail value of the car is...I would bet that it is around $14,500 to $15,500.....not a nickel more.

UncleSlam

That blue book really sounds too cheap for the mileage and a convertable. How about my original questions, any input?

UncleSlam

Actually, retail kbb is $23,300

HCUBED

Look at the condition....the front end looks shabby, and it is possible that the butcher beat you to it. I am suspicious of any aftermarket electrical installations. To me, it isn't worth high book.....
As a buyer, you have the luxury of looking for a better one.
The seller has to sell what he has..

bobbyjo9

Im guessing that mysical box is maybe a radar detector?? You wouldn't have an external shift kit. They can be quirky cars but mine has never let me down.

lseguy

The "shifter" is a reference to an accessory that's part of a radar detection system. the "shifter" is a license plate or behind the grill mounted device that uses LED's to defeat laser guns. thats what those boxes are under the dash..part of a radar detection system.

One year ago I paid $23k for my 2002 CLK55 with 35k miles on it. Saw it on ebay, didnt meet sellers reserve. he was local, so drove up and saw it and drove it. He only had it himself for about 4 months and was selling because his 3 car garage couldnt hold his Jag, Range Rover, CLK55, AND his new Ferrari F355 that he was had delivered that afternoon. We made a deal outside of ebay. Had brand new tires and brand new 19inch AMG replica wheels. Everything else was completely stock and in superb condition, with the exception of a leaking drivers side motor mount (which I just replaced myself for $80 or so for the OEM part) and I could use a set of fresh Caster Lower Control Arm bushings soon. Aside from that..it's flawless inside and out. No dings, designo leather is absolutely perfect, carpet perfect. I only drive it on sunny occassional weekend days. I paid a bit on the higher end for it but when i found it in the color and condition I wanted and just 25 miles away..I made the edmunds.com retail offer for it.

in the car in the ad, that cracked lower portion of the front bumper cover comes from hitting a parking lot parking space curb and is a common broken item on a LOT of used CLK's.

That alone combined with an aftermarket detector doesnt mean a 19k mile AMG is shabby.

I'd request a PPI be done at your expense if you are serious. Dont assume just because it's low miles that there isnt something that may need attention. If it checks out, Id go ahead and make the drive down.

UncleSlam

I found another one, 2002 cabrio (the last one sold too quickly to act upon). This one has designo and gorgeous black opal (dark blue) exterior with a tan top. 41k miles for $18000. It had a service B done on 10/2010, 1500 miles ago at the dealer, I talked to the mechanic and he said it checked out with nothing noted. I suppose I should still get it inspected though?

http://modules08.dealercarsearch.com...spx?id=1129422

Riot Nrrrd

You should not have hesitated on that first one. That front bumper cover piece (the bar across the lower grill) is just plastic and unfortunately tends to get caught on concrete blocks at the end of parking spaces (as lseguy noted); I learned early on to not park anywhere near the concrete blocks But they only cost about $125 or so to replace, I think. That car was a steal at $19k IMHO.

(For reference, my 2002 has just passed 15,100 miles. I would not part with it for $19k; NFW. Just had it serviced and not one single solitary thing wrong with it.)

UncleSlam

Yea, I know now I should of jumped in my car and drove to chi-town. Although, it needed a whole new front bumper (the bottom was cracked through), it was still a good deal. Just talking with the Guido gangster car salesman was a big a big put-off, "that's got the dee-zane-yo seats"

So, how are you liking the AMG cabrio? I'm a little worried it won't feel like much of a sports car after driving my friends C5 corvette recently.