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About to buy 2014 CLS550 for $20k with 120k miles, should I?
As title says, going to drive out of town to see this car. The dealer is reputable, the carfax and autocheck looks normal. Looks like the 2nd owner just put a ton of miles in less than 3 years. The maintenance seems to be done regularly by mercedes service, no major repairs. The price is $3k less than both KBB and Carfax estimate. I winced seeing the mileage, but the picture looks really good, it's a 5 year old quality car after all. Not a lot of threads about reliability, but seems like the engine/drivetrain is solid in this car, it's the little things and electrical that's tricky. I don't see how electrical will be worn out by the mileage. I could afford more than this price, but it's hard to pass up to at least check it out, and if I do that I might just buy it on the spot (since it's out of town). So obviously, the concern would be the mileage but like to ask/hear what other concerns would be. What I should watch out for.
Thank you C280 and ice947 for your reply. As I thought, I had no self-control, and bought it after I test drove it. There weren't any car mechanics around that was opened a Sunday afternoon, but the dealer offer to put it on a lift for me to see. It's probably the most thorough check I've done on a car purchase.
So far so good, in love with it, have an appointment set up for this weekend to have service B done. Will see what the Merc mechanics would have to say about it .
As title says, going to drive out of town to see this car. The dealer is reputable, the carfax and autocheck looks normal. Looks like the 2nd owner just put a ton of miles in less than 3 years. The maintenance seems to be done regularly by mercedes service, no major repairs. The price is $3k less than both KBB and Carfax estimate. I winced seeing the mileage, but the picture looks really good, it's a 5 year old quality car after all. Not a lot of threads about reliability, but seems like the engine/drivetrain is solid in this car, it's the little things and electrical that's tricky. I don't see how electrical will be worn out by the mileage. I could afford more than this price, but it's hard to pass up to at least check it out, and if I do that I might just buy it on the spot (since it's out of town). So obviously, the concern would be the mileage but like to ask/hear what other concerns would be. What I should watch out for.
I stand by my previous comment. I did sell the car to purchase a Cummins 2500 to pull our toy hauler but wish I could have kept it. See them occasionally and always think what a sexy car. I definitely plan to own one again in the future.
I stand by my previous comment. I did sell the car to purchase a Cummins 2500 to pull our toy hauler but wish I could have kept it. See them occasionally and always think what a sexy car. I definitely plan to own one again in the future.
Change of plans for me,
What do you know about the older CLS? Thinking about picking up a 2008 with 100k miles.
What do you know about the older CLS? Thinking about picking up a 2008 with 100k miles.
I don't know a ton about the 1st gens. I do know it was not offered in a twin turbo variant which really made this engine have the power it feels like it should.
I do have two comments on that gen/age though. First, personally I don't like the styling as much. Second, not having turbos may actually be beneficial on this one at 100k, I would however expect the following repairs depending on the service record:
Control arms/ball joints
Alternator
Water pump
Typical tune up
Brakes/rotors
Trans flush include torque converter for full flush
Being an 08 you will most likely start running into old plastic issues, things like retaining clips throughout breaking can be a major annoyance. IMHO, wait it out a little longer for used market to drop some more and buy a newer one if you can. Otherwise I'd have like 3k for repairs minimum just in case.
I don't know a ton about the 1st gens. I do know it was not offered in a twin turbo variant which really made this engine have the power it feels like it should.
I do have two comments on that gen/age though. First, personally I don't like the styling as much. Second, not having turbos may actually be beneficial on this one at 100k, I would however expect the following repairs depending on the service record:
Control arms/ball joints
Alternator
Water pump
Typical tune up
Brakes/rotors
Trans flush include torque converter for full flush
Being an 08 you will most likely start running into old plastic issues, things like retaining clips throughout breaking can be a major annoyance. IMHO, wait it out a little longer for used market to drop some more and buy a newer one if you can. Otherwise I'd have like 3k for repairs minimum just in case.
Brakes: rotors and pads/sensors with labor would be 3k by themselves. I just had a trans flush today and that was 500 by itself.
Alos consider engine mounts, spark plugs....sensors..etc..oh man that'll add up fast.
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