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.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
