Buying a used CLS
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
Buying a used CLS
Good day everyone ,
I am looking into buying a used 2014 cls550
It has 3 owners the last owner owned it from 2016
Has two accidents on carfax - 12k in 2016 and 17k in 2019
its mileage is 121k miles or 196k km
its clean inside and out (just looks )
what should I look out for before buying ?
Also any resources/ information on these cars are limited
any recalls ?
I am looking into buying a used 2014 cls550
It has 3 owners the last owner owned it from 2016
Has two accidents on carfax - 12k in 2016 and 17k in 2019
its mileage is 121k miles or 196k km
its clean inside and out (just looks )
what should I look out for before buying ?
Also any resources/ information on these cars are limited
any recalls ?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 335
Likes: 103
From: Saddlebrooke, AZ 85739
2013 CLS550 4Matic OE Tuned
I would take it to a body shop (not the ones that repaired it) and have them inspect it for any major frame damage. With that high mileage and 2 different accidents costing almost $30K to repair, it would have to be VERY cheap before I would even consider it. Good Luck, Marv
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
Thanks for the response Tbbt CLS
I never looked at the total price of the accidents
I plan on getting it checked
its a Canadian car and I was offering 19k cad
now you got me thinking its too high a price
I know the engines are solid enough , what else are point of failures in these cars?
also any resources on these cars ?
I never looked at the total price of the accidents
I plan on getting it checked
its a Canadian car and I was offering 19k cad
now you got me thinking its too high a price
I know the engines are solid enough , what else are point of failures in these cars?
also any resources on these cars ?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 335
Likes: 103
From: Saddlebrooke, AZ 85739
2013 CLS550 4Matic OE Tuned
If it's a Canadian car, the dash will show in Kilometers (your profile says your in CA, so are you in Canada or California). Not MPH. You can look for pricing on Autotrader, Cargurus, and other online sources. I think you'll find you're paying too much for a high mileage, accident car. For instance last Feb, I purchased a 2013 with 17,800 miles and a Certified Pre Owned Warranty for $34K US. I'd keep looking, but that's just me. Marv
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
That's a tough one. I agree with Tbbt CLS. I purchased mine couple months ago, 2015 CLS400, 37k miles, all packages checked, for 24k. IMHO i would never consider a salvaged car for more than $10k, unless you're going to keep it forever and DIY all maintenance. Moreover considering 2 accidents. That's a separate subject of investigation.
Of course, prices vary depending on the area you live in. my other car that i own, SL500, has almost $10k in price difference West Coast vs East Coast - go figure why. But a salvaged car should be at a price considerable less than clean title cars. Any way around. Again, just my opinion, but i would never consider a salvaged car for more than $10k.
Consider this car still being new-ish, so maintenance will be on par. They just came out with a newer model couple years ago, so maintenance might not be cheap and issues not that easy to solve. I'm not trying to discourage you from buying one, but as a fellow car enthusiast, want to make sure you see the entire picture. If you're a DIY guy - cars like this become bargains. If not - some dealers might give you hard time fixing any issues on a salvaged car, especially electric stuff.
Some food for thoughts.
Regards.
Of course, prices vary depending on the area you live in. my other car that i own, SL500, has almost $10k in price difference West Coast vs East Coast - go figure why. But a salvaged car should be at a price considerable less than clean title cars. Any way around. Again, just my opinion, but i would never consider a salvaged car for more than $10k.
Consider this car still being new-ish, so maintenance will be on par. They just came out with a newer model couple years ago, so maintenance might not be cheap and issues not that easy to solve. I'm not trying to discourage you from buying one, but as a fellow car enthusiast, want to make sure you see the entire picture. If you're a DIY guy - cars like this become bargains. If not - some dealers might give you hard time fixing any issues on a salvaged car, especially electric stuff.
Some food for thoughts.
Regards.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
I am in Montreal, Canada
The car in question isnt salvaged , has accidents and got fixed by insurance.
Yea I will keep looking and not jump on any buy .
Thanks for the clarity .
The car in question isnt salvaged , has accidents and got fixed by insurance.
Yea I will keep looking and not jump on any buy .
Thanks for the clarity .
Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 353
Likes: 56
2014 CLS 550
I bought mine with 97k 3rd owner one accident got it for 20k and I couldn’t even tell there was apparently a side swipe but car looked amazing other than a few scratches and the interior was amazing and drive was incredible. My take would be to drive it and def have checked for frame damage. But I was about to pull the trigger on a c63 for 26k 2012 and after driving in the Cls550 with the updated interior it was a no brainer and I couldn’t be happier !
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 5
CLS 550 (218) C32 AMG (203)
I bought used 2012 Cls 550 it has an out 100,000 miles on it. 1 owner, clean carfax. I had my friend who works at the Mercedes dealer pull its dealer history and the prior owner only had their maintenance, recalls, coolant leaks, etc. done at a dealer from 3k miles all the way to 97k miles. I bought it for $16k! Only thing I’ve had to do was replace the air compressor ($586) did it myself. What I’m trying to say is you can find good deals out there with minimal risk. If I were you I wouldn’t buy it for that price. Good luck buddy!
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 744
Likes: 144
From: Bay Area
W218 Stage 2, E85
Thanks for the response Tbbt CLS
I never looked at the total price of the accidents
I plan on getting it checked
its a Canadian car and I was offering 19k cad
now you got me thinking its too high a price
I know the engines are solid enough , what else are point of failures in these cars?
also any resources on these cars ?
I never looked at the total price of the accidents
I plan on getting it checked
its a Canadian car and I was offering 19k cad
now you got me thinking its too high a price
I know the engines are solid enough , what else are point of failures in these cars?
also any resources on these cars ?
One time, the seller was asking $24k for 75k miles and salvage (no accident, but repainted cuz of vandalism, keyed car). He agreed at $21k, but I let it go. Didn't wanted to spend that much and buy a salvage title or one with any accidents. Then I found mine at 60k miles and got it for $24k.
Take your time. Check everything and ask questions and negotiate as much as you can. And there are plenty of us here on this forum for a better insight on the issues.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 32
Likes: 13
From: Canada
03 G55 - 13' CLS550 - 90' 560SEC
I'll chime in here with a Canadian perspective, I bought my 13' CLS550 last year with 75KM for 27K CAD in Western Canada. Prices are also much higher here on the west coast, a comparable car would've been 24-25 in Quebec/Ontario. 19K still seems like a lot for 2 accidents and almost 200KM, so I would keep searching. Don't buy a car without proper maintenance history and records of work being done. The winters we have are particularly harsh on the car and its electronics (blind spot sensor, etc), and the roads are even worse. Montreal is probably some of the worst in the country if I'm honest, so watch for suspension issues.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
QUICK UPDATE
I ended up buying the cls550 after purchasing another e300 (I know, I know)
Took it in to the mb dealership and got it checked before I paid
The passenger side speaker and passenger side drl was not working
dealership also said the previous owner drove it in the winter and changed some transmission pan that was rusting
They also recommended a brake fluid flush and brake and rotor change
ended up paying 15k for it had to pay taxes during registration
I ended up buying the cls550 after purchasing another e300 (I know, I know)
Took it in to the mb dealership and got it checked before I paid
The passenger side speaker and passenger side drl was not working
dealership also said the previous owner drove it in the winter and changed some transmission pan that was rusting
They also recommended a brake fluid flush and brake and rotor change
ended up paying 15k for it had to pay taxes during registration
Last edited by minato; Feb 20, 2021 at 06:55 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 143
Likes: 25
From: Framingham, MA
2016 CLS 400 4Matic
Doesn’t take a lot to rack up pricey repair bills on CLS. I’d check on who did the repair—if it was fixed back to factory specs by certified MB repair shop, I’d feel a lot more confident about the fix.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
it was well documented
Basically evenruthing has been changed on the car , airmatic suspension etc
My only concern was pervious owner drove it all year round.
I just hope it stands the test of time.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
Quick update
Ended up trading the cls550 for a 17 e400
the 14 cls is a lovely car and always asked for more on the highway
however the new tech in the 17 e400 is fire
Ended up trading the cls550 for a 17 e400
the 14 cls is a lovely car and always asked for more on the highway
however the new tech in the 17 e400 is fire
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Is that the new interior? I was considering trading in my '15 CLS for a 2018+ E400 / E450, but since my car has all what I need from it, paying $15k+ just for a new design doesn't justify the price, although it looks very nice. I'll wait until they drop in price more 
or look for an EV.
or look for an EV.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 443
Likes: 91
CLS400 4Matic EC Tuned
Is that the new interior? I was considering trading in my '15 CLS for a 2018+ E400 / E450, but since my car has all what I need from it, paying $15k+ just for a new design doesn't justify the price, although it looks very nice. I'll wait until they drop in price more or look for an EV.
or look for an EV.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
Also contemplating selling my CLS400 next year. I'm conflicted though. I really want an AMG V8. I know a couple of people with them, and I never realized how much joy pure V8 mixed with the AMG exhaust can give you so much fun. I'm thinking of a 2016 C63s, or a 2016 CLS63, considering they're about the same price. The CLS would have AWD, but I feel like upgrading to that would feel kind of the same? Because I'd have virtually the exact same interior, aside from having the gear shifter down to where most cars have them, and a bit of other tweaks. I would also have to pay for the same mods I've done on my car, such as perhaps paying $200 for the carplay update, a roof wrap/other chrome delete, panamericana grill, a tune, and the list could go on. Whereas the C63s would have an entirely new feel to me. But then again, nothing looks as beautiful and sexy as a CLS, and they're super rare here. There's a bunch of C, CLA, E, and Mercedes SUV's here, but you can go months without seeing a CLS. I was also considering the E43 a few months ago but that would be me paying $15-20k more for a new interior as you said, but the same engine and better exhaust (just a different trans and slightly larger turbos), just to get the same performance, even with a tune.
I also went in for another CLS , a 2016 CLS63 ,
My opinion and this is personal preference , the differences with the cls550 and the cls63 is not alot , engine power and all
I stepped into the e400 and it was a wrap , the new technology completely did it for me , plus the e400 is 326hp or so and its not as much as the cls but I find its more than ok in sports +
A tune can also put it in the 400's
When it comes to Amg cars it has a lot to do with preference and where your heart is , also ............ finances
I might get back into a cls or an amg gt in the near future but whichever car it is it has to have the new tech
this is just my 0.02 cents
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
Likes: 15
From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
Is that the new interior? I was considering trading in my '15 CLS for a 2018+ E400 / E450, but since my car has all what I need from it, paying $15k+ just for a new design doesn't justify the price, although it looks very nice. I'll wait until they drop in price more or look for an EV.
or look for an EV.Test drive one for the fun of it and let us know how you feel
My cls was smooth like butter but the gear changes in the newer cars are night and day difference
Also the ride .. omg the ride!! plus I had b&o sound system in mine and it tumps
again, what I miss about my CLS is the highway, IT PULLS and keeps pulling
the e400 has a limiter at 210km/hr or so
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 443
Likes: 91
CLS400 4Matic EC Tuned
I also went in for another CLS , a 2016 CLS63 ,
My opinion and this is personal preference , the differences with the cls550 and the cls63 is not alot , engine power and all
I stepped into the e400 and it was a wrap , the new technology completely did it for me , plus the e400 is 326hp or so and its not as much as the cls but I find its more than ok in sports +
A tune can also put it in the 400's
When it comes to Amg cars it has a lot to do with preference and where your heart is , also ............ finances
I might get back into a cls or an amg gt in the near future but whichever car it is it has to have the new tech
this is just my 0.02 cents
My opinion and this is personal preference , the differences with the cls550 and the cls63 is not alot , engine power and all
I stepped into the e400 and it was a wrap , the new technology completely did it for me , plus the e400 is 326hp or so and its not as much as the cls but I find its more than ok in sports +
A tune can also put it in the 400's
When it comes to Amg cars it has a lot to do with preference and where your heart is , also ............ finances
I might get back into a cls or an amg gt in the near future but whichever car it is it has to have the new tech
this is just my 0.02 cents
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
Yes new interior
Test drive one for the fun of it and let us know how you feel
My cls was smooth like butter but the gear changes in the newer cars are night and day difference
Also the ride .. omg the ride!! plus I had b&o sound system in mine and it tumps
again, what I miss about my CLS is the highway, IT PULLS and keeps pulling
the e400 has a limiter at 210km/hr or so
Test drive one for the fun of it and let us know how you feel
My cls was smooth like butter but the gear changes in the newer cars are night and day difference
Also the ride .. omg the ride!! plus I had b&o sound system in mine and it tumps
again, what I miss about my CLS is the highway, IT PULLS and keeps pulling
the e400 has a limiter at 210km/hr or so
I actually happened to rent one out in Germany couple years ago, they gave me a 2017 E400 station wagon / diesel model (Although we asked for a sedan / gas powered vehicle, lol...) with 250 miles on the clock. I did love the interior and features (was equipped pretty good). So it's definitely on my radar as a possible future replacement of my CLS.
I'm not very impressed by the new 2019 CLS. And since they share the interior with a E class any way - I'd rather go for an E450 than CLS450. The E43 is nice too, but to pay extra just for couple more ponies and some exterior cosmetic upgrades - not impressed...
Unless I'll get my hands on a GLE450
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 40
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From: Canada
2018 e63s / 2020 amg gt63s
What colour combo was the CLS63? I would plan on getting white on red or white on saddle brown. A resonator delete on that would just be music to my ears. I probably would listen to music a bit less too with that roar. Yeah the 2017+ E class has all the tech in the world. I just wish there was an E550 facelift. The 2018 E63’s where I live would still be $117k after taxes here, which is out of my price range.
Blck on blk
this is a link to the cls before I went full uturn and got the E400
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 443
Likes: 91
CLS400 4Matic EC Tuned
https://www.autotrader.ca/a/mercedes..._15_21&sprx=-1
Blck on blk
this is a link to the cls before I went full uturn and got the E400
Blck on blk
this is a link to the cls before I went full uturn and got the E400
