Need Advice!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6
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Smart4Two
Need Advice!
I am new to Mercedes Benz.
I am looking at all my options. I really like the new CLA model, have always liked the E Coupe and CLS. They all have a similar body style.
I want a reliable car with low repair expenses if possible.
I am looking to buy used and pay $30k or less.
What model would you suggest? Best for the money and lowest cost to own/maintain/repair???
Any advice or suggestions would be very welcomed.
Thanks!
Brad
I am looking at all my options. I really like the new CLA model, have always liked the E Coupe and CLS. They all have a similar body style.
I want a reliable car with low repair expenses if possible.
I am looking to buy used and pay $30k or less.
What model would you suggest? Best for the money and lowest cost to own/maintain/repair???
Any advice or suggestions would be very welcomed.
Thanks!
Brad
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
CLK 63 AMG
I lack the mechanical expertise to give you the answer you may be seeking, (a comparative assessment) but I can say I have learned a few things while owning my high mileage CLK 430 and while shopping for my newer CLK 63.
I was encouraged to consider the following
Favor 1 owner cars
Consider warranty status and time driven out of warranty
Review service history carefully on the Carfax
Was it serviced at a MB dealer?
Were the service intervals consistent with recomended maint?
Has the owner replaced tires?
Accidents, major repairs?
Be sure the car has a clear title. No slavage or flood cars
Have the VIN run to check original equipment list
Identify any modifications past or present
Was the car garaged or outside?
There is really a long list of common sense questions to ask and many exceptions to the cautions above. My 430 has almost 200K with no engine issues since new. I have heard much the same of the AMG motors too.
While I have no direct experience, I have read some rants about 6 cylinder engines being less reliable than 8's but again that opinion is 2nd hand.
Do not rush your process. Find the right car and pass up as many possible fits as necessary until you feel right. Research warranty options and consider studying aftermarket warranties in general on the internet if you are not familiar with the subtleties of their language.
I was told to seek high tech options in a warranty to cover electronics that frequently fail and also to seek seals and gasket coverage. Basically, to get a good exclusionary policy with the car.
Good luck
I was encouraged to consider the following
Favor 1 owner cars
Consider warranty status and time driven out of warranty
Review service history carefully on the Carfax
Was it serviced at a MB dealer?
Were the service intervals consistent with recomended maint?
Has the owner replaced tires?
Accidents, major repairs?
Be sure the car has a clear title. No slavage or flood cars
Have the VIN run to check original equipment list
Identify any modifications past or present
Was the car garaged or outside?
There is really a long list of common sense questions to ask and many exceptions to the cautions above. My 430 has almost 200K with no engine issues since new. I have heard much the same of the AMG motors too.
While I have no direct experience, I have read some rants about 6 cylinder engines being less reliable than 8's but again that opinion is 2nd hand.
Do not rush your process. Find the right car and pass up as many possible fits as necessary until you feel right. Research warranty options and consider studying aftermarket warranties in general on the internet if you are not familiar with the subtleties of their language.
I was told to seek high tech options in a warranty to cover electronics that frequently fail and also to seek seals and gasket coverage. Basically, to get a good exclusionary policy with the car.
Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 451
From: The Palmetto State
19 E63s, ‘24SQ8, wanting another gas guzzling V8
I would look at the CLA. It is newer and would have more warranty if it falls in the price range. The CLS is expensive. The E coupe is nice but there are so many of them floating around. You might get a good price but a hard resale. Good luck.
