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I am considering buying the following 1999 T Reg MERCEDES-BENZ CLK 320 Sport 2dr Auto 97,000 miles and would appreciate any advice. Is it too old, likely to be worn out, ready for the scrap heap? The price appears fair compared to Autotrader Valuations and I am keen to have something a little less boxy now that the family can be carted from Scouts to Football in the MPV. Any pointers gratefully received, may save me making yet another bad purchase.
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This will either be a great or a very bad buy. Depends on the history. Does it have a full service record - if not walk away find another. Buy a car like this from someone who can afford to run it properly without having to skimp on it. Forget the price within a few hundred pounds - the wrong car will cost you an air and a leg and you will have a heck of a job to sell it on.
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Hi Noddy, I have long admired these cars. Sadly, any plans to buy have been scuppered by petrol prices, VED changes, and a possible house move. Our next car will probably be a super-mini. If you could put one of those sad-faced emoticons in this space I would.
When I was researching CLK's the impression seemed to be that they are very well-liked by owners. I am not sure if you are allowed to post links or make recommendations on the Back Room, but I spoke to a highly recommended (on other MB forums) Merc specialist in Lancs who basically said that the engines are very good, 320 is much smoother than the 230, mileage is not a problem but rust is. Check everywhere for rust but especially rear wheel-arches and boot lip. Peel back the rubber trim to check for rust starting to show. Make sure the car drives smoothly. FSH is obviously preferable as it will affect the resale value. Leather interior also preferable.
I think these cars are looking great value now, and I think VED will be £200 pa for a 1999 model. If you can find a good, local specialist to service it and don't mind the low mpg I reckon you could get a great car that will make you smile for many years to come.
Hope this helps. There are a few good MB forums - merecedesclub.org and mbclub.co.uk. I always look at owners reviews on What Car, Parkers, and Peachorlemon web sites to help me decide.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you get on.
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Are you feeling lucky?
You're going to need it if you buy one
MVP
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Thanks for the initial advice, forgot to mention 2 year warranty dealer supplied 'National 2 year Warranty' 4 Star Warranty supplied by VGS Warranties and full service history, majority MB although last 4 years Kwik Fit serviced, given previous comments I'm beginning to feel this is more attractive.
Are you feeling lucky?
Luckier ?
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 13/06/2008 at 14:43
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Advice to anyone contemplating the purchase of a Mercedes Benz motor car....don't! [with apologies to whoever coined the famous marriage quotation - can't remember].
Only in England have I heard people say 'I left the mercedes in the car park' when referring to their car. For some reason there is a myth that they are something special which results in a huge price premium, four to five figure annual depreciation, expensive maintenance bills and a lovely prosperous city to visit [Stuttgart]. cf. Coventry.
Ho hum.
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For some more helpful advise, may I suggest;
www.mbclub.co.uk/
S.
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The service history would make me walk very quickly away.
You want somebody knowledgable looking after one of these, not the last 4 years type.
What on earth was the previous owner thinking, a good MB indy servicing will be regarded as every bit as good if not better in some cases to main dealer history.
Do check very carefully for repaired bodywork from rust with these.
A dealer i go to showed me one they'd taken in PE, V reg, the whole front edge of the bonnet and wings, all wheelarches, doors, bootlid etc were riddled, but as we all know a good bodyshop can cover that problem well, so look very hard.
MB will have no interest whatsoever in any body warranty goodwill reapirs due to the fast fit up servicing.
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Update - , went to have a look, good looking car in the flesh, bewildering amount of electronic gizmoes, let the engine idle in neutral for 20 minutes or so on the forecourt, testing all the buttons air con etc. Slight variable tinkling from the head area, doors would not close with the quality thunk I would expect from MB. Test drive went well, then, pulling up to lights, let the car sit in first to judge the box, slight judder began, then failed to deliver power through the transmission on pulling away. Pulled over and ran through the cycle of the box, neutral, judder disappeared, 1st etc judder returned, also in reverse. Returned to the garage, commented on the problem, salesman was unaware but will refer the car to the workshop.
Lovely car but I think I will be passing on this particular one. Thanks for the advice and opinion.
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Wise descision Noddy, the gearbox oil and filetr changes are vital on MB's.
Well done for finding that problem on the test drive, if you hadn't had it ticking over doing your inspection it may not have got warm enough to show up a problem.
Could be a couple of thousand's worth of repairs there, wonder if the services over the last 4 years actually included checking levels, let alone changing oils.
If they change the gearbox oil, it may still be ok for the time being.
So i'd expect a pestering from that salesman in due course.
Some MB models had a valeo radiator problem where the coolant would end up in the gearbox, totally wrecking it, you would be well advised to check with a good MB indy as to which models to look out for.
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