| kelli |
Hello Everyone,
I am looking to purchase a used mercedes CLK 430, just curious if anyone has owned one, and the pros and cons if any...
Thanks for your help! |
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| SuperTech |
| New Mercedes-Benzs come with free maintainance for the term of the factory warranty. Once you're off that warranty and have to start paying out of your own pocket...ouch. Oil changes will be twice as much as a normal car along with most other services. |
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
New Mercedes-Benzs come with free maintainance for the term of the factory warranty. Once you're off that warranty and have to start paying out of your own pocket...ouch. Oil changes will be twice as much as a normal car along with most other services.
Why would an oil change cost any more than any other vehicle? Does the Mercedes use some special oil that is more expensive then synthetic? Most vehicles hold around 5 qts. Five quarts of most premeium synthetic cost between $20.00 and $25.00.
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| alphaforcex |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Why would an oil change cost any more than any other vehicle? Does the Mercedes use some special oil that is more expensive then synthetic? Most vehicles hold around 5 qts. Five quarts of most premeium synthetic cost between $20.00 and $25.00.
G
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The schedule maintenance (at stealer) is going to cost at least $200. Oil is about $70 (8 Qts @ 8 each) and labor is about 130! The new MB dropped the free maintenance schedule so they will cost you. The schedule maintenance (Service A) is going to cost $200+.
If you could, I'd suggest you get the extended warranty. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Why would an oil change cost any more than any other vehicle? Does the Mercedes use some special oil that is more expensive then synthetic? Most vehicles hold around 5 qts. Five quarts of most premeium synthetic cost between $20.00 and $25.00.
G
G
Actually they do use a special oil. Yes it's Mobil 1. 0W-40. Regardless of that...it's still Mobil 1 only on a new Mercedes. A Honda Accord V6 takes 4.5 quarts of conventional oil (up to the induvidual if they want to pony up more than double to get Mobil 1). As already said, a MB V8 will take about 8 quarts. At $5/qt...you're at $40 already for just the oil. A filter is at least another $10. So $50 in materials alone assuming you do the oil yourself vs. less than $20 for oil and filter (assuming dino oil) on the Accord. I'd say that justifies me saying it costs more than most vehicles. |
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| kelli |
| I think I did here that the filter itself costs more than a normal car...I would assume the maint in general would costs more just because of the name, but as far as reliability in general, For the most part..Are they reliable? I know many factors are involved like prior owner etc, etc...but just in general are they good cars, or do they stay in the shop... |
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| JL_SS |
| Here's the Consumer Reports Reliability Summary: |
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| Rick_James |
C class is a basic car. I personally would not buy a class "C" model.
I tet drove a C230 and I was much happier when I got back in my 99 TL. So much more power and better overall ride.
Mercedes can keep there class "C" cars.
I also research them on the forums for Mercedes and they have electrical issues and tranny. Good luck. |
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| laborlitigator |
| The "C" class is generally a woman's car. Quiet ride but lacks the handling and the power. |
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| socalJD |
You guys are getting confused, the CLK class is not the same as a C class. The CLK is a 2 door coupe (or convertible) and is much sportier than a 4 door C class. 430 designates the 4.3L V8, so I highly doubt that it lacks power or handling.
That said, Kelli did not mention miles. It is my general experience that Benz, Bimmers & Audis are problematic once out of warranty. Sure they drive great, look great and have that certain prestige or panache, but they are not cheap to maintain. As already mentioned, labor is high, since not everyone can/will work on german cars, parts are proprietary, meaning you can't just slap in Fram or Delco, and need to be ordered from germany. If you really want the CLK430, make sure you're still under the factory warranty or get an extended warranty - otherwise be prepared for some hefty maintenance & repair costs . . . |
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| kelli |
| Thanks! I didn't think it was your typical c-class benz...I appreciate all the comments good and bad..I've always owned a Honda product, so venturing out from that can be scary since Honda/Acuras are so easy to work on and maint. friendly... |
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| Rick_James |
| Oh ok CLK.. James Bond car. NAH.... get the S2000 :) |
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| kelli |
quote:
Originally posted by Rick_James
Oh ok CLK.. James Bond car. NAH.... get the S2000 :)
I already had a prelude...been there done that. basically the same car.. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
You guys are getting confused, the CLK class is not the same as a C class. The CLK is a 2 door coupe (or convertible) and is much sportier than a 4 door C class.
Actually, the "C" and "SLK" roadster are probably the most fun to drive short of a $120k SL55 or $400k SLR McLaren. MB is more about luxury and refinement. The "fun to drive" cars are the other luxury brand from Germany.
Anyways. The CLK although a different class does share architecture with the lower C class.
Unrelated but also kinda interesting...a new Dodge Charger/Magnum or Chrysler 300 shares parts with an E Class Mercedes. |
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| alphaforcex |
I current owned a C class and had previously owned numerous Honda products (Prelude, 3xAccords, 2xIntegras, TL, Civics, and my current MDX) and even my C class feels more solid than any of the Honda products I ever owned. Granted there might be electrical issues (never happened to me...touch wood) but their electrical system in general is way more advanced/complicated than Hondas.
If you considered the ride height and the low profiles staggered tires that the C sport sedan have, you'll be amazed how quiet and solid the car drives! I have lowered (aftermarket suspensions and low-profile tires) many of my honda cars and they don't handle as well and were much nosier.
Kelli, what year is the CLK you are considering?
I too was considered a 2 years old CLK when I bought my C but I read that due to the pillarless side windows, you need to take it to special MB dealerships for body works and the closest MB dealership is 250miles away. That concerns me and with the hefty maintenance and repair costs, I figure I should just buy a new one.
Good luck but the CLK are hot! |
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| kelli |
| I am looking at a 2002 now...A wholesaler has one in my area, I would rather get one from a dealer, since many are saying get an extended warranty..I appreciate your comments..This really helps alot... |
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