Those of you who know me know im constantly looking at cars. I found a 99 Merc clk430, that I really really like. I seem to really like it, granted ive never driven one. But what im curious about is are these cars a maintenence nightmare? Im sure maint parts are quite expensive on something like this…
Linky
no such thing as a clk 430 amg
holy shit. thems good prices
theyre BSing the AMG part…any AMG benz only has 2 numbers…
(think C55 AMG, SLK32 AMG, etc.)
mercedes have a lot of mechanical problems…seems like everything broke all the time in that E55 I used to ride in. they’re on the bottom of the list of “# of problems per 100 vehicles” … right next to porsche… I also remember toyota (lexus), honda and subaru were on the top… gotta love those japanese vehicles.
it was a list like this one:
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/autos/package.jsp?name=autos/jdpowers_best1
but the numbers were different… like 163 problems per 100 for mercedes… and 46 for toyota. :shrug:
yes true amg benz’s have only two numbers one designating the class of car and the other a 2 number designation for the displacement of the motor
for example the C32 amg E 55 etc…
the AMG sport package is just the sport package with the smaller AMG wheels that are really just a dealer added accessory
CLK 430s came with AMG rims, shift knob and steering wheels (options on the last 2) When buying this car keep one thing in mind, can you afford to own this car, not just buy this car? By the questions you’ve asked, I’d say you’ve answered that question.
x…
well, ive been looking at dropping $27k on an STi, so I figure if I buy something like this ill have some money left over… Thats one reason im interested in the first one I posted, I wouldnt go totally broke…
Don’t think in $$$ in the initial purchase (unless you’re buying to sell it again), but how much this car will cost you each year. Think tires, Gas, Insurance, regular maint. etc… I would guestimate on normal 15K a year driving to still keep $700 a month on top of the cost of the car, for keeping it on the road. A few friends of mine have/had ones and I <3 the CLK, because of work I can’t really drive one, otherwise I’d really think about it for me. Just make sure you’re able to cough up a sold $1000 when something goes wrong without breaking a sweat. Even though this is a solid car meant to last easily 200K, you will have to shell out some cash on it here and there.
X…
well one other consideration is how PRESTIGIOUS it is lol
I have 2 bank accts. One is a disaster fund. Never touch it except for disasters (car breaking, not modding, breaking) Another is my general fund. Only the general fund is going towards whatever I buy, and Id have to finance a little bit, maybe $8k or so. I wont finance more than the car will be worth in a couple years. SO. Assuming I could find one for $17k-$18k, my monthly payments would be pretty good, and Id have plenty in the bank…
Recirculating ball steering? Certainly a wonderful thing in such a vehicle.