CL500 sensible choice, buying advice?

[malc350]

A friend of mine has offerred me (through the trade...) a Mercedes CL500. You know what traders are like, he says it's a bargain at 18K, in silver, about 80,000 miles.

Though I've never owned any Mercedes I've had my share of cars that don't make any sense at all (XJS V12, 7.5 litre Trans Am, Corvettes including a Callaway Twin Turbo V8 6-speed)

Obviously a CL is a hell of a car and for me would be a second car (I have a company car for daily use). Is this likely to be the car that financially ruins me for life, i.e. is there anything stupidly expensive likely to go wrong, are they reliable. Any tips would help...even if it's "don't touch one!"

I'm guessing that as so much of the car's original value (was nearly 70k 5 years ago!) has been lost that it probably won't depreciate much more. I have noticed that a lot of earlier coupes (e.g. SEC) have held their money and seem to be appreciating so maybe a 5 year old CL is a sound bet?

And while we're on the subject a CL600 or CL55 may look even more interesting...

Thanks for your help in advance.

[mustard]

Sounds a bit dear for trade money for one done 80k IMHO

[sleepezy]

well i think it is a great car and wouldnt necessarily consider it overpriced, although dont think youre getting a mates prices, just private sale.

however, as a second car... - i got mine as i wanted a one and only practical 4 seater so i could use it more generally and it wasnt consigned to the weekend car bin. i think if it was a second/weekend car i would look elsewhere.

it is a fantastic car for cruising about in and can go astonishingly fast - just the right sort of balance i was looking for - but there are far more (fragile) special cars out there if you can forgo some practicality

[anissut]

You don't say what year it is?

Just to give you an idea we just traded our CL500 in Designo Mystic Blue pretty much fully loaded with 16.5k miles on a Jly 03 plate at...........£29k. That car was £71k new so they have taken a massive hit. 18k sounds a good price on a 2001 car but I would hope the spec is good.

[malc350]

The car is a 2000 model which I think is the first year (?) Looking at websites like Autotrader 18-19k is a pretty average price for a 2000 CL500 from a trader. Strange how a lot of private sellers want more than the dealers though I guess we all know from experience that what you want from a car and what you get can be 2 very different things...

Encouraging to see one of the posts above implying that a CL is quite a strong car. I'm not crazy about more "delicate" cars. My experience (and friends') seem to be that they let you down when you most want to go out in them.

That 2003 sounds like a deal. Shame owners are taking such a large hit but I guess a used example, once it gets to a certain price level (18k?) can't take as much of a hit.

Anything really potentially scary about purchasing one? Anyone have experience of the V12 CL600 / CL55?

[Marki]

I know the 55 motor but in a ML ,, strong , thirsty , great mid range , and sounds good, cheap servicing

[sleepezy]

malc

they're a premium motor, but generally better built than most mercs of that vintage which was probably around the worst period for the brand.

but being a premium motor means when they go wrong it's not cheap, known problems are engine mounts and suspension related - i had a suspension pump go (about £1k) but, hey you know what, any car can have issues.

the 500 engine in particular is very unstressed and therefore should be able to do high miles without issue. 600's are equally unstressed but have 50% more cylinders - you do the maths! AMG's are obviously pushed harder mechanically, although are designed/built with this in mind - from what i gather tho the parts are much more than 'equivalent' merc parts (hearsay, no experience)

my view is that they will continue to take a depreciation hit