[rogerxp]

My Father-in-Law wants a CLK for no more than £12.5k and has given me the job of seeking one out.

He quite likes the one that follows -:

I've kind of steered him towards a face-lift model (54/05 plate) which would obviously mean (v?) high mileage for this price bracket but reckon, as long as it's got full dealer service history, and preferably one owner, should be a fairly safe (!!!) bet. He'll only put 12k p/a-ish on the clock; mostly motorway driving.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk...leRegLetter=05

Personally I'd go for another I've pointed out but he seems fairly stuck on not busting his budget (makes a change!!!). The one I highlighted had 70k on the clock but cost about £2k more.

I know nothing about Mercedes - what should I be aware of??? I've been given the job of calling up in the morning to check this car out!!! I've been out drinking since 5pm so typing is hard enough let alone talk sense on cars!!

What questions should I be asking with this level olf miloe

[NFS]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

My Father-in-Law wants a CLK for no more than £12.5k and has given me the job of seeking one out.

He quite likes the one that follows -:

I've kind of steered him towards a face-lift model (54/05 plate) which would obviously mean (v?) high mileage for this price bracket but reckon, as long as it's got full dealer service history, and preferably one owner, should be a fairly safe (!!!) bet. He'll only put 12k p/a-ish on the clock; mostly motorway driving.

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk...leRegLetter=05

Personally I'd go for another I've pointed out but he seems fairly stuck on not busting his budget (makes a change!!!). The one I highlighted had 70k on the clock but cost about £2k more.

I know nothing about Mercedes - what should I be aware of??? I've been given the job of calling up in the morning to check this car out!!! I've been out drinking since 5pm so typing is hard enough let alone talk sense on cars!!

What questions should I be asking with this level olf miloe

I seem to recall that CLK's of that age suffered from terrible build quality issues.

If you remember Mercedes reputation took a real down turn with them coming near the bottom in the JD Power surveys

[rogerxp]

My father-in-law has been to see it this morning (keen!!) and it seems to be a pretty good car. Full Merc service history last done in Jan 09 where it had new brakes/disc, etc. Rear tyres a little on the low side but still legal. Used to belong to a bank manager so has more than likely just trawled the motorways.

Looks to have been well maintained and a nice clean car.

Think his mind is set on a CLK so build quality issues are probably low down on his priority list. Plus, at nearly £3.5k under his notional budget, plenty there to keep it looked after.

I suspect he'll buy it.

[peterg1965]

Advice is try and buy a post facelift W209 CLK (about 05 onwards I think). There were quality issues on the earlier W209 CLKs including rust problems (cured post 2003 by a better galvanising process). There is also an issue of the 'Valeo radiator' on earlier models (before mid 03 I think) when a leaking radiator matrix somehow caused contamination of the gearbox fluid and wrecked the box. If you want more detailed advice I would recommend mbclub.co.uk .

That 270 CDI is a facelift btw. I would personally stick to the petrol engines. 320, 200K or 230K. I don't like that 270CDI engine, too noisy for me.

How about:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1187531.htm

This one is pre facelift, note the different dash.

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Advice is try and buy a post facelift W209 CLK (about 05 onwards I think). There were quality issues on the earlier W209 CLKs including rust problems (cured post 2003 by a better galvanising process). There is also an issue of the 'Valeo radiator' on earlier models (before mid 03 I think) when a leaking radiator matrix somehow caused contamination of the gearbox fluid and wrecked the box. If you want more detailed advice I would recommend mbclub.co.uk .

That 270 CDI is a facelift btw. I would personally stick to the petrol engines. 320, 200K or 230K. I don't like that 270CDI engine, too noisy for me.

How about:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1187531.htm

This one is pre facelift, note the different dash.

Doesnt the seller, Jay, sound like a lovely bloke?

Matt

[rogerxp]

As suspected he's bought it!!! Thanks for the tips though Peter. Think the face-lift version was the way to go. He seems happy enough and got it for a little over £9k - happy days.

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by rogerxp

As suspected he's bought it!!! Thanks for the tips though Peter. Think the face-lift version was the way to go. He seems happy enough and got it for a little over £9k - happy days.

Congrats to your Dad Roger, he will love it I am sure, good choice of model (despite the engine ).

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Doesnt the seller, Jay, sound like a lovely bloke?

Matt

Jay, is a good bloke. He is on mbclub.co.uk alot and has a great reputation. I nearly bought a CLK500 from him last year, he has some good cars, all very well prepared and his adverts are the best.