Buying CL500 second hand

[BedfordBoy]

Hi Guys,
I'm new to this forum and completely new to the Mercedes brand. I love fast cars but I always buy something safe. Now I'm driving Avensis (yes I know). So I'm looking to become a man and to buy CL500 2004 - 2005. The problem is that there is not many of them around and I need your general opinion about reliability.
Are they reliable to do 1000 miles a week? It might be a silly question but if I would ask about Avensis on Toyota forums everyone would say "YES" with no hesitation. I don't worry about running costs, but I just don't want to stay at home because my CL500 is waiting for the AA. And yes I know that sh*t happends, and it can break. I just need to know if you guys had any experiences with it?
Thanks
:bannana:

 

[d w124]

Hi and welcome to the forum.1k a week ,boy you like to enjoy your drive .I don`t see that as a problem anyway,as long as you look after it

 

[BedfordBoy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.1k a week ,boy you like to enjoy your drive .I don`t see that as a problem anyway,as long as you look after it

1K a week may sound a lot and maybe I went over the top with this - Let's say 80 miles to work each way x5 = 800 + weekend shoping + cinema etc

OK then 900 miles per week!

 

[d w124]

1K a week may sound a lot and maybe I went over the top with this - Let's say 80 miles to work each way x5 = 800 + weekend shoping + cinema etc

OK then 900 miles per week!

Why did you change it,you broke a record there lol
Do a search on the forum and yu`ll find all the weak points for the cl
They`re expensive to mantain but since that`s fine by you,I`d still say that the car will do that sort of mileage without any problem

 

[jaymanek]

As Dash has said above the issues with these cars aree well documented...
The main things are:

- Power Steering/Suspension Pump
- Leaking Suspension Struts
- Rust

 

[BedfordBoy]

As Dash has said above the issues with these cars aree well documented...
The main things are:

- Power Steering/Suspension Pump
- Leaking Suspension Struts
- Rust

Thanks for that, It's surprising that car of this class made in 2005 could have a problem with rust? But, I have found few posts mentioning it. Is it because Mercedes is still at the Nissans Datsun stage? I can't imagine paying 90k for it when new just to find that it rusts after 3 or 5 years. I usually buy 3 to 4 years old cars drive them for two years then upgrade, but I heven't seen rust on any of them for years.

 

[jaymanek]

Im afraid it is a weakness, more on certain models...

The later CL's dont rust as such, as they are galvanised, the paint just seems to peel and lift at the wheel arches.

 

[Howard]

The CL's have corrosion issues where the rear pillar meets the body. Pillar is aluminium , body is steel.

You will need deep pockets indeed to keep up with the maintenance / servicing doing nearly 1k a week.

Watch out for ABC struts , when they go they are a grand a corner.

 

[BlackC55]

The best thing to do is to get it inspected by your nearest specialist before purchase.

 

[BedfordBoy]

Unfortunetly I need to make a wise choice, so once I'll buy it I can visit this forum for leasure, posting pictures of my new car waxed instead of the rust spots. I need some help and I need your opinion guys. Would you go for:

A - CL500 2004 48k for £14,000 or
B - CLK 3L 2007 39k for £13,000

Please vote and give reason why?
That will really help me.
Thanks

 

[jaymanek]

CL500 - more car for the money and wont depreciate as quickly as the CLK.

 

[BlackC55]

Very different cars. I would have the CL so A

 

[moonloops]

CL500 any day of the week compared to CLK. It's bigger (boot isn't though) super smooth, very menacing on the road (in black)

 

[Stratman]

Have you considered a CLS?

 

[BedfordBoy]

Have you considered a CLS?

I did, and I actually like it a lot, but it's a 4 door car and I need something more selfish - if you know what I mean -

 

[C43AMG]

CL, I'm biased