CLK w208 Price

[Tigris]

Why is it so cheap to buy? the 99, 2000,2001 are all in the 1k-2k range as far as I can tell.

I just bought mine (very nice car) and I don't plan to sell it so will keep it for as long as it goes (and willing to invest to revive it) but how come they cost like "normal cars" ?

Did I miss anything or is there a "catch"?

 

[Howard]

Why is it so cheap to buy? the 99, 2000,2001 are all in the 1k-2k range as far as I can tell.

I just bought mine (very nice car) and I don't plan to sell it so will keep it for as long as it goes (and willing to invest to revive it) but how come they cost like "normal cars" ?

Did I miss anything or is there a "catch"?

Old ****ters will be a grand , anything decent will be a bit more

What engine size are we talking about ?

 

[moonloops]

expensive maintenance and they rust like its going out of fashion ?

"normal" cars may be better on fuel, more reliable and less prone to dissolve when its damp.

 

[Tigris]

Old ****ters will be a grand , anything decent will be a bit more

What engine size are we talking about ?

2000 (reg) CLK 200 2L

 

[Tigris]

....expensive maintenance ...

Expensive maintenance compared to other Mercs?

The A/B service costs seem to be around £150 - £250 at my local indies and there seem to be alot of cheap/used parts online

Or is there more to it than I think?

 

[Tigris]

"normal" cars may be better on fuel

How come its not reliable? I thought Mercs should be the most reliable car if serviced properly.... Or does this specific model is known to be problematic ?

 

[Howard]

The little ones aren't too bad to run . The V8's can be expensive due to the amount of plugs / coil packs etc.

They are all prone to rust though , wings and arches , bootlocks , leading edge of the grille , you name it.

If you find a good one , look after it.

They aren't unreliable at all. All the engines are more or less bombproof and will go forever , at least 200k

 

[st4]

How come its not reliable? I thought Mercs should be the most reliable car if serviced properly.?

Oh good god no.

 

[moonloops]

Expensive maintenance compared to other Mercs?

The A/B service costs seem to be around £150 - £250 at my local indies and there seem to be a lot of cheap/used parts on-line

Or is there more to it than I think?

Yep, given that all they do is an oil and oil filter change as the majority of the work.

Most cars you can figure on £50 to £150 for the same service.

I was referring to other marques.

 

[moonloops]

The little ones aren't too bad to run . The V8's can be expensive due to the amount of plugs / coil packs etc.

They are all prone to rust though , wings and arches , bootlocks , leading edge of the grille , you name it.

If you find a good one , look after it.

They aren't unreliable at all. All the engines are more or less bombproof and will go forever , at least 200k

^^this^^

What you find is that things like suspension bushes and ball joints go south rather than the main engine components..

Mate of mine had a w208 and had problem with the electrics (computers for engine, seats etc ) all gave him grief.

Worst thing of the 208 is the front end looks so dated now..

 

[Tigris]

They are all prone to rust though

If you find a good one , look after it.

They aren't unreliable at all. All the engines are more or less bombproof and will go forever , at least 200k

Thanks guys appreciate the input!

So how bad is mine ?
2 pics with rust attached and 1 pic to give general overview of the car

 

[Ream]

They dropped big time in the last 2 years but so have most quality old motors, punters are spoilt for choice and for every 2k merc it could cost easy another 2-3 k to update upgrade and maintain.

 

[Ream]

^^this^^

What you find is that things like suspension bushes and ball joints go south rather than the main engine components..

Mate of mine had a w208 and had problem with the electrics (computers for engine, seats etc ) all gave him grief.

Worst thing of the 208 is the front end looks so dated now..

Like anything old it's about luck and buying the right one, I have a perfect example of a well loved and used 208, your dated comment means its not far from being a classic.

 

[Benzmanc]

Bought mine last may for £5k on a 52 plate. Very very minimal rust on the arches, none anywhere else. What has it cost me since, nowt nish nada, not a bean, not even changed a bulb. I did have a new windscreen fitted via insurance but flying stones are not the cars fault. A service is due soon which I'll do myself. Quality motoring for peanuts. Did 130 miles yesterday without issue as usual

 

[Howard]

Mate of mine had a w208 and had problem with the electrics (computers for engine, seats etc ) all gave him grief.

Worst thing of the 208 is the front end looks so dated now..

I would think that that one would have been the exception rather than the rule , it's not often you hear of major electrics failures on the 208.

Just my opinion , but i think the front of the 208 looks mean , certainly meaner than the 209 which is a bit girly. The front of the 210 looks a bit old , but the 208 just rakes back a bit more which keeps it fresh ....

 

[moonloops]

I would think that that one would have been the exception rather than the rule , it's not often you hear of major electrics failures on the 208.

Just my opinion , but i think the front of the 208 looks mean , certainly meaner than the 209 which is a bit girly. The front of the 210 looks a bit old , but the 208 just rakes back a bit more which keeps it fresh ....

You may be right Howard, I prefer the 209 shape. I did have a 208 500 avantgarde brand new in 2000 and that was fine but it was factory fresh..

Even my 209 succumbed to the rust, good job it was on HPI as I could send it back to the financiers...

 

[Howard]

You may be right Howard, I prefer the 209 shape. I did have a 208 500 avantgarde brand new in 2000 and that was fine but it was factory fresh...

Never was a 500 w208 AFAIK

The interior of the 209 is light years ahead of the 208 though , i'll give you that !!

 

[moonloops]

Never was a 500 w208 AFAIK

The interior of the 209 is light years ahead of the 208 though , i'll give you that !!

Sorry it was a 430

 

[Howard]

Lovely !!

Mine is an Avantgarde 430 , with a designo scarlet / anthracite interior.

 

[moonloops]

Lovely !!

Mine is an Avantgarde 430 , with a designo scarlet / anthracite interior.

Let me dig out a photo of it..

*edited to add..*

Nuts, I have photos of most of my cars (even the Fiesta 750 I had before I passed my test) but non of the CLK !!!


The fiesta was a popular plus, full on