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CLS purchase advice please

Paddcomp

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Oct 13, 2007
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516
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Preston
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E320CDI Avantgarde Estate S211
Still considering options for my next car. I was almost there thinking I'd personal lease a new E220 SE, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for leasing yet. Especially as I really want a V6 next time, so started me thinking what else could I buy for similar money to the E220 SE (monthly out going not total)?

I've always liked the original CLS, so would like some advice on what to look out for. Which options come with different models.

Things that I would like are a beige leather interior, or something more upbeat than black. Integrated Bluetooth phone connection, COMAND and Parktronic. CLS's seem to be spec'd quite highly so not too difficult to find one with all the toys.

The first car I found was from Mercedes Retail Used, Used Cars - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS350 CDI Obsidian black metallic. This ticks all of the boxes and I think this is a good price with 12 months tier 1 warranty.

As the model hasn't changed too much since inception I also looked at older cars and found this one, Used MERCEDES-BENZ CLS350 _ for sale - PistonHeads (Ref 1058802). I know it's petrol not diesel, but @6k pa economy isn't a priority whereas a smooth V6 is.

What do you think of these cars? Is the 59 plate worth spending £7k more than the 06 car with slightly more miles. Are there any subtle differences that make the later car worth so much more? Would you go for additional warranty and how much should this cost?
 
The grand edition is a very nice car and came highly specced.

If your mileage is about 6k per annum, have you considered a CLS 55 or 63?
 
Cashmere / beige interior is a re-sale killer.
 
The 06 petrol seems good value for money on the face of it, but it should do as its a V6 petrol. If you're planning on keeping it then happy days but don't expect it to retain much value as it'll be say 11 years old when you sell it with another 20k on the miles.

As you would expect, the original CLS feels a lot older than the new E class and isn't as practical - 4 seats, shallower boot etc but go with what you prefer.

If you were just to look at the numbers - a deposit plus a certain amount per month, you can soon see the benefits of leasing.
 
The CLS is a lovely car and you won't be dissappointed. For me I would spent the extra £7k and go for a late model, especially the grand sport. Better equipped (Xenon light is standard on that and it's a must have IMO), updated Command, more power etc. Also late model cars are usually more trouble free, as most of the little problems have been ironed out.

The money you will loss on both would be similar, as the older car have lost most of the value, however the grand sport should retain its value very well.

Things to look out for. Not much, but the major one is the gearbox. Check if it had an gearbox oil change at around 35k miles.

The petrol CLS's interior looks a little tired, especially the steering wheel. So might not be as a well cared for example as others.

My CLS have grey interior, and it is a lovely pace to be. Not sure about beige.
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Lastly, go for and AMG if you are not worry about the fuel bills to much.
 
When I was looking for a CLS last year, beige interior was one of my must-haves. I wanted a break from black, the CLS is a proper full beige interior (no black carpets or trim), and I think the half-wood wheel option goes great with it. I'd have preferred a 350cdi Grand Edition but the only beige Approved Used CLS were 320cdi's, so I took a 400 mile round trip to get an 09 320cdi. They were only Indium Grey, but that was OK for me as, although I think the old CLS looks spectacular in black, I'm not sure about black over beige.

I've used the TV tuner for a total of 10 minutes in one year, and the memory seats are hardly ever adjusted. I've never thought the standard lights inadequate. According to my build sheet, Parktronic and TMPS were options (perhaps standard on Grand Ed) and I've found both essential. Nappa leather definitely looks, and I've heard wears, better.

As S says above, make sure you consider the full costs when comparing new leased v used, e.g. I expect the new option will have cheaper tax, insurance, service and fuel costs (and no MOT) and less likely to incur unscheduled consumables (tyres, pads) and replacement parts for wear and failure.
 
Paddcomp said:
No CLS fans then?

Im a big fan of the cls!!!!!
I've just bought a cls 55 AMG on a 55 plate 3 weeks ago! Oh boy what a magnificent machine it is! Having owned bmw's (m5's 3 of them) I was not sure to move over to AMG but owning this cls has made me a very happy man! The shape is nice and the power and sound it makes is wonderful! The fuel economy is not bad at all and I get more mpg using v power nitro fuel. Than my bmw 740 AC schnitzer running on normal unleaded when driving sensibly lol. I've made the right choice with moving over to the AMG camp and will never look at buying anything else!

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK
 

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The petrol CLS's interior looks a little tired, especially the steering wheel. So might not be as a well cared for example as others.

Lastly, go for and AMG if you are not worry about the fuel bills to much.

I too thought the petrol CLS looked tired inside, but hope this was due to lack of pre-sale prep.

Would love the AMG, but I have to draw the line somewhere.
 
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As you would expect, the original CLS feels a lot older than the new E class and isn't as practical - 4 seats, shallower boot etc but go with what you prefer.

If you were just to look at the numbers - a deposit plus a certain amount per month, you can soon see the benefits of leasing.

I am a big fan of the new E Class, but I really want a V6. Money wise leasing is a sure thing for fixed costs, with some good offers on. I calculate £370 per month in total for an E220 SE Auto over 36 months, with only fuel (less of) and Insurance (similar) to pay on top.

I can't help thinking that a CLS350 will feel more special in the long term compared to a basic E class once the new car effect has worn off.

Used E350CDIs are too close in price to a new E220CDIs to be viable IMHO.
 
I thought the new E came in a V6...Can someone please advise???
Cheers
 
I thought the new E came in a V6...Can someone please advise???
Cheers

It does come in a V6, just too far outside of my budget. It's about £150 p/m more than a 4 cylinder.
 

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