- Joined
- Nov 17, 2013
- Messages
- 414
- Location
- Pendle, Lancashire
- Car
- C63 AMG Estate & CLK55 AMG Convertible.
The idea to buy a W/S204 C63 started a year or so ago.
It came about as my wife and I were discussing selling the CLK55 cabriolet, due to lack of use. A glib comment that the W202 C36 was not doing much more miles and why don't we toss a coin to see which we would advertise for sale.
Not wanting to lose my C36 I suggested, that if we were going to advertise, we would advertise both and keep whichever does not sell. Secretly harbouring the notion a top end priced C36 would not find a home easily.
This led to the train of thought, but if I did sell, what would I buy?
Always liked the C63, I had a 2012/13 C220D Sport company car back in the day and would pore over a C63 while my diseasel was being serviced.
Around the time the sell it/keep it notion was swaying, I bought a S202 C43 AMG estate from a friend, it needed a little love (& a 5.4Ltr conversion, but that’s another story). The longer term plan had been to use the C43 for days out taking the dogs (3 beagles). While we have covers and restraints if they are in the CLK or C36, hair still manages to get everywhere.
By the time the C43 was finished, my mind had wandered again, this time to the fact the C43 deserved to live in a garage and not on the drive. So I sold it, and bought a S203 C55 AMG estate.
It was getting more use than the CLK55 & C36 combined.
A new plan was forming, advertise the CLK55 & C36 to fund a S204 C63, with the C55 being moved on later.
My man maths, were thinking sub £20k pre-facelift, as even on a very good day the CLK55 with 55,000miles would only make £14k(ish), so I would have to dip into some savings.
The bit that caught me off guard, was the C36 sold quickly and for strong money (& no sniffs on the CLK55!).
I was in a much better position and drew up my wish list, I say wish list, it was quite simple;
Any colour, facelift, preferably not messed about with, full history and PPP if I could find one. I was in no rush and could bide my time.
Looked at a few, and nothing was grabbing me. Despite the market being deflated, there were some ambitious pricing.
First week of June I was away with work at a trade exhibition and staying in Leamington Spa. After a long day on the show stand, then a meal out and a few scoops I returned to my hotel. Thought I would have a quick look on Ebay and AutoTrader for any new listings. There it was, 2011, Silver with black leather, PPP & 19” multispokes. Up for a not unreasonable £22,500. I sent my wife the link, oh and also put a slightly cheeky Best Offer in, just to start a conversation.
Awaking at 06:00 I am met with a “Congratulations on your purchase” Now then, I was not drunk, but my wife knows I have a history of drunk ebay purchases. We are not just talking run of the mills stuff. Some of my more notables are a 1999 Crown Vic Police Car, still in Desoto Texas... 1969 Mercury Cougar, Mohave Desert...1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator, scrapyard Sheffield!... Jeep Wagoneer, Italian registered in London… so I have form.
Anyhoo, a chat with the seller, hes going to put a fresh MOT on the next week and we would look at getting it delivered up (300+miles). We cant quite make our diaries match, so last Friday afternoon, I hopped on the train in Preston, arriving in Canterbury some 4hrs later. Crappy nights sleep in a Premier Inn, seller picks me up the next morning. Sale completed and I’m on my way home. The weather was that bad, the whole journey, I managed to average 26mpg!
Drove great, sounds awesome.
