Running costs on CLK 200?

[po55kit]

Hi all,

I'm helping a friend find a new merc and he has taken a close interest in a 2005 CLK 200, 1.8, 60k miles. However, he is on a budget and can't really afford sky-high running costs.

Does anybody know the costs of MOT/ servicing for such a car? Also, are many things likely to go wrong with it, leading to costly repair bills? Also fuel consumption and tax?

I'm afraid I am not too clued up about CLKs, I have just ordered a new A-class for myself but I dare say it will be quite a different car.

Cheers,
David

 

[Ted]

Fuel consumption could be better 30-35mpg Had mine for 2 years - no issues other than a sticky roof, easily cured. I do my own servicing - oil changes are super simple at under £50 a time The M271 engine is super smooth and has reasonable power Really well sorted cars - what's not to like? Well a couple of things actually The M271 engine is well known for cam chain wear - make sure it has been meticulously cared for - I change my oil twice a year (20 minute job) the aircon stepper motors have been known to fail - can lead to a major job but can also be lived with - listen for 30 seconds of clicking from the dash when first turned on Not sure, but the I think it is the front ball joints/track rod ends are known to wear - not a major expense I understand. I think they are a cracking car. (Well I would)

View attachment 50165

 

[Scott_F]

Hi all,

I'm helping a friend find a new merc and he has taken a close interest in a 2005 CLK 200, 1.8, 60k miles. However, he is on a budget and can't really afford sky-high running costs.

Does anybody know the costs of MOT/ servicing for such a car? Also, are many things likely to go wrong with it, leading to costly repair bills? Also fuel consumption and tax?

The cost of the MOT will be the same as for any other car. And as for what the MOT tester might find each year - there's no way of knowing.

However, if your friend is on such a tight budget then a 10 year-old CLK (even with the 1.8 litre engine) is probably not the obvious choice for his next car.

 

[GP801]

Had ours from new in 2003. Fuel consumption usually low 30s (32-34) with a best of 42 on a long motorway run (1000 miles to Italy) Very little has gone wrong in that time. Alarm siren, airbag module and multifunction switch. Servicing is not too bad either. No rust either. For a 4 cylinder its very refined.

 

[rifiki]

Agree with ScottF £30000 car has £30000 running costs when it comes to repairs.
My CLK has had new ignition switch and new gearbox electro plate (£525) and has done only 62000 miles. If you want relaibility buy a Jap or Anglo Jap car.

 

[tec]

he has taken a close interest in a 2005 CLK 200, 1.8, 60k miles. However, he is on a budget and can't really afford sky-high running costs.

Don't buy a Merc if you are on a budget.

Maybe don't buy a car at all, as they are all money pits if you are looking after it properly.

 

[gaz_l]

So long as it's been properly maintained it should be OK. They aren't the type of car that attracts young whippersnappers (old ones, maybe ) so it's unlikely to have been ragged.

As has been pointed out, Mercs (cars in general, in fact) may get cheaper to buy as they get older but the running costs stay the same. I've just had a very brief look on Autotrader and guess it's around a £6K car? OP, would your friend prefer wafting around in a Mercedes that someone else has already taken a major hit on depreciation in, or otherwise a 2 year old Hyundai i10 that will be cheap to run and worth tuppence in a couple of years? You only live once..

Ted - nice looking car, BTW.

Cheers,

Gaz

 

[Ted]

If 6k were the ballpark, Olly of this very forum has what looks like an immaculate facelift AMG sport cabriolet for not a great deal more.
I know where I would be spending my money - it would certainly be worth a bit of a stretch.

 

[po55kit]

Don't buy a Merc if you are on a budget.

Maybe don't buy a car at all, as they are all money pits if you are looking after it properly.

Thanks for your reply.

He can definitely afford to buy it and insure it and fuel it etc, he is just concerned about runaway service costs and unexpected huge bills. He's not on a 'tight' budget, he currently has a 1.9 A3 and gets on with it fine. Are the two cars that much different?

 

[tec]

Thanks for your reply.

He can definitely afford to buy it and insure it and fuel it etc, he is just concerned about runaway service costs and unexpected huge bills. He's not on a 'tight' budget, he currently has a 1.9 A3 and gets on with it fine. Are the two cars that much different?

I considered buying a 1.8 C180 Sport before I bought the CLK270.

One reason I did not go for the 1.8 is the poor fuel consumption which I would expect to be 30MPG at best with my style of driving, and I wanted something with a bit more power.

When I buy a car I always think to myself if I could afford to replace the engine or gearbox if they went bang, as on a used car you never know.

I have had an Audi A4 1.9 before, and would not expect a CLK 200 to be any more expensive to run.