If your not qualified financially to get yourself a 2003 or better I would pass on the CL. The older w215 models are troublesome. 20k will buy you nothing but someone elses problems IMO. One good thing you have going for you is the economy. Chances are if you step up in $$$ and get yourself a '03 or newer you can probably save alot. I know what people are asking for them on Ebay but see what they are actually selling for. I would venture you could get an '03 with average miles for between 24k-28k these days since no one is selling cars.... new or used..... CL500 though.. No '03 or better 55 is gonna be under 30.

 

Improvements by '03?

Thanks for that input. Did they solve a lot of the problems by '03? I can certainly pop for the extra if it's worth the jump.

 

yeah they changed alot of internal stuff.

Also - as far as pricing go's

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___03-CL55-AMG-KEYLESS-GO-NAV-HEATED-COOLED-SEATS-XENON_W0QQitemZ160302258058QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item160302258058&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A727|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1308

is a knockout '03 CL55 for under 30k so the economy is really kicking the crap out of pricing. Perfect time to buy a nice example. Looking at the current market pricing makes me want to find a white one for my wife. Cant imagine a better time to buy one on the cheap.

Now as far as ride quality and feel compared to the CLK.. I think the CL smokes it. Ive driven both side by side and they are in completely different worlds. I have had my CL for a while now and I cant think of a model I would trade it for other than the same car in a more unique color other than black... like grey! LOL

 

25,900 starting price on a'03 CL500 with average miles in black.....


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___03-CL-500-NAVIGATION-20-INCH-RIMS-THE-RIGHT-COLOR_W0QQitemZ320322455446QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item320322455446&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A727|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

There are deals all over the place right now.

 

Thanks so much, BlkCL, I'm going to put my M3 on the market and start shopping. You're right -- there are some amazing deals to be had! Now, if only some of my portfolio would recover a little...

 

"There's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes"

 

Actually Marsden is spot on here.. While you can expect to get a nice CL at a reasonable price right now if $$$ are a big factor both in buying and maintaining the car you probably should not be looking at Mercedes. Let alone a CL of all things. Repair and maintenance bills are traditional more than a more mainstream vehicle.

As far as the ABC issues I am not sure. I can only speak from my own experience which is that I have had none so far.

I have owned and driven my fair share of Mercedes vehicles and personally, IMO, this car is awesome.:thumbsup:

 

I have an '03 and I absolutely love it. I have read many post on here and you have to remember not many people who are happy post much. People like Marsden have apparently had major problems and are bitter. I have 53k miles on my cl600.

Remember this though. If you by a v12 or AMG from a private person and drive it to MB and expect to be able to purchase an extended warranty forget it. The best thing to do is buy one from a dealer of some sort and they will offer you an extended warranty. If the warranty company goes out of business the dealer is responsible for your warranty. If you buy a private warranty and they go under then you are outta luck.

You can buy one from a private seller and aske them to go ahead and purchase the extended warranty through MB and it will transfer over to you.

I got mine from Expo Motors in Houston. The CL600 v12 bi turbo also included the Brabus body kit, exhaust and 20" rims staggered. I got the extended warranty through them for $1400 and it is good to 98k or 4 years.

Also remember that the older model car you finance the higher the interest rate because the car becomes a liability not just you.

We have a BMW Dinan as well and yes the ride is pretty rough. Fun car though. BMW service is hands down the best ever. MB is ok but, I have to say the CL600 is pretty amazing. I want a new one very bad! This of course is my personal opinion.

Feel free to email me if you have any other ??

Robert

 

What brand name warranty did you get?
I'm assuming aftermarket and not Mercedes.
I've heard some other forum members speak very negatively about aftermarket warranties when they attemped to actually use them? Anyone with actual experience please chime in!

 

How do the 03's compare when it comes to ABC issues?

 

VERY nice car Austinite. You should get some clear markers for the front like mine and get rid of the orange. They look slick on silver.

LOVE the rims.

 

I don't know the company at the moment, the warranty info is in my glove compartment and the car is getting service B right know. No the warranty is not through mercedes, they will not give you one on a v12 or AMG unless you buy the car from them. There are very few companies that will sell you one and if you find one it is quite costly. The warranty company I got is not really terrific but at least I have one. It has paid for a seal and hose that sends coolant to the inner cooler at the turbo. I want to say it is First Automotive group. I will look as soon as I get it back. The extended warranties do not cover wear and tear in other words nothing that is rubber at all. However mine does cover the ABS system.

 

I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you still owned the car and if so do yo still have the extended warranty you mentioned? I looked up "First Automotive Group and it is not a warranty co. I'd really like to know what company gave yo that price if you are able to let me know. Thanks.

 

I hope it covers the ABC system....not only ABS..

 

Ditto

 

Yes it covers the entire suspension, they even cover the Land Rovers notorious air suspension issues.

 

I switched from an m3 to a cl55. The inside of my benz makes the m3 seem like a scion. If I were you i would get the 500, 03' or newer is a must. I was looking at other models, but as a personal opinion the CL class is by far the best looking. Very good time to get luxury cars cheap.

 

cl warranty

How do you feel about the repair cost for your ABC after your warranty expires? For this German junk which wasn't designed properly in the first place?

 

What do you guys do after the warranty expires? Sell the car, or pay out of pocket?

if you ask that, you should sell your mb and get a hyundai ( 10 years 100k milles warranties) :big laugh:

 

I've had my car 3 years 3 months

 

I have had my 2000 CL500 for 7 1/2 years. Had a good extended warranty. But been on my own for a couple years now. Just replacing a rear strut this week. Great car. But unless you have the "Means" to handle repairs. I would not suggest an ABC car. You need to budget at least $ 300.00 a month for Maintenance from my experience. That covers almost everything. And I stay on top of my Maintenance Schedule. Thats a number with an Independent. Stealership ? Double that. I am at 104,000 Miles now.

 

I just went through the same issue, CL or CLK, i ended up picking up a 05 CLK 500 for much the same price as an 00 CL500, I just felt the risk with suspension was too much considering I wanted a daily driver which could be just driven. I also felt the CL was a big car possibly a bit big for the wife to park at the supermarket, yep, daily drive, plus the doors are very long and heavy. I think I'll come back to a CL as a Sunday drive?

Fabulous car though, but courage needed!

AFD

 

I just drove my 2000 CL500 600 miles in a couple of days. Vegas and Back. Runs like a dream. Nothing like passing when you want with the air going full blast. Got a little over 20MPG for the trip. Outside temps up to 112. CL aint cheap to own. But mine is still kicking.