I think the greatest influence on dependability will be the prior owner(s). A car with records may be a very good buy.
The normal wear items to watch for at this stage will include both motor mounts, the trans mount (especially if the motor mounts are ignored), the $15 brake light switch, flex discs, and possibly the differential side seals.
Things that may break are the catalytic converters, pixels in the temperature / clock, and the power seat motors.
The cats can be the most expensive item. They need to be replaced when the ceramic cores separate from the metal shells. You can tell they're bad when they rattle just off idle. Dealers will warranty them if the car is under 8 years and 80,000 miles. However a 2001 model year car is 8 years old. In that case, aftermarket alternatives may be the better option. The power seat motors are $130 (full retail on parts) and about 30 minutes of your time. If the dealer does it, plan on a couple of hours labor + parts.
The spark plugs should have been changed two years ago. The transmission fluid should have been changed as well. If not, I’d deduct that from the sales price.
I'd ask the owner to supply a VMI (vehicle master inquiry). A dealer can supply one for free.
Lastly, you may want to consider joining the Mercedes Benz Club of America. The parts and service discounts are more than enough to cover the yearly membership.
For me, the CLK430 has been a very good vehicle.
The normal wear items to watch for at this stage will include both motor mounts, the trans mount (especially if the motor mounts are ignored), the $15 brake light switch, flex discs, and possibly the differential side seals.
Things that may break are the catalytic converters, pixels in the temperature / clock, and the power seat motors.
The cats can be the most expensive item. They need to be replaced when the ceramic cores separate from the metal shells. You can tell they're bad when they rattle just off idle. Dealers will warranty them if the car is under 8 years and 80,000 miles. However a 2001 model year car is 8 years old. In that case, aftermarket alternatives may be the better option. The power seat motors are $130 (full retail on parts) and about 30 minutes of your time. If the dealer does it, plan on a couple of hours labor + parts.
The spark plugs should have been changed two years ago. The transmission fluid should have been changed as well. If not, I’d deduct that from the sales price.
I'd ask the owner to supply a VMI (vehicle master inquiry). A dealer can supply one for free.
Lastly, you may want to consider joining the Mercedes Benz Club of America. The parts and service discounts are more than enough to cover the yearly membership.
For me, the CLK430 has been a very good vehicle.
