[csxian]

Hi guys,
I'm still battling to choose between these cars:
- 2006 CLK350 32K miles for $20K (silver)
- 2008 CLK350 19K miles for $28K (white)

Which one do you think is more bang for the buck? I'm also considering the depreciation when I sell it, say, in 2 years from now.

Any thought?

 

[2150john]

I'm no expert on used car values. I look at the cost per mile for the 06 as 1.6 and the 08 as 1.47. As far as how I buy, I would likely by the newer car, although I think the silver is a more popular color than white.

Take a look at Edmunds for resale value, and then buy the one you like best.

I usually buy a car to enjoy since most any of them are depreciating assets anyway. You can seldom come out ahead unless you buy a classic and restore it.

 

[panzer82]

Bang for the buck, in my opinion lies with the 2006. They will both depreciate a lot over the next few years, the 2006 just has lower to go because it's already more fully depreciated.

These are now both 'old body style' cars, the new E coupe replaces them which will hurt prices even more. On top of that, they're virtually the same, unless the 2008 has Nav and the larger COMAND screen, it will be tough to tell the two cars apart from the driver's seat.

Engine and transmission are the same, so is most everything else.

The '08 will depreciate the $8,000 to get to the $20k mark FAST... I'd go silver with 32k miles, drive it and enjoy yourself for a few years.

 

[Jetjok]

To me, assuming both cars in exactly the same condition, it would depend on whether they are both Certified Pre-owned (as purchased from MB), because assuming they both are, I think I'd opt for the 2008, if for no other reason than it will give you two more years of warranty. These cars are expensive to maintain, and you could burn through that 8K in short order if you're unlucky and have a major issue. If on the other hand, both are private deals, than buy the one you can most easily afford.

 

[csxian]

Thanks guys for the inputs.

Now the condition changed as the 06 CLK350 has been sold.

I haven't negotiate with the guy yet but what do you think about these two cars:
- 2007 CLK350 Cab Pweter Metallic with 35K miles - $27000 (non Navi and push button)
- 2008 CLK350 Coupe with 19K miles White for - $28000 (has Navi and push button)

 

[dreamcity123]

2008 CLK350 with Nav for $28K. it's way too low on price, ask for carfax.

 

[csxian]

Is it? I finally bought one from a MB dealer in Ohio
2007 CLK350 Black with keyless-go and sport package 27,745 miles for $22,250
This car has no navi and no bi-xenon. Transport it from Ohio to Washington for $825 so total is $23K. No accident history from carfax and carproof.
What do you think?

 

[dreamcity123]

so if it's CPO then I think you've got a great deal.

 

[csxian]

^ no, it's not a CPO but they said that they inspected it and changed the tires.

 

[dreamcity123]

Well, I don't want to sound discouraging to you, but there must be a reason that this vehcile is not CPO. You said that nothing shows up on the Carfax, did you mean you saw that car history report but nothing negative shows up or really nothing as no record at all? if you want I have a buddy who might have unlimited access to Carfax even Manheim (Car Auction), I can check with him and let you know.

 

[csxian]

^ Sure if you can help me out. The VIN is WDBTJ56H07F221530
The dealer said that they price it low to make it as the price leader so they want to sell it asap. Hopefully, nothing's on the car.

 

[niscuit]

I just got a 2005 CLK 500 in pewter metallic and the color is the first thing most people comment on. White just doesn't do it for a lot of people IMHO.

 

[Jetjok]

Up here in New England, we love our white cars. They go so well with our snow. While I can understand why someone would not want one, I really like mine. Conversely, my last CLK was a black coupe, which I thankfully traded in to the MB dealer, for my white Cabriolet. Everyone should own a black car, at least once in their lives. More than once for the unusually slow learners.

JJ