Newbie needs advice on purchase of 1st MB (a used CLK 230K)

[sali]

Hi,
Having saved long and hard I am finally in a position to buy my first Mercedes. I've set my sights on a used CLK. Finally located an R reg 230K Sport model at an independent local dealer priced at £17995. The car has the following spec's: 65000 miles, 3 previous owners(same owner for last 3 yrs), auto,lthr, e-seats,e-folding wing mirrors, parktronic, 10 cd multi-changer, clarion TV, bose speakers, a/c, AMG body kit and 18in alloys. The car looks great and seems to handle fine. I'm having the AA do an inspection tomorrow.
My dilemma is that the car was originally registered overseas in Limasol in 1997 before being brought to the UK 2 yrs later. I have no way of checking any warranty claims during this period. An AA data check has n't shown anything else to cause concern. My second concern is that although the car appears to have had a regular service history it appears that these alternated between an authorised MB dealer and a Volvo dealership!The last service was an A service in April 2002 at a MB dealership. I would hope to have the car serviced in future at George Frasers. Should I be concerned ? Are these issues going to make the car difficult to sell on in future if and when I upgrade?
Any advice/opinions would be gratefully received.

 

[sali]

Used CLK 230K Sport purchase update

Well just to update things.
I had an AA inspection done this afternoon, seemed very thorough. However although the car is in almost showrrom condition, the following points were raised (seems like quite a sizeable list to my novice eyes but I appreciate that this is a 5yr old prestige car with significant mileage!):

1.Both front brake discs need replacing
2.Rear discs may just need skimming.
3.Attention to oil leak from rear differential.
4.Driver's side window electrics not working correctly (window sometimes does not close fully)
5.1 small stone chip on roof (needs attention to limit rust potential).

I now need to decide whether to go ahead and negotiate a discount with the dealer. I will have to see if I can get any indication from George Fraser (he seems to be recommended by all) on what the likely service/repair cost would be if I get the car to him.

Any advice / info on likely service cost/negotiating postion for discount with the dealer would be gratefully appreciated.
What do you think is it worth it or should i walk away and start looking all over again!
:roll: [/img]

 

[toady]

all sounds great. The mileage is below average for a car of this age and the spec sounds great.
Those AA inspectors findings seemed very normal to me. Have the dealer sort these problems when you buy it (make sure they add this clause so that if they don't, you can have the deposit refunded!)
The service history sounds slightly strange but as long as it has been well maintaned and serviced when it should be it won't be a problem. Especially as I'm sure you're planning to have many happy years with it anyway (therefore by this time it becomes almost inconsequential as services by specialists are the only things required, especially seen as Volvo does have similar diagnostics kit @ their garages any way - if not a strange choice!
Can't really comment upon your car but won't your warantee be out of date now anyway? Besides, claims aren't really your problem are they?

All the best

 

[toady]

P.S. Discounting: Be firm! Don't show your deep interest in the car. Tell him that you have been looking around at many clk's (have a few examples from www.autotrader.co.uk or www.thetimes.co.uk - classified motors section) and comment on their attractive features/price/mileage etc. Don't worry you can make it up, just don't go overboard or they'll see right through you!!!
The rep will be going through all the car's good points, you do the same but with the bad points instead i.e. new model affecting residuals now and in the future/mileage/age/AA's outline of problems etc. Then go on to say that you would be willing to look at figures but you can't think about list price. Once sat down tell him that you can only afford about £16k. They will probably refuse, but stand firm and keep on insisting what is their lowest price (never tell them how much you have to play with! Remember, they will pressure you to give this figure!!!)
Keep bargaining and don't give up. They might not offer 16k but they should offer @ least £500-750 off plus relevant repairs (which they demonstrate have been fixed when you pick it up) and check the tyres for wear. If one or two are looking a little low on tread demand a new well branded tyre to be put in as a replacement.
Remember, if you think they are being unreasonable or patronising they probably are! If so tell them and walk if you have to. Remember there are loads of clk's out there and it's just not worth getting a bad deal because they dealer thinks you're an easy ride!
Make sure the warrantee is for at least 3 months and that, that covers heated mirrors, electric seats etc that their policies stinge on! Also watch out for policies that require things to completely fail (i.e. suspension) before replacing the damn thing (I had a problem with a pump recently, which I wasn't covered for!)

All this is rather comprehensive and makes for quite a brash attitude to car buying, but let me assure you that it is just a way of saving you time, money and hassle!

 

[sali]

CLK Picture

Hi Toady,
Thanks for the advice. I had the dealer on the phone today, they have agreed to undertake all the repairs. I think they're making room for a delivery of new cars, they were wheeling in a brand new 996 Porsche turbo when I was there on Thursday. Hopefully I will be able to pick up the car next weekend. Just need to sort out the insurance now (best quote so far £710 with Academy insurance , will try Chris Knott tomorrow now the deal is going through. 8) . I need to get some lockable wheel nuts for the AMG alloys or else I can see them going walkies. Are these fairly standard items or do I need to go for a particular brand / type.
Here is a picture of the car

 

[toady]

I assume you're buying the car from TurboCentre. The lockable wheel nut branding isn't very important. You can buy them at your local MB dealer for a reasonable charge, be nice and they may even fit them for free! (P.S. always have some new plates made with the relevant MB dealer's name on them. That way if any hting does go wrong e.g. central locking fuse, they'll fit it for free as they will think it is one of their own cars!)
Just a thought, why not try www.norwichuniondirect.co.uk They are very competitive, especially with a 10% online discount.

Hope all goes well and my advice was OK!

 

[fuzzer]

Re: Used CLK 230K Sport purchase update

1.Both front brake discs need replacing : About 170ish

2.Rear discs may just need skimming. : Not sure why not just replace them as they will only cause problems later.

3.Attention to oil leak from rear differential. : about £200 if its the seal

4.Driver's side window electrics not working correctly (window sometimes does not close fully) : dealer will charge about £50 to lube runners

5.1 small stone chip on roof (needs attention to limit rust potential). £ 50 from chip place prob

 

[sali]

Thanks Toady and Fuzzer,
The advice was very useful.
One last question, where is the best place to pick up some AMG foot mats?
How much should I be expecting to pay at an MB dealer or otherwise?
I'm assuming AMG don't accept on-line orders?

Thanks again

 

[toady]

Not a problem, they're slightly more than standard Merc one's but they won't be more than £70 I would have as my one's (for the S500L) cost about £95. Since you're going there, might as well have some plates made (if they don't have your local MB dealer's name on for £25).