CLK 55 AMG...should I buy?

[johnny senna]

Hi chaps,
My mate has a 2001 (Y) CLK 55 AMG, black with black leather, with COMAND etc. Only 12,000 miles, FMBSH.
Anyway, he got it off his brother for 27 grand just 3 months ago. He says this was less than the trade price. He fancies an M3 so he might sell it to me. He says he will sell it to me for trade.
So I rang 2 MB dealers. They say the trade price on this car is the same as a top-spec CLK 430. They said that they would only give 23-24 grand for it!! Remember, this car is only 2 years old, and after extras, cost more than 60 grand.
I doubt very much my mate will accept the trade value that these dealers put on it. However, clearly this car is still depreciating big time.
How much would you offer him? Thanks.

[craigw]

is it the one with 19inch wheels that was in evo last month ?

[johnny senna]

No mate. That car does look good though. It's in that lovely dark green/black isn't it? My mate's is on the standard wheels. They look 17" to me.

>> Edited by johnny senna on Friday 17th October 13:40

[craigw]

I'm not a merc fan really (c43 and sl55 excepted) but I do quite like the clk55 as a kind of stealthy weapon. I briefly considered one when changing cars recently.

I'd say with hte new shape clk out you shouldnt pay too mouch for this one despite the fact of its rarity & the fact that you'd be buying from a mate.

[johnny senna]

Thanks Craig. It is difficult to decide what it's worth.

[CraigW]

£25 grand and no more.

[johnny senna]

CraigW said:

£25 grand and no more.

You're probably right. We'll see what he says tomorrow.

[craigw]

did you buy it then ?

[johnny senna]

craigw said:

did you buy it then ?

Hi Craig,
Not yet. It's still on though. I have just this minute spoken to my mate who owns the car. We will be talking money this weekend. I should have the funds to buy it in 3 weeks, so I might own it then.
Can't wait.

[craigw]

I'd only bid 23k now. Good luck.

[johnny senna]

craigw said:

I'd only bid 23k now. Good luck.

Hmmm....he won't go for that. There's a private sale ad in Top Marges at the moment for £30,800. That seems to be the ball park for specialists too. Franchised dealers want more.
I still think 26-ish would be good. I'm falling into the trap of really wanting it now, which is always the wrong way to approach buying a car. I need to maintain the "I can walk away" attitude.

[pdavison]

I think £26k is about right.

Having said that, you can only but ask!

[johnny senna]

pdavison said:

I think £26k is about right. Having said that, you can only but ask!

He's coming up to the Toon (Newcastle) tonight. I will get him pissed and see what happens.

[johnny senna]

It fell through in the end. I am now the proud owner of a 2001 Boxster S instead.