C43 AMG, hmmmm?

3552 Views 15 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Nicholass Balls, Feb 20, 2011

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · Feb 16, 2011

I'm looking to take my first step into the world of luxury vehicles, tho a cheap, 10+ year old car is a small step indeed. I've been reading a lot about these recently but I'm still lacking personal testimony. Have any of you had these? Definitely have a few questions before I make the purchase.

I'm not 100% decided on the C43 but it seems to be the most bang for my buck as far as older model AMGs are concerned. If you guys have recommendations on other, similarly priced, AMG models I'd welcome that input as well

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

ZAMIRZ

· #2 · Feb 16, 2011

I wouldn't buy anything cheap, luxury and 10+ years old. You're only asking for problems. Even if you can do all the work on the car yourself, parts are still crazy expensive and it's never the small stuff that goes bad with those cars. You're going to be shelling out a grand here and there on a regular basis.

I would walk personally, unless you know of one that's coming up for sale that was owned by a rich old lady who passed away and only drove it to church on sunday.

TechArt Dreamer

· #3 · Feb 16, 2011

What's your budget?

BryanW203

· #4 · Feb 16, 2011

The only thing major about the C43 is that they all shell the tranny around 70k.

Check this car out, it was a 1 owner before the guy who owns it bought it, full service history at MB dealer, I have seen the car, very very clean.

1996 Mercedes AMG C36

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 16, 2011

I'd say ballpark $10k. I'm also thinking of maybe putting my Yamaha up for trade and \ throwing some cash on top. Just depends on the car and the seller I suppose.

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 16, 2011

ZAMIRZ said:
I wouldn't buy anything cheap, luxury and 10+ years old. You're only asking for problems. Even if you can do all the work on the car yourself, parts are still crazy expensive and it's never the small stuff that goes bad with those cars. You're going to be shelling out a grand here and there on a regular basis.

I would walk personally, unless you know of one that's coming up for sale that was owned by a rich old lady who passed away and only drove it to church on sunday.

Good point. I guess I'm hoping to stumble across one that's mint. I seem to have decent luck with stuff like this.

BryanW203 said:
The only thing major about the C43 is that they all shell the tranny around 70k.

Check this car out, it was a 1 owner before the guy who owns it bought it, full service history at MB dealer, I have seen the car, very very clean.

1996 Mercedes AMG C36

Thanks for that tip, I don't think I've seen one under 70k miles. Are the trannys for these outrageous? That is super clean, I'm really leaning towards a V8 tho.

BryanW203

· #7 · Feb 16, 2011

Nicholass Balls said:
Good point. I guess I'm hoping to stumble across one that's mint. I seem to have decent luck with stuff like this.

Thanks for that tip, I don't think I've seen one under 70k miles. Are the trannys for these outrageous? That is super clean, I'm really leaning towards a V8 tho.

A new tranny from MB will run about $7k with new torque converter.

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 16, 2011

Ouch, about the same value as the car haha.

BryanW203

· #9 · Feb 16, 2011

Nicholass Balls said:
Ouch, about the same value as the car haha.

Yep, but they are a fun car. Sleeper.

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #10 · Feb 16, 2011

That's what attracted me to them. The interior is very nice as well.

BryanW203

· #11 · Feb 16, 2011

Nicholass Balls said:
That's what attracted me to them. The interior is very nice as well.

I would look for one with the adjustable lumbar and bolsters, makes a world of difference.

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 16, 2011

^^ No joke, I borrowed my friends' S550 AMG and went to vegas a few weeks ago and was amazed at how customizable everything is.

86JR

· #13 · Feb 17, 2011

CLK seems the best value for money to me...

CLK55 AMG are around $10k now!

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #14 · Feb 17, 2011

thesmileyone said:
CLK seems the best value for money to me...

CLK55 AMG are around $10k now!

All the ones I've seen are closer to $15k. What year were you thinking?

86JR

· #15 · Feb 20, 2011

2004!

Nicholass Balls

Discussion Starter · #16 · Feb 20, 2011

I didn't see any that were even close to that. I think I'm going to get an Evo8 for now while I save.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

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