Mercedes CLK - value of mileage?

talksalot81

Can anyone comment on how much an extra 25k miles (85k vs 60k) should take from the value of an 02 CLK320? Is it worth an extra £1000 for the lower mileage motor? They are roughly comparable in specs but the lower mileage car has a few minor extras.

Thanks

harveybobbles

As a dealer, I find customers have this theory about mileage - the higher the miles, the more worn the car is.

WRONG...!

People chunner on about wanting low miles etc, but at the end of the day, I find that spec sells...

anewman

I agree and there's nothing in 25k miles anyway. So long as the car has been well cared for, is in good condition and has been serviced to manufacturer's guidelines - mileage shouldn't really be a problem.

If you're buying a car and only looking at the mileage on the dash anyway you're probably not noticing the worn steering wheel, worn pedal rubbers, excessive paint stone chips on the bumper and the worn seats - which indicate a clocked car.

Doozergirl

They're both broadly average miles I wouldn't pay £1000 more - I'm guessing it would be a bit less than 10% of the car's value. It's not like the car won't go on for miles and miles yet!

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Condition > Mileage.

Always.

talksalot81

Thanks guys! I was of course taking the condition as being most important but was just looking for backup on the mileage. As it happens, the lower mileage (higher cost) car is better spec, it is avanteguard as opposed to elegance, has a cd changer and upgraded alloys. But I dont know how much those details are worth.

Mind you, cd player means little to me since I will probably just get an ipod system in when money allows.

Inactive

I would go for the lower mileage one, despite what others have said, it will be an advantage when you decide to sell it on, also contrary to common views, mileage does mean wear and tear.

Low miles, higher spec, assuming all things being equal, I would spend the extra grand on a car of that type.

A genuine service history is probably the most important factor on a car of that type.

Hintza

Inactive wrote: »

I would go for the lower mileage one, despite what others have said, it will be an advantage when you decide to sell it on, also contrary to common views, mileage does mean wear and tear.

Low miles, higher spec, assuming all things being equal, I would spend the extra grand on a car of that type.

A genuine service history is probably the most important factor on a car of that type.

All very well but the worst cars to buy are those that are 5 years old with 10,000 miles on the clock. They will be knackered. You want a car that has been run regularly over reasonable distances and not one that has been running to the shops 7 days a week.

If I was buying I would be looking for something that has done 8-15k per year. So in this case both cars fit the profile.

Inactive

Hintza wrote: »

All very well but the worst cars to buy are those that are 5 years old with 10,000 miles on the clock. They will be knackered. You want a car that has been run regularly over reasonable distances and not one that has been running to the shops 7 days a week.

That is your opinion of course, which you are entitled to, however a car that has done 10, 000 miles in 5 years will attract a premium price for a very good reason.

It will not be " knackered " as you suggest, it will be hardly run in by that mileage.

I would buy a genuine low mileage car any day in preference to a high mileage one that has probably been driven badly by a company rep or similar for it's life.

To each his/her own, as they say.;)

Hintza

Inactive wrote: »

That is your opinion of course, which you are entitled to, however a car that has done 10, 000 miles in 5 years will attract a premium price for a very good reason.

It will not be " knackered " as you suggest, it will be hardly run in by that mileage.

I would buy a genuine low mileage car any day in preference to a high mileage one that has probably been driven badly by a company rep or similar for it's life.

To each his/her own, as they say.;)

One of the big problems with infrequently driven vehicles is moisture condensing in the motor oil. When an engine is first started, the air in the engine is heated and water in the air condenses on the cold metal surfaces inside the engine, just like moisture condenses on inside of windows on a cold day. This moisture condensation accumulates in the oil so it no longer provides the lubrication needed to prevent engine wear. Severe wear can occur and engine damage when this is repeated over and over again in a vehicle that is used only on short trips. Often the symptom of this abnormal wear in a low mileage engine it becomes an oil burner.


Another problem with infrequently driven vehicles are dried out seals and gaskets, especially in automatic transmission as well as front and rear engine seals. Once they dry out, they will start leaking when oil pressure builds up in engines and transmissions. Repairing the problem can be expensive, not to mention the mess on your driveway or garage floor.
While the damage is not permanent, infrequent usage can lead to shorten battery life. As a rule of thumb, each time a battery is discharged to a very low level, the life of the battery can be decreased by 30- to 40-percent. If the temperature is low enough and the battery is discharged sufficiently, a lead-acid battery will freeze.

Tyres on low mileage vehicle may still have lots of thread left, but they could be old and not safe. Tyres over five years old have deteriorated substantially because of natural aging and oxidation as well as ultraviolet and ozone damage. Tyres on frequently driven vehicles don’t usually deteriorate before they wear out. Helping is the fact is that oils in the tyres come to the surface during flexing when driven to protect the rubber from UV light damage and hardening.

Inactive

All great theory stuff.;)

I have always purchased genuine low mileage cars, never had any of the problems that your theory suggests, in fact I have never spent a penny on any of them .. other than regular servicing and consumables.

Anyway if you are happy buying high mileage company cars, that is fine, I know what I prefer.