Mercedes-Benz CL500 is Glass’s Used Car Hero for November
The Mercedes-Benz CL500 is Glass’s Used Car Hero for November, giving buyers a taste of super-luxury motoring for far less than the price of the cheapest new hatchbacks.
Each month, Glass’s editors hold a meeting to name the current Used Car Hero – the model they believe currently offers outstanding value, quality and ability. While Glass’s is a UK publication, the value for money offered by CL500 variants easily translates to our shores.
And if you look at some of the examples on motor classified websites in Ireland, there is great value to be had as long as you can afford the eye-watering rates of motor tax in this country.
A quick check around a few currently available, throws up a 2002 variant in Waterford with 80,000km on the clock for €4,500 and a 2000 AMG version in Dublin with 83,000 miles recorded for €5,250, its five litre petrol engine, however, attracting €1,800 a year in road tax.
Robert Redman, Glass’s forecast values editor, said of the CL500s: ‘ This is a genuine top-of-therange grand tourer that was only bought new by the wealthy. It is very well specified, a stylish and comfortable way to travel.
‘It is also a Mercedes-Benz built in the ‘old way’ if properly maintained it will last for many more years and probably prove to be a sound investment.”
The only downside, Robert, added, was that running costs tended to be in line with the CL500’s upmarket status.
‘ This was a very expensive car powered by a range of V8 and V12 engines. Buying a good one is now very affordable – but you also need the money to keep it on the road.’
WHEN WAS IT ON SALE? The CL500 was produced from 2000-2007.
WHAT’S GOOD? Great specification – leather upholstery, Command system, Bi-xenon headlamps, walnut trim, TV and more – pretty much anything you’d ever need in a car. Also, this is a proper GT car with strong performance and a ride quality that strikes the right balance between sporting and comfort.
WHAT’S BAD? Due to their affordability, some have been run on a shoestring and so their condition will have suffered.
IDEAL BUY? Buy on condition and history rather than by age or mileage.