A question about Mercedes reliability?

Question

I am looking to buy a new car. My short list includes the Acura TL Type S, Lexus IS, and Mercedes CLK. The CLK seems out of place yes...my previous car was also a coupe, but I was in a recent car accident, and it's been suggested to me that I get a sedan or a SUV.

Still, I like coupes, but the only coupe I like is the CLK, I love the G35 (G37), but that was the car I had previously and I just can't bring myself to get another one.

Anyways, the CLK is priced higher than the TL and IS...but I can still afford to buy it outright, IF maintanace isn't an issue. But I've heard Mercedes reliability in the past few years has been pretty bad. Have you found this to be true?

Answer 1

The Acura TL is due to have a new replacement by next year so I would avoid this model for now although it has excellent resale and has plenty of room.

The Lexus IS is a great car and very reliable although a bit small on the inside but since you said a coupe is fine I don't expect you to bring 4 of you friends.

The Mercedes CLK is an old outdated model based on old technology. It has a horrible reliability record. Electrical problems abound. Long term tests show, many owner have replaced their transmission with 50k miles as with Audi trannys. Maintainence costs are very high for Mercedes. An oil/filter change can run $100 or more. I would avoid this vehicle. The G37 is a beautiful car and hard to beat value. Go with that.

Answer 2

This is true. Mercedes reliability began to decline with new models introduced around the the start of the century, and reached a low point about 2 years ago.

There are several reasons for this. First, Mercedes wanted to stay "cutting edge" from a technology standpoint, and to do so they rushed new electronics heavy tech to market too soon in an effort to match Lexus. This meant a ton of problems with systems not ready for market yet.

Second, to try and compete price-wise MB squeezed suppliers of parts. You get what you pay for, and MB got shoddy parts.

Combine those with the unrest caused by the Chrysler purchase and you get lemons.

Some models are better than others. The Clk isn't one of them. The CLK has been plagued with a lot of problems, most around electronics and the 7 speed transmission.

Reliability is just not good, and that can be verified by looking at consumer reports or edmunds -- you will see the CLK way down the list.

The good news is that if you plan on buying new, everything is warrantied. That means your cost is time and convenience -- not money.

Also, MB has improved CLK quality quite a bit since in the last few years (although not as much as the E-Class). While the E has gone from lemon to reliable, the CLK has gone from lemon to adequate.

Contrary to some of the less informed posters in the MB community here, the CLK is based on the old C-class, not the E, so reliability isn't quite as improved (Mercedes focused its efforts fixing its most important vehicle first, which is the E-class).

If reliability is a big concern, you will be disappointed with MB compared to Lexus or Infiniti. Of course, individual results vary, which means you may get lucky and get a good one (it also means it makes ZERO difference what one person's personal experience is with their MB -- you have to look at large sample sizes).

Also, while Acura has had a much better overall record, it isn't great with the TL. Acura (and Honda in general) are notorious for warped brake rotors. Also, the TL has been plagued with squeeks and rattles, poor leather wear on the seats, sagging roofliners, and loud tires. Check an Acura TL forum for confirmation of this.

Answer 3

Yes. Mercedes reliability in recent years have had issues. I had a CLK convertible and the top always malfunctioned, otherwise everthing was ok (including other electrics).

Note that the CLK is due for a new model in the next year or so, and Mercedes Quality has since improved (look at the new C class over the recently superseeded one)

If you needed to buy now make sure u buy one from the dealer where the warranty and everything is still valid.

Cheers

Answer 4

Mercedes-Benz's reliability wasn't at all good from 1995-2003, but from there they started climbing the hill. Reliability ratings positively shot up in 2007, and went up even further in 2008. As we continue into 2009, the reliability is still climbing. The CLS and C classes especially are a couple of the most reliable, and they are also incredible quality-wise. Be confident in buying a Mercedes-Benz. :-)

Answer 5

Mercedes has had serious reliability issues spanning the last 10 years. Supposedly the cause was poor quality management in their supply chain and allegedly they have been working on the problems but they're not there yet.

While the engine, driveline and suspension remains rock solid, accessory systems and computer control systems are decidedly unreliable. It would be one thing if it was a seat adjuster that quit or a window that got stuck, but as often as not when something goes wrong it will leave you stranded with a car that appears to have had the battery removed. Totally dead.

On the other hand, Accura has had a consistent, unwavering reputation for reliability and build quality. They're built by Honda and Honda has the best quality reputation in the auto business for close to 20 years now. My 97 Accord hasn't seen the inside of a service bay yet, except for routine oil changes, a brake job, and a scheduled timing belt change. Wish I could say the same for my Benz...

Note to Peter S: There is NO need to let a car "warm up." And Benzes from '01 to date are the worst of the worst.

Answer 6

Try these cars for test drives if u want

Chk the site out....this one is 2007 Lexus IS 350
http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_lexus_is_350...
2007 Lexus SC 430 http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_lexus_sc_430...


Saturn Cars

http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_saturn_aura_...
http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_saturn_aura/...
http://autos.yahoo.com/saturn_ion/;_ylt=...

Chrysler car u gotta chk this one out Chigga.....
http://autos.yahoo.com/chrysler_crossfir...

It's a parade everyday! Get used to it!
by Crossfire Fan from Milwaukee, Wisconsin (10/21/07)
Pros: Fun to drive, handling is outstanding as well as brakes - turns heads constantly!
Cons: Pricey MSRP, could use extra power, cup holder is worst in history!

I had many sports cars in my life, Fiat 2000, Datson 280Z, TranAm, Corvette, Opel GT, TR5, MGB to name a few. This car is a modern refined trouble free version of my TR6. Fun to drive and a real head turner. Feel like I'm in a parade everyday. For the true performance fan this is not the car for you- needs about 50-100 hp more. Fit and finish is outstanding. 6 speed transmission smooth and quick. Traded my corvette for the Crossfire. While I miss the outright power - the Crossfire is just miles ahead in refinement. I plan to keep mine forever. Some day it will be looked at the same as excellent condition TR6's are today.


http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_chrysler_300...

Why u want to just go for Acura or Mercedes as such u can as well try some other cars for that matter. Test drive some babies and then decide wat u gonna buy and look up ur budget too and get something great accordingly :) Have fun car shopping ;-)

Answer 7

Yes, they are appaling, go for the G35 or the Lexus Is. They're nice cars, mercedes are rubbish now, id rather buy Ford's than Merc's

Answer 8

Honestly, It starts on how the previous owner(s) treated the car, that is, weather they let the car warm up properly, did scheduled maintenance, etc... If it's new, then it's up to you to break it in. Did / Does Mercedes-Benz have reliability issues? They did in the 90's. Mercedes decided that they didn't need to put the amount of effort into their cars in lieu of profit gain. I have owned 4 Mercedes to date. (1986 300SD 1989 300SD 1974 450LC and 1986 Mercedes 560SELA) Notice the cars that I own or have owned. I would advise not to purchase Mercedes from the 90's (unless it's a S class or SAL class) Any Mercedes that came out under the supervision of Daimler AG (Chrysler) or newer (after Chrysler sold Mercedes-Benz), is a fine car. I haven't heard of any major problems other then a fuse going out on Mercedes from like 01'. I would defiantly choose the CL. Of course I would recommend test driving your other choices also. This being because you might not feel too comfortable driving a CL as opposed to a TL or an IS.

Short Version: Any Mercedes 01' and up is a great car. Don't let any stories turn you away. Test drive your choices and choose based on that. Hope this helped

-Regards

"Don't drive faster then you're Guardian Angel can fly"


Note back to Bostonianinmo: - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061102162508AA9lWWV

- http://www.car-forums.com/s7/t7911.html

It is indeed important to warm up the car in order to get the oil circulating throughout the engine. It does increase the life expectancy of the car when added to scheduled maintenance. Also about the 01' and up Mercedes, I would take any model any day rather then drive any Mercedes from the 90's. Rather then buy a S500 from, say 95', I would rather pay the same amount of cash for bird flu...

Answer 9

buy the Mercedes,there are so many safety features all Mercedes, the clk is a great car, dependable,sharp looking,and will last longer then mos other cars.. remember
if you want to buy a car buy anything , but if you want an automobile then get a mercedes..

Answer 10

Ii would go with the new Lexus or a '85 or older MB