Mercedes-AMG models have always stood out as one of the best performance cars on the market. However, when you’re buying a used AMG model, reliability is one of the things to consider. Which used Mercedes-AMG model should you buy?
The best used Mercedes-AMG is the 2005-2006 C55-AMG. Apart from selling at an affordable price, the Mercedes C55-AMG is one of the most reliable AMGs ever built. Therefore, buyers won’t have to undergo costly repairs that most used Mercedes buyers experience.
Other used AMG models to consider apart from the C55-AMG include the 1999-2000 E55 AMG, 2000-2008 E63 AMG model, 2003-2006 CLK55 AMG, and the 1997 SL73 AMG. All of these cars are not only reliable but also durable.
Features of the 2005-06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG
Appearance
The Mercedes C55-AMG may not be the best-looking Mercedes model, but it was one of the most beautiful models when it was launched. After the C32, C36, and C43 models failed to impress buyers, the C55 was the answer.
It was the first car to embrace the new Mercedes design philosophy which was withdrawing from the square and boxy sedans of the late 1980s. This car was more appealing than the previous models because AMG engineers decided to modify the front bumper and lower grille with that of the CLK sedan. This gave the C55-AMG a sleek look.
On top of that, the car was equipped with 18-inch AMG wheels that gave it a sporty look. When it comes to the interior, the C55-AMG model still had a nice and luxurious interior that made passengers feel comfortable and cozy.
With features like the leather upholstery, alarm system, rear spoiler, thick three-spoke steering wheel, Mercedes navigation system, AMG faced gauges, and Harmon Kardon stereo system, this is one of the best used Mercedes-AMG that you can lay your hands on.
Performance
With cars like the BMW M3 and Audi S4 model giving Mercedes a run for their money, they decided to upgrade the C55 from V6 to a V8 engine. The 5.4-liter V-8 engine was accompanied by a compressor to offer exceptional performance.
After being fitted with the V-8 engine, the Mercedes C55-AMG delivered up to 362 horsepower @5,750 rpm and 376 lb-ft. of torque @4,000 rpm. As a result, the car had an excellent acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which was one of the best at that time.
Even though the 2005 – 06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG was powerful, it had issues with the transmission. The automatic transmission caused several problems and is still the main challenge of acquiring a second-hand C55-AMG model.
Safety
One of the things that Mercedes-Benz thrives at is making safe cars. The 2005-06 Mercedes C55-AMG is one of the safest cars on the market. Thanks to high-end features such as anti-lock brakes, front-impact airbags, brake assist, stability control, overhead airbags, side-impact airbags, cruise control, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and security system.
With such top-notch safety features, you can relax knowing that you will be safe and secure.
Price
Despite being more than 15 years old, the 2005-06 Mercedes C55-AMG is one of the used Mercedes models with an excellent resale price. Its price ranges from $13,000 to $30,000. Of course, the price will vary according to the state of the car and the add-ons that it has.
Why buy the 2005-06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG?
The main reason why the 2005-06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG stands out from the rest is because of its outstanding performance and reliability. This car is also affordable and cheap to maintain, unlike most AMG models. Besides, it’s fitted with a powerful M113 V8 engine and the 722.6 5-speed automatic transmissions.
FAQ
Which Mercedes-AMG is the most reliable?
Whether you’re buying a new or used Mercedes model, the first thing that you should look at is the reliability of the car. Even though AMGs perform outstandingly, not all of them are reliable. The most reliable Mercedes-AMG model is the 2005-06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG. It is followed closely by the 2008 Mercedes E63 AMG.
What makes AMG different from other Mercedes models?
This is because the AMG line adds cosmetic differences built to add the overall appearance and feel of the car. Besides, AMG models are fitted with a high-performance engine that’s created with driving performance in mind. That’s why they are usually costlier than base models and normally have sportier tires.
What is the most iconic AMG model?
Mercedes-Benz has several iconic models that fetch a lot in the used car market. These models are not only vintage but also some of the most unique cars ever created. They include the 1997 CLK GTR, 1971 AMG 300 SEL 6.8, 1987 190E 3.2 AMG, 2008 SL65 AMG, and the 2016 AMG GTR.
Why is Mercedes-Benz so unreliable?
Mercedes-Benz is so unreliable because of the highly advanced features that are fitted in their cars. Also, they usually feature a lot of new technologies, meaning several things can go wrong. What’s more, fixing a Mercedes-Benz is expensive and they need special handling that drives up the cost of repair and maintenance.
What is the best used Mercedes model?
If you’re looking to buy a used Mercedes model, it’s important to select a reliable model so that you don’t end up visiting the mechanic frequently. Like most luxury cars, most used Mercedes are expensive to maintain. However, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the best used Mercedes car to buy.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the best used Mercedes because it’s cheaper to maintain. What’s more, this car does not break down easily like other models. On the contrary, it still comes with high-end features and it performs exceptionally well.
Summary
If you’re searching for the best used Mercedes-AMG model, the 2005-06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG is the option. The C55-AMG model is the best because of its reliability and affordable price. What’s more, it features a powerful 5.4-liter V8 engine and a rear-wheel-drive system that offers excellent performance.
With an average price of $23,000, 2005/06 Mercedes-Benz C55-AMG is the best used Mercedes AMG model to buy. You won’t have to spend a lot of money to maintain this car as it experiences fewer problems than other used AMG models.