The once very pricey Mercedes-Benz CL63 has quietly depreciated into used luxury-car sweet spot territory. With initial pricing well over $100,000, a second-hand CL63 today offers blistering performance, grand-tourer comfort, and the incredible presence of a big AMG coupe designed to turn heads with its looks and soundtrack.If you’re scanning the second-hand performance marketplace in search of an insider pick that blends collectible appeal with everyday usability, this luxury GT might just be the hidden gem you’re after. Let's dive into what you need to know to make the best possible purchase decision for your dollars. Pricing Then vs Now Mercedes-AMGThe CL63 AMG initially arrived with a free-breathing 6.2-liter V8, the first powerplant developed solely by AMG rather than the firm tuning an existing Mercedes engine. When it first went on sale in 2008, the Mercedes CL63 AMG was a $137,000 car before options. The starting price crept up over the years to around $150,000. In 2012, the entry CL 550 4Matic would cost you $114,500. With the AMG V8 in the CL63, make it $151,500. Shoppers could push the spend even higher with additional V12-powered options, including the CL600 or CL65 AMG. This put the CL63 midway up the model line’s pricing ladder.Today, the cheapest copies of this generation’s CL63 AMG can be had for about $13,000-$16,000, but expect odometer readings of 110,000 miles or more. If you can spend $20,000 or so, look for anything with 75,000 to 100,000 miles of prior use, depending on the model year and optional equipment. The lowest-mileage CL63 AMG models of this vintage have less than 50,000 miles, but they’re pretty rare and likely to cost you $35,000 or more. The situation makes the current pricing of the CL63 AMG a slight step up in price (or odometer reading) from other alternatives like the CLK 63 AMG, and in the same ballpark as an E63 AMG sedan of the same vintage.Mercedes-AMG With many pain points now largely demystified, shopper confidence (and pricing) is transitioning the CL63 AMG from a potential liability to a potential collectible. As a growing knowledge base and expanding aftermarket support options have turned notorious issues like Active Body Control components and M156 valvetrain wear into predictable upfront maintenance items, more enthusiasts are now willing to pay a premium for a well-preserved piece of peak free-breathing AMG history.You’ll want to budget accordingly when making your decision, as smart shoppers will want to set aside an extra fund in addition to the CL63’s purchase price. A Contingency Fund Is Advised Mercedes-AMGWhen shopping for your second-hand CL63 AMG, it’s important to budget some extra money to help get your ownership experience off on the right foot. First, don’t push your luck with tires on a machine like this one. Assume the vehicle you’re considering is on worn or over-aged tires that would need replacement with quality, high-performance rubber until you’ve got proof to the contrary. Make similar assumptions about the battery, charging system, and brakes. Once you’ve got confirmation that everything is in good shape, you’re off to a solid start with key performance car bases covered.Next, move to the Active Body Control (ABC) system. This notoriously complex system was designed to keep the big, heavy CL63 AMG flat during cornering. It runs pumps, lines, computers, and hardware, all of which have a lifespan. Maintaining this system can be pricey, and failing to maintain it properly can be even pricier.Sticking to proper maintenance and servicing of the system and ensuring that past owners have done the same are vital to minimizing trouble. It’s worth automatically budgeting for a pre-purchase inspection of the ABC system on the CL63 AMG you’re considering before you buy. A technician in a dealer setting can quickly spot problems that could cost you thousands, or alternatively, give the system a clean bill of health. It pays to know before you buy.According to veteran owners on Reddit, a total overhaul of the ABC system could cost $10,000 at a dealership. Thankfully, many owners keep their ABC systems alive by replacing worn parts and addressing issues on a piece-by-piece basis. Specialized repair shops can help reduce the price of an ABC rebuild to around $6,000. Thankfully, experts seem to agree that replacing the system fluid and filter on a yearly basis for a few hundred dollars is key to extending the lifespan of all other components. By the way, RepairPal data show that CL63 AMG owners of this vintage clock in at an average annual repair cost of $1,611.Another maintenance element to bear in mind is the V8 engine’s accessory drive pulleys, which are made of a composite plastic that could wear and fail over time. If this happens, your trip stops dead in its tracks, and your engine is at risk of damage. Some owners pre-emptively upgrade to aftermarket pulley solutions to fend off this issue; others choose to replace the factory tensioners with every belt change, eliminating the possibility of running older, brittle pulleys.Next, the infamous cylinder head bolt issue. The M156 V8 engine used in the CL63 AMG suffered from cylinder head bolts that could stretch over time, damaging the vehicle’s head gasket and leading to engine failure. Mercedes eventually updated the engines to fix the issue, but you need to check the model's VIN to see if it was affected.Note that buying a 2011 or later model year unit from this generation avoids the potential trouble altogether, as a new twin-turbo V8 engine arrived that year to replace the former 6.2-liter powerplant. Some owners pre-emptively upgrade the cylinder head bolts of this engine automatically for this reason, before a failure can take place. Others have run the factory-original engine for 100,000-plus miles with no issue.Another pain point for some owners is the intake manifold. Specifically, on the 6.2-liter V8, some owners have reported age-related wear on the variable intake system’s components, which can cause vital internal components to malfunction or fail. Aftermarket solutions are available to help combat this problem, including an upgrade kit for $320. Major Presence and Prestige Are Included Mercedes-AMGIf you’re looking for a comfortable and swanky place from which to turn heads, the CL63 AMG has you covered. Not only does this sleek coupe wear some of the most beautiful lines on a modern AMG, but it’s also got an exhaust note tuned to turn heads just as powerfully as its styling. The 6.2-liter V8 grabs its driver’s attention from low revs with generous torque output, with sound effects and thrust rising at an alarming rate as the tachometer winds its way up the dial.The seven-speed transmission has paddle shifters and delivers fast, rev-matched gearshifts accompanied by an irresistible sound. This is one of the most responsively musical V8 experiences you’ll find for the dollar. For what’s now potentially a $20,000 car (if you're very lucky), there’s some incredible prestige here, especially when choosing the last-of-its-kind 6.2-liter V8, despite its challenging maintenance.Just watch your fuel budget. According to EPA data, the CL63 AMG has an annual fuel bill of $5,850 with the 6.2-liter V8, running on premium unleaded, of course. Opt for the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (2011-2014), and you’re still bound to suck back about $4,800 per year in high-test gas.The CL63 AMG isn’t a Toyota Corolla, and its high-performance V8 engine isn’t built to go 300,000 miles or more with just oil changes. Setting aside a 20% contingency fund in the event of suspension issues or engine problems is strongly advised for maximum peace of mind.