While many Mercedes-Benz models have been inducted into the pantheon of greats, with collector appreciation to match, the GLK compact crossover isn’t normally mentioned in the same breath as models like the 500E and the 300SL gullwing. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, because at least one GLK is highly desired. That’s because this particular 12-year-old upscale crossover utility vehicle just sold on Bring A Trailer for a whopping $38,000. I know what you’re wondering: why?
If you aren’t incredibly familiar with the Mercedes-Benz GLK aside from having seen a few in the wild, don’t feel bad. Few people pay close attention to compact luxury crossovers. Basically, think of this as Mercedes’ BMW X3 competitor for the early 2010s, a relatively small and blocky C-Class-based box that could haul everything an active urban professional could want while still fitting neatly in a downtown parking spot.
Initially, all U.S.-market GLKs came with a 3.5-liter V6 hitched to a seven-speed automatic transmission, and that’s exactly what we find under the hood of this 2012 GLK 350. Pumping out 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s a smooth and tractable powerplant that could whisk this crossover to 60 mph in a reasonably brisk 6.5 seconds in Car And Driver instrumented testing. Good performance, but that alone doesn’t explain the hammer price.
The big reason this GLK 350 sold for $38,000 on Bring A Trailer is because it only has 1,019 miles on the clock. What you’re looking at might be the nicest GLK in the world outside of Mercedes’ own possession, a genuine case where trying to find another like it would be a nigh-on impossible task.
As a result, everything on this 12-year-old crossover is perfect. The underbody looks just about perfect, the headlight lenses are perfect, the carpet is perfect, the upholstery is perfect. Even though some of the photos in the listing are a bit low-res, the higher-resolution ones suggest this is as close to a showroom condition GLK 350 as you’re going to get in 2024.
Interestingly enough, the winner of this GLK wasn’t just one moonshot bid. In the last hour of bidding, five different bidders drove up the price from $28,500 to $38,000, meaning the hammer price wasn’t the product of one person’s obsession, but the product of several people’s obsessions. Indeed, the winning bidder commented, “This has been a ” Bucket list vehicle ” So, I know I paid A Lot, but where else would you find a virtually “NEW” one of these !”
The $38,000 12-year-old Mercedes-Benz GLK compact crossover is a reminder that car enthusiasm comes in all stripes. Some people love sports cars. Some people love trucks. Some people have affection for a particular crossover utility vehicle. The more cars that get enjoyed and cherished, the better, because it makes the culture richer. After all, sometimes the coolest old cars on the road aren’t the ones you’d expect to be cherished, but the ones you’re surprised are still around. Mark my words, this thing will be the hit of whatever the 2050 equivalent of Radwood is.
(Photo credits: Bring A Trailer)
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I think these cars are for females….personally not my taste. Most German cars seem to have a female stereotype- yes that includes G wagons, unless if it is an AMG GT or something similar…
Again, my opinion is not welcomed, but that is what it is….
One of a kind? Not exactly. I think I actually got a better deal on a better version of the same car. Going on two years ago, I bought a 2014 GLK 350 for just 28 large, and was happy to pay it. It had been owned by a little old lady in Cheyenne Wyoming. She drove it only once or twice a week, locally, and kept it garaged. The dealer’s service records were complete, and their pre-purchase inspection pronounced it in “amazing” condition. For her daily trips to the gym, she walked a half-mile each way. Over nine years, the car had recorded 12,500 miles. At 92, she was selling everything to return to her native Korea. I met her and bought it on my 70th birthday.
Twenty thousand miles later, the car has been trustworthy and robust. First I changed all the fluids and filters. Some of the brake rotors had been glazed, so a full pad and rotor replacement cured the shaky brakes. Fortunately, it’s the revised GLK version with a more powerful engine. The upgraded interior has square feet of (veneer) wood on the dash, and dozens of buttons, including a telephone keypad. It’s just advanced enough to do Bluetooth with my phone, which is all the connectivity I really need. Too bad about the solemn gray color, but it looks like a Mercedes.
I chose the GLK after looking at almost every competitor, including new Volvos, the Audi and BMW competitors, the Ford Escape and even a Lincoln. The GLK stood out as the smallest car with the biggest engine. I wanted a handy city car that could also tow a 3,000 Scamp trailer through the Colorado Rockies for camping excursions, and all the other cars were powered by a 2.0 four that would have to operate in turbo boost for our long climbs. So far, we’ve done about 5,000 miles of that, and the temp gauge has never strayed from the typical 92 degrees C.
That’s the rational argument. Now for a word from the right brain- this is a beautiful car, inside and out. The upright windshield and windows make it seem more spacious than it really is. Inside, it feels like one of my ’80’s GTIs blown up to 125% scale. That look holds true in the exterior view. It’s graceful and well-proportioned and not angry-looking in the modern fashion. It’s a car, not a fish. I may keep it till I’m 92.
Plenty of horror stories have begun with “I bought a used Mercedes.” But I believe the luxury segment is where you’re likely to find low-mileage cream puffs like this. They’re bought as bucket-list items by retired folks who don’t drive much, or have several other cars to drive.
I gotta say, these things are EXTREMELY underrated. They can be had in great shape for under 12 grand now, and for that money, theyre an amazing option. These things handle snow like a monster, aren’t terrible on fuel, and visibility is fantastic. It’s basically a bougie Subaru Forester.
Scanning the market on Cars.com, there’s now a 2013 GLK 250 4Matic with 1,535 miles for sale in Iowa for just $19,900. That would have been an even better deal if I’d wanted another diesel.
Man, that has got to be the dullest bucket list of all time. What else have they got on there? Watch the World Series with the boys? Go for ice cream? Get laid, maybe? Be still my beating heart…
It’s a car for grownups, you wouldn’t understand.