Looking for a used Mercedes-AMG V8 bargain? These are our picks

Puffed up arches, gaping intakes, cavernous exhausts and a big wing usually mean one thing in Mercedes-AMG land: Black Series. If you spotted the teaser from AMG of its latest Mythos testing in the northern hemisphere winter, you’ll see that it has all of these traits and most likely some more we can’t see: active suspension and aero would be our guess. 

The Mythos, like the Black Series models that have gone before, isn't expected to be a) cheap and b) obtainable for those new to AMG. Which is where the beauty of Mercedes-AMG’s back catalogue comes in: Affalterbach’s V8 icons are out there for less than what a four-cylinder A45 S will cost you from new. Much less in some cases.

Mercedes-AMG’s roots are buried deep in a V8 past, going all the way back to the 6.8-litre ‘Rotesau’ racer, through to the AMG ‘Hammer’ of the ‘80s, to the 55, and 63 AMG-badged E-Classes that set the AMG we know today off on its raucous path for the last 30 years. And it’s where the used AMG heroes live in the classifieds that continually catch our eye, and should yours.

Mercedes-AMG GT (2015-2023) – from <£50,000

Beautiful though it was, some weren’t sure that the first-generation Mercedes-AMG GT was the car to take over from the gullwing SLS that preceded it; and challenge the Porsche 911 at the same time.

It wasn’t the perfect sports car by any means. Fresh off the line the AMG GT S was comparable to the then gen2 997 Carrera GTS models and earned itself a spot on our 2015 Car of the Year test. However, it faltered in the face of overwhelmingly convincing competition, coming in ninth as a car that felt ‘contrived’ and you spent as much time looking for the best damper setting as you did enjoying its transaxle set-up and thuggish attitude. But outside of the context of the toughest test it could possibly face, here is a car with great appeal, as something to drive, listen to, look at and be seen in. 

First there’s the charisma and strength of the M178 engine. It’s not as expressive as the M156 6.2 but hugely muscular even in standard 456bhp trim, or over 500bhp in the GT S. Then there are the drop-dead gorgeous looks that belied its affordable price point when new, let alone now. 

Speaking of what it costs now… you can pick up an early AMG GT for new A35 hatch money today, with examples available for less than £50,000. If you can stretch to £80,000 the vastly more dynamically talented GT R commands, you’ll have a 577bhp thoroughbred that offers a V8 alternative to a GT3.

Due to a near-flawless reliability record, the biggest things to look out for as a prospective AMG GT owner is service history, clean MOTs and signs of any body and wheel damage (the GT is sensitive to chassis set-up so any wheel knocks could require some alignment work). Its exotic looks translate to an exotic driving experience at low speeds – it’s difficult to see out of, difficult to place and easy to ding and kerb. Make sure your chosen example is on Mercedes-AMG rated tyres and the brakes have been serviced. 

Try to avoid cars that have been tuned on the cheap. Or badly. Some owners have chosen to add more aggression with aftermarket bodywork and wheel upgrades, and these engines remain prodigiously tunable. They take it well too, though standard is always best where longevity and balance are concerned. And few have the resources of AMG to do these upgrades up. 

While the GT S was the core model in the line-up, the R and the Pro were the more focussed models but our choice would be the GT C if you can find one. 

Mercedes C63 AMG (W204, 2008-2014) – from c£18,000

When you think of AMG you most likely think of a German hot rod. And none fit the archetype quite like the W204 Mercedes C63 AMG, replete with 6.2 litres of naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder muscle and a truly rapturous soundtrack. Sharp and responsive like an M3? Not quite. Not even on its best day, with the optional limited-slip diff, bigger brakes and stiffer suspension. But the W204 is saturated with the raw bravado and personality for which AMG is beloved.

There are C63s and C63s, though. Before you’re even assessing condition and mileage you’re going to want to nail the right spec. In the earlier cars you need the Performance Pack, for fitment of the aforementioned LSD along with bigger brakes. On facelift cars, this was a standalone option apart from the Performance Pack – weird, we know. The pack is still another worthy inclusion though given it boosted output to 480bhp. Standard early C63s ‘make do’ with 451bhp.

C63s - and that 6.2-litre M156 engine - are generally considered to be reliable. But be warned, you’re going to want to be picky as what were loud, attention-grabbing cars were often used to their full potential in this regard and driven, let’s say, unsympathetically. A good first sign that an example is worth a look, that’s had an easier life, will be a lack of modifications and a good standard spec. And a comprehensive service file.

These engines respond to neglect in kind. Also be doubly cautious where damage is concerned. These C63s were a riot all the way to the lockstops and caught more than a few owners lacking where talent was concerned, so quite a few will no longer be wearing their original paint. Or panels. Check for the correct Mercedes rated tyres, or premium modern equivalents (an owner who invests in tyres is a good owner in our book) and brakes are in good health too.

Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe (W222, 2014-2021) – from £28,000

Not all Mercedes-AMGs are outright yobs. Some are upstanding members of the motoring community, albeit with latent yobbish potential. So to the Mercedes-AMG S63 coupe, a stately grand tourer glazed with a bit of AMG attitude, like a German country Baron with a bit of a steroid habit. Whether in M157 5.5-litre twin-turbo pre-facelift form or its later 4-litre twin-turbo M177 form, the S63 coupe put far more distinguished names to shame and is one of those cars that receives knowing nods of appreciation from those that know.

The W204 had a few tools up its sleeve to deliver capability too, if not outright involvement and engagement. Its adaptive suspension afforded it surprising control, while the Magic Body Control system would have it leaning into corners in an almost unsettling manner, simply deleting body roll. It wouldn’t see which way a Ferrari Roma went on a good road but neither would it leave you embarrassed. Supporting those headline performance figures is a chassis that responds well to being pushed.

> Mercedes-AMG S63 Coupé (2014-2021): a lavish grand tourer for as little as £35,000

S63s tend to have lived an easier life than many that wear an AMG badge and are, for the most part, looked after well. Nonetheless, good service history - many will still be in the official network but don’t be put off by a specialist invoice or two. As always the condition of the exterior and interior fixtures and fittings provide a first glance opinion on the type of life it’s lived, but don’t be tricked by an expensive detail that can mask poorly repaired bodywork and interior trim. Another beauty of AMG S-classes in particular, is depreciation - at least, when someone else has taken the hit. Values of the S63 starts from £28,000 – a 577bhp super-coupe with an original RRP of over £125k for less than the cheapest new A-class is a mightily tempting prospect.

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG (2011-2018) – from c£20,000

The CLS was a saloon-coupe curio that blended E Class underpinning with S-Class esque luxury. And of course there was an AMG version, but it was effectively replaced by the AMG GT Four Door (a model also recently removed from sale) having lost out to the popularity of the E63. The second-generation CLS was its finest form, not least because of its thumping 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8. 

The M157 is perhaps the forgotten AMG V8 of the last 20 years, lacking the iconic status and raw character of the naturally-aspirated M156 and the ubiquity of the 4-litre twin-turbo M177 that replaced both it and the 6.2. It is nonetheless a mighty AMG powerplant, with a barrel chest and endless, broad-spectrum performance paired with serious theatre.

In the CLS 63 it powers a car that marries the special looks, exclusivity and largely, the dynamic talent of a coupe with the practicality of a saloon. We once compared the CLS 63 S with the Maserati GranTurismo Sport, Aston Martin DB9, Bentley Continental GT V8 and BMW M6 and no, it wasn’t buried by the more exotic metal. That was in part thanks to fitment of the AMG Performance Pack – an option you’ll want to look out for on your travels through the classifieds.

It upped power and torque to 549bhp and 590lb ft. But as standard the AMG ride control dampers afford real comfort and control, while the chassis is just the right balance of approachable and adjustable. This CLS 63 is perhaps just the right crossover point, where AMGs transitioned from slightly one-dimensional speed machines to multi-talented super saloons and GTs. 

Depreciation has put these super saloon-coupes within realistic reach, with prices for cars worth owning beginning at around £20,000. The trouble is, there aren’t many around and so you need to exercise patience and find the right car with good service history and evidence of remedial maintenance. 

Listen out for untoward rattles, while camshaft position sensors are known to fail, sometimes letting oil work its way into the wiring harness. Then, of course, there’s the usual tyres and brakes caveat – heavy, powerful, rear-drive cars have an appetite for consumables, none more so than a Mercedes-AMG.