jwc

I'm sure you guys will be biased but I found a used S430 for 59K w/ 15k miles and Starmark Certified
If I can get it down to 56 or 55K I would be really happy.
A new E320 runs about 53K but is so much smaller than an S. What do you think?

rayscar

What year is the S430? 2002?

vodc4

get the s if u want more prestige
its not bad....only 15 k miles and cost 55-59 k?
damn tats cheap

even my clk cost 52 k out the door

but if i were u i would pick the e just because the e is newr, sportier, better looking, better tech, and it looks very lux too

jwc

Yes, it is a 2002. I was a bit taken back by the price. Actually, I'm looking for some leg room bc my acura is so small. I'm just weary of spending 55K on a used car that's all.

Callaway

If you need the extra room go for S, otherwise get the E and enjoy the most advanced four door car in the world.

skymast

its a great car but something seems wrong. Thats way too low for a 2002 from a MB dealer. If they are selling it at $59K, that means that they bought it for much less. That's alot of depreciation in only one year. I think that Starmark Certified means a completely clean record (no accidents or paint work) but i would check it out. Also, find out if they got if on trade or at an auction and ask to contact the previous owner.

Kassav

Get the S. Just because I want to limit the number of Es on the street. Otherwise, I will advise you to get the E and you will not regret it.

Dema

A used car is like a used wife for me. I would never buy used car regardless how good it was. Anyway, maybe wait a bit when prices for E500 will be lower and save some money meantime.

jwc

Thanks you guys! I think I'll be more comfortable spending 50 to 60K on a new car than a used one. I want the E500 now but I'm already way past my original budget of 45K...Anyone want to loan me 5 grand?

rayscar

Join the crowd!

Dema

What is coincidence! I always bought 10 grand more expensive car that initially planned.

MKW

See my post in the S class threads. If you pay more than $60-64 K for a loaded NEW remaning 2002 S430 right now, less than a loaded new 2003 E500, you are not a good shopper !

abhansali

I'm not sure about that math...you have to compare Apples to Apples. I went to MBUSA.COM and priced out an S430 with all the options you can get in an E500 (like active ventilated seats, keyless go, wood wheel and shifter, phone, active suspension, etc). The price comes out to about $88K. The equivalent E500 is only about $70K. Even if you assume the S430 is being sold at 10% under MSRP for 2002 cleanout, a fully loaded S430 is still at $79-$80K which the E500 barely hits $70K

Apurva

Dema

abhansali,
You are right. Carsdirect gives 10% of MSRP for S430. I think a particular dealer can give $1-2K off this price, but it will be more expensive than E anyway.

MKW

Look, I'm just making a suggestion to someone who can't decide. This time of year, you get whatever optioned S430s are sitting on the lot. So if you add the factory $4500 cash back and negotiate for some of the dealer's 5% holdback from the invoice price many are selling at to clear out the '02 S class, You can buy a lightly optioned S430 for low to mid 60s if you bargain . You can spend another 10 K if the car is whored out with every option, of course.
Same goes for the E500 - $60-70 K depending on how many $$ in options ( which you won't get back at trade in- it's for original buyers enjoyment/depreciation ) .
You are right- don't bother to do exact comparo- it's not possible.