Pricing of W140 - Opinion sought on options
 

W140 S420
 

In response to your question about which one to buy, I have a 1997 S420 with 289,000+ miles on it and it runs as well as the day it came off the showroom floor. I went to the dealer for a valet key and parked the car in the lot while doing so. A salesman approached and start a conversation by telling me how many new features there are in the 2016 models and that I should consider a trade. When I came back from the parts department the owner of the dealership was standing next to the car with three salesmen. As I walked up to the car the dealer asked me if he could start it up. I handed him the keys and he started it up. When he shut if of and got out of the car he looked at me in the presence of the other salespeople and said, "Don't get rid of this car. You still have another 500,000 miles of use in it." I looked at the original salesman and asked, "What do you think about that?" He had no answer. I bought it because I could and because it is made out of steel rather than aluminum or plastic. I have made every possible effort to keep the car in its original condition and not add things that haven't come from the factory. I can tell you that I have had it up to 100 mph and you truly wouldn't know you were going that fast but for the slower cars around you.

My considerations included previous maintenance records, its curb appeal (standing presence), that it had never been in an accident (still hasn't), that everything worked on it as it was designed to, and that it was safe to drive. I purchased it 5 and a half years ago and am the second owner. I have never been disappointed., In my recent trips to the repair facility, I have been told that parts are becoming more difficult to locate and purchase. I would strongly recommend that you have whichever vehicle you purchase reviewed by an experienced Mercedes mechanic; it is worth the cost to do so. You either get peace of mind or you avoid a previously unknown problem. Make sure you get all of the keys to the car. There should be two remote control keys and one valet key. I keep the valet key with me at all times in case someone with a remote control key locks the vehicle by accident. I have only had it happen once but doing so saved me a fortune in key replacement costs.
Best wishes,

Paul Curtis

Paul, thanks for your reply. I have seen the wide range of prices, thus my question. I've decided to wait for the right individual or the right S500 to come around.