I'm doing car research for my father once again. He's decided to shy away from SUVs, and he's aiming for a luxury sedan. So far we've narrowed down his selection to either a 745Li or an S-class. I've been hearing some problems with the 7-series software that would make Microsoft blush, so we're looking at the S-class.

He really likes the S55, but our target is about $80k, and the S55 goes way over that. The question would be if its worth the extra cash for the built-in options and the AMG engine. It's nice to see a 4500 pound sedan that accelerates .1 seconds slower than his Porsche, but its really something i'd have to hear from you guys to know if its worth it.

Otherwise, looking at the S430 and S500, what is the power on them like, what options would you recommend overall, what should we steer clear of?

Thanks!
Jordan

 

get an S500 if you can

 

Well, the 2003 S55 AMG will have the new SL55 AMG 500hp engine, so the car will be in the high 4's as far as 0-60 time goes. They no longer produce the 355hp S55's.

You cannot go wrong with any AMG. If you can, definetly go for the 2003 S55.

Unless you do a lot of highway driving, stay away from Distronic because you cannot use it on city streets. Aside from that, every other option is fantastic.

A loaded S55 will put you roughly 40 grand over your 80 grand target price. That is really the only downside, however, with the new 2003 500hp engine, you cannot go wrong.

The 2003 will also have a lot of new features and whatnot available that the 2002 did not have.

 

In my opinion, the S430 & S500 are both very fast and great luxury cars. If he already has a porsche then he definately does not need an S55 - Save your money.

 

heehee...i think if he HAS the porsche, he definitely should go for the S55 to complement that fact. he'll be missing his porsche if he got a S430 or S500.

Go for the S55 if possible, again, like Accord said...you can't go wrong with that car. its so beautiful.

 

accord his target is 80k... an S500 would be pushing it... and S500 is overdoing it, buddy i think you should go with the S430 if your really intent on keeping the car 80k or under, but if youcan go with the 500

 

Well, see, that's just the thing. The 80k amount is a guideline primarily. Mostly, the final amount he can spend, above or below that number, will be determined by the amount of business he gets this year. So an S55 would be a possibility, the question is whether its worth the extra $6-$8k over an S500.

 

The S55 is without a doubt worth the extra money.

 

Its a great car with still gobs of power. Unless your dad is a performance driver he really wont get any more out of the other cars. even if he is, on US roads he still wont see the potential of the others. A nicely loaded S430 should run about 75-80k and Im sure he will be very happy. My dad is looking at a previously owned S430 (MY00) with about 50k miles for 48 grand. Sounds like a great deal and we are looking very closely to see if there are any problems with the car. Good luck. Which ever one you get you will be very happy with the quality of the ride.

 

Agree with most of the guys here...go with the S430 if you have an $80 budget to work with.

 

no, dont get s430. get a fully fully loaded e55 for 80 g'z. luxury plus ferformance. if i were to spend $80k on a four door i would get the e55 (W211) without even thinking about it.

 

The W211 E55 won't be out for atleast another year, and also it will most likely have a base price of around $85-90k.

 

You know, along those lines, what are the 2003 S models expected to cost more than their predecessors?

 

The S430 and S500's MSRP will most likely remain the same, however the S600 and S55's price will probably greatly increase due to the major changes such as the new engines, etc.