gangrun

Hey guys.

Well I always thought that when i got my liscense my dad was going to give me his S(funny i know) and he was going to get the new 07 for himself. Well it turns out that he sold it a couple a weeks ago and i had no idea. Now i have to look for a car and really want an S. The 06 s was sweet but theres no way i can afford it so how are the 01-03's in terms of price? I know they made some updates for 03 so im leaning toward that year. Anyone know if i can get an 03 for around 25 grand?

Thanks for any help guys.

ex-BenzDriver9

Dude listen to me very carefuly....DO...NOT...BUY...A...USED...S

If you want a terrible ownership experience, then go for it. There are so many better choices for a young strapping buck like yourself.

Substance

im not sure if its possible for under 25k but try to find a late 2003 or 2004 model. they would still have at least some months of factory warranty left and you can get it extended up to 3 years if its a CPO car or 2 years if you buy it private party. Buying a used S class is risky if it has no warranty on it. other than the warrany issue 2003 and on gets the updates like clear headlights, widescreen larger command(2004+ gets dvd based) 7speed tranny for 2004(its the first year for the 7speed,you may want to check for more info on this) I believe S350 is also available for 2004 and on(its actually a 3.7L engine)

ohh forgot to mention factory warrany was good for 50k miles. so it has to be below 50k unless it has extended warranty.

JRAMGV8

Wow, so Benzdriver you really think its not a good idea owning a used S-Class. I am sure there's been alot of post about how bad these vehicle have mechanical problems but I believe it falls on the 01-03 models. I am looking for somewhere between the years of 04 and newer and I will purchase extended warranty on these if I were to get one. What do you recommend?

Thanks

gangrun

I know some people have has problems( aka Benzdriver) but my relatives had a couple of early model S's and i really just love the look. For an 03 in the 25-28 price range i think the miles will be 50-70 so a extended warranty is a must- im not that dumb. 04's are out of my price range i believe and i dont need a 7 speed tranny( moms car has it and its not that much better than the 5er in the CLS in my opinion.)

fusion2007

00-02 models not 01-03

JRAMGV8

Fusion

I knew it... hahha yes you're right!!!

ex-BenzDriver9

I would reccomend an E class CDI...that thing is a goddamn torque monster.

Seriously though, I own my first and last MB ever. My business partner traded his E Class (05) for a Lexus and my manager traded her SLK (04) for an Infiniti.

Mercedes is plagued by poor reliability, terrible customer service, and the dealerships...my God, don't even get me started on those morons.

Are the 03-06 S's better? I am sure they are, but do a search on here to discover the same bull**** problems the earlier models have. It really is a shame that the S is such a bad car because I think the 220 is probably one of the most beautifully designed cars ever made.

JRAMGV8

I thought about the E-Class Bluetech but the only reason I want the S-Class just like what (Gangrun wants), is the room, comfort, style and design. I appreciate your responds and thanks

sprink49

An '04 or later is the way to go ...if you have your heart set on it. Word of fact...'04 S500's are still bringing $49~$52 on the MB dealer lots w/ remaining warranty. Your best shot is to find one of these and swing a lease with a good buy out residual at the end. DO NOT get into this car with out a warranty...it will burn you down!!!

What you may want to consider if you are stuck on the S class is the previous series prior to 2000. You can shop around and get some nice low mileage examples of those cars for less than $20K and if you get the service logs with the car you can bet that it was maintained properly.

Good Luck.

gangrun

^ Thats a really good idea but im looking to buy. Is my wanting a 03 S500 for 25-29 grand really unrealistic?

sprink49

Yes...unless you know a wholesaler that will take you to an auction and you might find one with high mileage. Then you have to find an after market warranty.

My neighbor recently purchased a 2001 S500 with 80,000 miles that had been in an accident. The front clip had been replaced and the whole car was repainted.
Car came with no warranty and he paid $28K. The car looks good and everything works so he is happy. He knows that if any repairs are required that he pays. He has a good relationship with a German Car mechanic and does not have to go to a dealer for service. This is a unique situation.

You have to ask yourself if you really want to do this. These cars have many complicated systems that are subject to failure. If you have even a minor problem out of warranty you can spend thousands correcting it.

A Mercedes S Class with out a warranty is not a car to own if you are on a tight budjet and it sounds like you are.

Buy something more reasonable like a '04~'05 C-280 that still has factory warranty and enjoy your Dad's new CLS with him.

gangrun

^ Thanks for the advice. By the way, do you know what the leasing numbers would be on an 04?

Blk04cobra1

I agree with most of the advice above. Someone at your age would enjoy something not quite so bulky, even though the S-class is a great car. Also, trying to find one in that range would be darn near impossible w/out some high miles on it. One more thing, most places probably wont lease an '04 model, if you're looking for something good, MB financial has 2007 C-classes for $279/mo on a 27-month lease, 10k miles/year (can be changed if desired, but will increase your payment), $4000 due at signing, plus tax,tag,title,doc fee...

gangrun

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I found an 03 S500 with 87,000 miles on it for $27,000 right next to the house. I still dont know if I want it yet. The car is in perfect shape both inside and out and has a perfect service record. Do you guys know if i can get a good extended warranty on something like this?

notoriousALE

I bought my late 2002 S500 and it runs like a freaking top. It was well taken care of here in town and had one owner previous to me. I have an expert German mechanic, so I don't have to go to the Benz dealer. I get wholesale parts pricing as well. The odo rolled 70k mi and all is well. My mechanic greenlighted the car before I bought it for $23,000. I added AMG 18s and new Toyo T1-Rs. Car looks awesome and I love it. Apart from the leading edge of the hood being a bit sandblasted, car looks really well kept. I'll most likely repaint the hood in the future. I could drive this car for a while.

I'd say go for it. Look for one that's had all the repairs done already and find a good mechanic from a dealership who moonlights. Those aftermarket warranties can be a waste.

JRAMGV8

I saw one at the Oakland Dealership online, 2004 S500, 31,508 miles, Black Interior/Charcoal Seats w/ Bi-Xenon Lights, Trim Package, Comfort Package w/AMG Sports pkg $49,495. I am heading to the dealership tomorrow to check it out. I am leaning towards the E-Class Bluetech too but the S Class always gives me second thoughts. Its just the size, appearance what gets into me. Its a great car....