brianw430

This has probably been discussed to death, but allow me to pose a scenario:

05 S600 with 42,000 miles

or

03 S600 with 25,000 miles

Both equally equipped, both acceptable colors, condition and similar Autocheck scores (doesn't mean much), basically the same. I always felt the newest model with the least amount of miles possible, but the 03 is in really good condition.

rondocap, thanks for the heads up, I'll check out the thread in the AMg forum!

rondocap

What are the prices on those two? The newer car with lower mileage is always better...but if the difference in years/miles isn't that great and the price is lower on the older car, that can make a difference too.

brianw430

Sorry, that would help wouldn't it!?!? They are basically the same price...the asking price is as follows:

03 S600 25,000miles = $29,900

05 S600 42,000miles = $28,900

My only concern with the 03, is some of the inherent "flaws" may be more likely to still be present. As opposed to the 05 where some of those items may be engineered out of the car over the subsequent two years. Does this seem logical?

rondocap, I had read that thread in the AMG forum, but there are some recent additions. Seems to be pretty standard replies coming from the AMG forum...good stuff!

Fraser

At those prices there's no doubt I'd go with the '05 one. The newer the W220 you can get the better. Not only because it is a obviously a newer car but because the reliability sharpened up in the latter years, as you point out.

Excellent price for the '05!

brianw430

Here's another scenario:

05 S55 with 46,500miles = $33,990

equally equipped as the S600, rear seat package, keyless go, rear side window curtains, burl walnut, electric trunk closure

05 S600 with 42,000miles = $28,900

Both are 1 owner cars. Both cost the same for a four year Chrysler warranty, whatever the best warranty is called. These are not located at the same dealer, so driving them both will be hard, so it may be simply driving an example of both, then deciding, then buying.

Thanks for the input!

tusabes

Using just those stats, I would go with the 05 s600 as well.

Even if it only had the factory 4yr 50k mile warranty, that car was under warranty all the way through last year, so any defect was likely fixed under warranty.

the 2003 may have been out of warranty since 2007 (if the prior owners didnt have an extended warranty) . Not only was that the first year of the twinturbo engine, its more likely some issues may not have been addressed if it hasnt been under warranty the past 3 years

rondocap

Price wise that 05 S600 definitely wins...but the only caveat here is that it's a "repo". It could be fine and you'd be getting a great car, but definitely check it out further before you commit to it so you can make sure there are no problems.

poptopclk

Go to the dealer ask for the VMI or Vehicle Master Inquiry

It tells all from mile one

brianw430

Absolutely, I always pull the VMI prior to buying any MB! Point well taken!

sloanben

As they say, nothing is more expensive than cheap Mercedes. Even a good S600 is going to run you $20,000 per year, total cost of ownership. What's the point of trying to save a few grand up front by buying a dodgy one which may not have been maintained well? Even with a warranty (more $$) you're looking at headaches dragging the car to the dealer all the time for service...

B.