CalBears92

2000 S430 with 8000 miles. Owner in town 2x a year for 2 weeks at a time. Black. Only option I see is the 18" Brabus Monoblock V. One ding, one fist sized deep scratches. One oil change done 1-2 years ago. Bought in 1999.

Also, I am concerned with the reliability of these cars. My other option is to look at the 2001 LS430 instead. Inputs from this board is greatly appreciated. I fully understand you most likely prefer your S-Class compared to the LS430. I prefer the S-Class myself, but the car is for my parents and they MAY disown me if I put them in a car that drained their wallet in maintenance/repair.

Asking price so far is $40-42k.

Jaeger

That is a very good price, and an extended warranty can be had for ~$2500 from 1Source Warranty. But they will definitely have more problems with the M-B than an LS430. If you want to cover yourself, and your parents are agnostic between the two brands, I hate to say it but the Lexus is a better bet. If they are the type who wouldn't be caught dead in a heavily optioned Toyota Avalon, then you should get the Benz.

Go Bears!

CalBears92

This purchase would be to replace a 92 LS400. My Dad likes the latest LS. I'm trying to steer him away to a Benz. If I had $40k I don't feel guilty spending, I would have gotten this for my wife. But then again, she's so low key, she may not drive it at all.

apricotscrub

great deal for 40-42K, should be around 46-50K for that car with the miles

ajayz

its been 3 years and only 8000 miles? dang

Jaeger

Actually, it's been nearly 4 years (1999 car). That can occasionally be a red flag for a major accident that took the car out of commission for awhile. Or it may just be someone who drives under 200 miles per month. You could take a cab for your 200 miles/month cheaper than the depreciation on an S-Class.

kiddhan625

I bought a 2002 S-430 and I have had some problems with it. Honestly, a S-Class is only worth it if you have the warranty on it. I have had to take the car in several times for stupid repairs and thank god it has been covered under warranty. Just an example. The brakes would make serious noise. To fix this Mercedes replaced the braking system that costed about $1800.00. But I didnt pay for it since it was covered under warranty. So if you do buy the car make sure you buy the warranty.

DrewSclass

I own a lexus GS430 which has the same engine as the LS430 and a 2000 S430.

The 2000 S-class is the first year of the W220 body style and is plagued with problems. Since I am still under full warranty I am constantly getting things fixed by the benz dealer.

As for my GS430, never had any problems....I abuse that car big time and the car still keeps on going strong. No electrical or mechanical issues. The ride is also a bit more comfy than the benz.
Also, remember that the LS430 will whooop the S430 in acceleration time.

But, the benz looks a hell of a lot better than the LS.
Its kinda of like dating a high maintenance hot looking chick. You are proud to have her.....but you know there will be issues down the road

apricotscrub

drew, you couldnt have it put it any better man... that's exactly how it is.

whats worse your london chick or the s-class

DrewSclass

Apricot nice meeting up with you at the lexus meet. My hot london chick is not high maintenance at all...thank god. If she were I would have to trade her in for something new .....LOL

In defense of the benz....stock for stock the benz handles better than the GS430 or LS430. But keep in mind that you can easily change out the suspension on these cars. My GS has coilovers and the full suspension upgrades by TRD and TOMS. Total cost is about 2K to do all this. Well worth it IMHO

Good luck...let us know what your dad ends up getting.

Oh, the NAV in the BENZ stinks when compared to the LEXUS.

apricotscrub

drew, you got her to come to america, how long did u know her for, she's a fun person.

ps,
i sensed some jealousy when mr.c230 was chattin with her at the gas station... lol

coloradosclass

Hey CalBears92 were you ball at? I'm with DB right now. Any way that is one hell of a good price. Get the warranty and pops will feel better and they will love the car you can't compare a Toyota with the M. Benz it's impossible. Higher ratings across the board and it looks 125% better than that avalon looking thing. Keep in mind when servicing the benz you get to drive around a Brand New demo Benz ( ML, S, SL E's ) so it's not so bad while the 430 is down. It's not as bad as it looks Forum 5% of Benz owners putting up 100% of the stats. So you do the math it all adds up toward the M. Benz

JH #79