S600Andy

I should be asking someone to talk me out of this purchase...2003 s600...BEGGING, please someone stop me!...But honestly, not gonna happen...I found one...It's really pretty...plus I've got a binder of 20k in receipts for ABC, coil packs, etc, etc...120k on the odometer...1k in transportation costs away...and a 12.5k sticker price...All the receipts are documented new oem parts...and so here it goes. My neighbor just bought a Honda and I'm gonna buy what?!...crossing my fingers on a clean PPI happening sometime today and it should be mine...ANYONE can tell you that buying a s600 isn't a very rational decision..the correct term might be 'Stupid', I tried to explain my purchase to the HOH and well it really sounds silly..the rationale isn't sensible. Explaining this purchase?!....Honestly I couldn't tell you the last time I got in a MB...I just wanted to get this on record, maybe keep the post going to document this experience...big thanks to this board, as it has been a huge factor in my ULTIMATE decision to buy one of these cars...can't wait to feel the torque...community man, community...

ibeforreal

Did you read through this thread? https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...2003-s600.html

Good luck with your purchase..

Fraser

Provenance is everything. If your car has been well maintained with service records to boot you may well be fine.

I've had my daily driver S600 for not far off 4yrs (and 26,000 miles) and in that time things that are outside of regular maintenance (tyres, brakes etc.) have cost probably $4000. The vast majority of that being a replacement ABC pump. All covered by my warranty which is nice but if reasonably well cared for these vehicles aren't guaranteed money pits. I do realise I'm more fortunate than some!

Also whilst getting a PPI is certainly recommended if it's anything like the one I had for the warranty it's going to be difficult to 100% ascertain the state of everything on the car. For $170 at a MB dealer how stringently do you think they're really checking all that's going on?

vmystikilv

Congrats , enjoy, it will def be awesome

PS , POST PICS

S600Andy

How is this for a spread eagle shot of the ABC, not even sure what I'm looking at here, is this the resevoir?..this car has had the pump, both blocks and all hoses replaced in the last twenty thousand miles...Is the madness over?...a little bleeding on the hoses..but what the shlit do I know...Honestly, two weeks ago I knew NOTHING...abt a s600...Check out the headlight sockets...do they look just a little askew..that's what my gut was saying, but maybe it was the angle, the carfax is clean, and I've seen other s600 with similar uncentered-nessness...<- I made this word up....My wife thinks I'm nuts...and I am really sick about this...I R&M budget, but I'm wicked cheap and currently drive a fzj80 that takes nothing from me but oil and gas money...I also have a miata with a v8 that gives me plenty of speed...I just won't be happy if this car kicks me for five grand right off the bat...

shardul

iTrader: (1)

relax... the ABC system will always have some fluid residue.
But on the other hand last year I bought a S600 with the same mileage and you and all I can say it is fun to drive but be ready to spend money on it. shardul01@gmail.com email me with questions.

Welwynnick

Don't panic, keep calm, you've come to the right place to get the right support. You WILL need it , but you won't regret buying it. We'll get you through it and keep you smiling the biggest smiles...

How do you fancy the feeling of wafting through the countryside in a car with such long legs that it strides way above everybody else? Think of the walking trees in Lord of the Rings.

Nick

kraut56

Why don't you enjoy it first, and then give us your troubles (if any).

As you know by now, have some extra cash in your pocket.

But yes- it's a thrill to drive.

She's like a beautiful mistress on an expensive cocaine habit!

S600Andy

I really think this was the right purchase...forty something closet hot rodder with three kids and some disposable income...SAFE, fast + luxurious and with strong enthusiast presence to boot...what's the worst that can happen...ha ha time will tell!

NAV3

Couldnt Agree more!

haoz129

Sorry, it is not.

You need to be serious on this purchase. Your neighbor bought a Honda and he sleep well, you may not.

The pic posted is steering reservoir, which proves you don't know much about S600.
If you are hurry in the deal then you are in a dangerous position, sorry, but it could be an expensive experiment on a 11 years old fancy toy.

Slow down and make sure you know the history and the current condition of the car, e.g. why the owner is selling.
Many parts replaced doesn't change it is a high maintenance car, on the other hand it may shows how frustrated the previous owner is after spending so much.

Most important, if you don't work on car, don't buy it until you get a decent warranty. If you DIY, enjoy it.

Good luck.

Howard

S600Andy

Howard...Good advice! for my Honda driving neighbor...Keep in mind the car is going through a PPI, and while it might be impossible to determine exactly why the PO is selling, I did ask anyway. He wants a E class diesel...Good for him! I can tell you this...Buying one of these cars is an adventure...Every PO with All their stories...Everyone is hiding something! I did my due diligence, read the tea leaves of the car fax and made sure I bought something that had documented fixes! I called my local benz shop, and an independent that was highly recommended what his overall thoughts were. This is a RISK...I've talked to people who talked to people who say that you should budget three hundred dollars per month on a car this age! That's the outer bounds of my budget. I could have spent more for a lower mileage car, but it seems obvious that buying a car without the ABC and ignition wouldn't be wise...All I can do is what I've done. You don't wait for all the lights to go green before you pull your car out of the garage...

Howard, thanks for pushing on me a bit...I'm going to post as the weeks / months go buy...Maybe there are other people out there, like me, who don't know everything about this car, and who might have a bit a of a mechanical DIY background who decides to take a gamble on one of these cars. Hey, if this is a good experience for me, and I do share that, maybe that would help to raise the resale on these cars!!!

ha ha...Have a good weekend everybody!!!

Quadcammer

well, its a lot of car for $13k. Even if you put $7k in repairs into the car, then you'll have a heck of a nice car for $20k.

That said, the frustration of what can seem to be endless repairs and, if you can't repair yourself, a lot of time in the shop, can lead you to question your purchase decision very quickly.

For instance, one leaking ABC shock and you'll be out probably $1200, even using a cheaper Arnott replacement.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

unfortunately not many companies will sell a warranty for a 10 year old car with 100k plus miles, especially if it is v12TT.

I hate to say this to the OP but you are going to be in for a rude awakening. Don't get me wrong I love my car.

S600Andy

The combination and permutations are endless...The hedge against the downside in life is generally more knowledge, the knowledge in your brain, and that knowledge you can easily access. That's where this board comes in...Ultimately, a branch on every decision tree can lead to the Honda, or a very related, 'do nothing approach'...Some people drive a Honda, some drive...way off topic...sorry.

Welwynnick

Compulsory reading!

haoz129

I couldn't be more agree with you.

If you are willing to learn and not afraid of getting dirty, buy it and work it out. Bumpy road ahead, but rewardable.
At least you have another car if the S600 is in operation.

Good luck.

Howard

haoz129

S600Andy

In reading some of Howard's posts...I came across this gem of a quote from one of his epic threads. It's a response to a post to a member who was contemplating a step up to a the s600 from a c class...

"S600 is so well designed, tuned, refined and manufactured.
It is the best blend of safety, comfort, luxury, performance and sport.
By thinking further, I'd like to add a few more words to describe this car: quality, reliable, technology and style."

S600Andy

So a few questions...The dvd? What dvd...Did I miss something?

Also, the access to free MB parts...what's the back story there?

S600Andy

prov·e·nance
ˈprävənəns/
noun
noun: provenance
1.
the place of origin or earliest known history of something.
"an orange rug of Iranian provenance"
synonyms:origin, source, place of origin; More
I had to look it up...thanks bunches...great word & advice..