johnnyaniano

Hey guys i am entertaining the idea of purchasing a 2004 s430 4matic with 30k miles and was wondering if you guys could share your thoughts on this particular one that im buying and if you think its a good buy.......any input will be greatly appreciated.....Much Thanks!


http://www.mercedesbenzofnovi.com/us...ng83j64a407890

ttaylor993

My first question would be why so few miles. Sometimes, that's because they have had so many issues with the car that they can't keep t on the road; or it could be that it was only used as a Sunday Driver. Since these models are know have suspension issues, I'd want to know what kind of work has been done, or is needed on the ABC system. I'd want to see the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry). This will show all warranty and non-warranty work performed by any authorized repairman. Since it's being sold by a dealer you should have no problem getting it. I'd also want a comprehensive STAR Diag readout, if possible. These items should highlight any significant issues with the car.

tusabes

There is no abc on this car

It's airmatic
All 4matic cars are airmatic

Regardless of what work had Been done in the past the air suspension is ten years old and rubber bladders leak at such age so be prepared for needing airmatic work sooner or later , it's an age repair rather than mileage

Many mb have low mileage if they were an extra car or kept at a second home

Get a vmi and star diagnostics as part of prepurchase inspection

Quadcammer

pretty stripped down car.

Looks in nice shape if you can deal with the lack of options.

ibeforreal

I agree with Quadcammer and Tusabes. However, in the future be prepared to replace the gear shift and a CPS or two. With only 30k miles you probably have a while before any of that stuff happens.

legatolimo

More basic the better and less headache repairing electronics.

Quadcammer

Well to some degree, thats true, but isn't part of the point of a luxury car?

Things like keyless go, distronic, cooled seats, rear seat package, dynamic seats, etc are part of why the s-class is so great.

If we only wanted a smooth and quiet ride, we'd all be driving w126s.

I really enjoy the technology in my car and for the most part it, repairing it is worth it.

legatolimo

You have a point of course. Most people don't realize the consequences of having all that luxury and are blown away when the repair bill arrives. Lol.

mcguirja

So you are paying a lot for a very basic model because of the low miles. Problem with many repairs on these vehicles as highlighted above isn't mileage related, but age related. My 2004 has 110,000 miles and still looks and drives like new, but I'm starting to experience the "age" related signs highlighted in the posts above. If this car was local to me and I was in the market, I'd buy it, but not for $16k. Right now I'd get about $5k if I traded in my S430 and they would probably resell for about $8k if lucky. Could be my local market though.

James

legatolimo

Location definitely matters. California vehicles are much more resistant to depreciation. Also, condition in details.