I am considering joining the benz world. I am currently looking at a 01 s430 it has 146000 miles asking price is 4600. Is it worth that? Also is it a good choice for a reliable car? If not what models and years can you suggest. Thanks for your help

 

Hard to find anything truly reliable for $4600.

For this particular car, it depends on how well it was cared for. If you have service records all the way to new, it might be a good buy...but only if you can do the work it will need in the future.

The S class is a wonderful car...but it is very complex, and service gets very expensive. The engine and transmission will be reliable (if the connector plug has been changed in the transmission and the fluids in both have been changed regularly) but the suspension and electrics will need looking after. Especially the Airmatic system on this one.

If you've got a few grand you can spare to sort through everything, and you're turning wrenches, it can be a reasonable deal. It is certainly a great car: smooth, powerful, luxurious with excellent handling. But it's going to require a lot more care in the form of money and time than a $4600 Toyota...

So, what's it got for service records? How good are you at working on cars? What's the rest of your budget like?

Now, if you're considering a 1991 300E, that could be a better fit for your situation. Simpler to service. Less complex. The M103 engine is a smooth performer, but the car is nowhere near the luxury and power of an S class...

 

+1

 

Most likely no. Better to get a Japanese car until you can afford a lower mileage 'Cedes.

 

I am pretty good with a wrench. I would get a cheap japanese car exept i already have one and am selling it to someone in need of a car. I bought it for $600 put a trans in it and a couple other thing and it has been a great car but its boring. I want something german now something with a little class. Maybe an s430 is not the best starter possibly a c230 or something like that. I guess my real question should have been. Is this one of those bulletproof mercedes engines. I could care less if I had to replace suspension or any other misc. parts. I have a new car that will be there for any down time. Thanks for the input so far. And again maybe suggest a solid model if any come to mind.

 

The solid Mercedes are pre-1990s. the W220 is definitely not bulletproof(specifically the tranny). Repairs are costly, but if motor/tranny/suspension are good and you don't care to have the electronic gizmos repaired on time then it may be something you can swing. But, you would have to have a large budget for repairs. Otherwise you wont be able to drive, which wouldn't be good.

 

Thats not true at all. The W220 face lift. (2003-2006) engine and trans are basically bulletproof. They drive like no other and I can always depend on it. I would drive mine across country if I had the time, in the current sate that its in. and I have over a 100k on mine. 146k for most cars would scare me, for the w220 thats light work. But if you can try to get one that's fresh into the 100k mile range. Also go for an 03 or better.

 

The 2000-2002 engine and tranny is just as bulletproof

It's the electronics and suspension that's the nightmare on these cars

 

I agree. They have lots of features, meaning lots of things that need to keep working. But if you're handy (and it sounds like you are) then they're not a drama. They ride beautifully, have plenty of go and good economy considering the size. And forums will save your sanity!


I would really try to get one that has been looked after for the majority of its life. They're easy to stay on top of, maintenance wise, but I would say un-economic to bring back a neglected one, unless it's a sentimental love affair! Buy the model you really want, rather than just one that is simpler to maintain.


cheers

 

We are really talking about a gamble here. Let me give an example...

Assume that you found a beautiful 2003 S500 that was really cheap and perfect in any way - except that the transmission was shot. You buy it, and being armed with some knowledge, you open the right SAM and pull out the transmission module. You pop it open and find it filled with ATF. You start spraying it and the end of its wire harness with brake cleaner and blowing them off with compressed air. Thirty minutes later, you reinstall the module and go for a test drive. The transmission is now perfect. You buy a $15 wiring adapter for a Sprinter from your local Dodge dealer and install it, thus curing the initial problem that cause the transmission "failure". Total parts and materials cost - $20. Total labor - two hours. Jackpot!

Or - the module cleaning doesn't work. You buy a used transmission - I have seen them for sale for $200 locally, and the pull-a-part transmissions are usually about $150, if you can find one. You swap transmissions, and fix the car. Parts and materials cost - $300. Labor - twenty hours. Not a lottery win, but a win...

First key is the ability and willingness to learn about the car, and then to do your own work. Having someplace to work is the second key. If you decide to do this, I would suggest that buying a Dell 630 and a C3 system is the third key.

 

My mechanic charged me $300 to install a used transmission so I'm
Guessing it took him three hours or less

If you can't diy find a good independent mechanic