Looking to Buy used W221 (S500)
 

I am first time MB buyer, would you recommend buying a used W221 for $15K with 89k mi? appreciate your inputs. Thanks.

I personally wouldn't but if you mean prefacelift 2007-08MY and you have the money stashed for repairs I would say hey balls in your court. Have you thought about an E-Class?

like the occifer said........no, but if you're made of money or have a aftermarket warranty with it then perhaps........

Like the rest of the replies, if you have a few grand (yes, I mean thousands of dollars) stashed away for yearly repairs or can get an aftermarket warranty go for it. You didn't say which model year, but I'd recommend getting a 2009 and onward to avoid potential major issues with the 7G transmission and engine balance shaft issue.

No.

Thanks very much for the replies, it's a 2006 S500, but I don't have $$$ stashed so based on most of your comments, I am walking away. Yes I am searching for E but just came across this S. I wanted to stay within $15k so hard to find any 2009 above E. would a lower miles (70-80k) on E 2007 2008 would be good to consider or there are just significant improvement in W212 chasis? Thanks again!

I would never consider a W212 E-class. Too ugly and cheap feeling to wear the Benz badge IMO. The W211 is heads and tails better, and a low mileage car can be purchased pretty cheap.

That S is a pretty low mileage car. If it has a full set of service records and the car has been well cared for from the beginning, it might not be a bad purchase. Just be sure to have money stashed aside for any repairs that might come up. The trans and Airmatic are the systems that experience the most failures and the costliest repair bills. If the service history shows that those items have been repaired or replaced recently, then you might not run into any issues with those systems over the next few years.

That said, it's always best to own one of these cars with warranty coverage.

But Dave that's you for some people an E is more economical. It's like a person looking for a Honda but can't really afford an Accord and you say that the new civic is trash. Every has their own budget.

I'd grab that Accord before I'd ever consider the W212 E-class. I'd probably take the new Civic too over the W212.

Yes, the new Civic is a real head turner. I'm really impressed with what Honda did for what is supposed to be an 'economy' car.

I bought a 99 Civic with 90k miles in 2010 for my oldest kid to learn to drive. Then he handed it down to my middle kid and he drove it thru high school. Then I gave it to my mom a couple of years ago. Still going strong. Everything on it still works. Unbelievable build quality and reliability on those things.

Yes I agree The Accord is great especially the sport and the coupe. The new civic is a good look but I think the point I was making was missed.

I think if the OP wants luxury and not many repairs then he should go with a Lexus. The W212 is FUGLY. I would never purchase one of those. 14+ looks very nice, especially the AMG.

Honda is okay, I do not like the lack of options while configuring, you get one interior color, no trim option etc.........but there is an option list for a ton of plastic products to adorn your car with, I'm planning on trading my W222 for an Accord when the time comes :)

A well maintained w221 with 89k is less riskier than a w221 40k with horrible maintenance record.

I disagree....all iterations of the W212 are FUGLY! Thankfully the all new model will be out soon to rescue the E badge from certain extinction.

I drive a 98 VW wgn with 101kmi I love the steering feel and the solid drive, which I miss in my wife's 2008 Honda CRV (so I suspect Accord and Lexus at least E series). So I started looking for MB before Lexus. My definition of reliability is not being 'stranded' rather less shop visits. I have had decent shop visits with VW as well. I accidentally posted my first post in W211 forum and got some good response there but in general, my heart wants MB, my brains says Lexus. Thanks for all your responses, I am getting inclined to W211, also fits by budget. I inquired in my other post, where could I find a source of services that 'should' be performed and when and look out for what wear on what part and when, to aid used W211 buying.

The maintenance record and the cosmetic condition is irrelevant really. There is no maintenance schedule for the AirMatic, the cam magnet sensors, the electronics or most of the high ticket repair items that creep up as the miles pile up. Obviously you want a properly maintained car but I'd go lower mileage every time. They may have missed an oil change or a brake flush or a 40k tranny service but those components are pretty forgiving. It's the other stuff that gets ya.