Considering a high mileage Mercedes S550 that was a corporate car for a dealership
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
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s550
Considering a high mileage Mercedes S550 that was a corporate car for a dealership
Hi everyone - I am looking into a used S550 for occasional weekend driving / errands and have come across an 2007 S550 that was a corporate car for a dealer in TX. It was sold at auction to another dealer, where it is for sale right now. The price is around 9K for ~150K miles, which I know, is probably not a great idea but after reviewing the Carfax, maintenance appears to be spot-on and I'm assuming that it, being a Corporate car, may possibly make it be well-maintained? Although my gut would tell me any corporate car is likely to be beat on.
The VIN lookup has showed this does not have the engine code for the problematic engine drive shaft issues of the early 2007 models, so this makes the car feel attractive. Honestly, this is more of a weekend toy than a necessary mode of transportation, so I feel this could possibly work.
I'm not located near the dealer that has this vehicle and I am planning on a PPI to take place in a week or so but wanted the opinions of those on this sub. Should I run away or could it be worthwhile to look into this more?
The VIN lookup has showed this does not have the engine code for the problematic engine drive shaft issues of the early 2007 models, so this makes the car feel attractive. Honestly, this is more of a weekend toy than a necessary mode of transportation, so I feel this could possibly work.
I'm not located near the dealer that has this vehicle and I am planning on a PPI to take place in a week or so but wanted the opinions of those on this sub. Should I run away or could it be worthwhile to look into this more?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,671
Likes: 4,574
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
A 14 year old high mileage complex German car should be viewed with caution.
You are not near the selling dealer, correct? Greater level of caution required. It’s not unusual that these cars don’t age well.
Maintenance might be well documented, or it might not be. Caution.
Is there another car for $9k that will serve your needs? Is a 14 year old high mileage S-Class your bucket list car?
You are not near the selling dealer, correct? Greater level of caution required. It’s not unusual that these cars don’t age well.
Maintenance might be well documented, or it might not be. Caution.
Is there another car for $9k that will serve your needs? Is a 14 year old high mileage S-Class your bucket list car?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 857
Likes: 501
From: Washington, DC
2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
If, and only if, you have $9K for the purchase and also an additional $5K to pay for probable repairs; then go for it. If you don't really have the extra $5K, run away.
I love my S600 but it is expensive to maintain.
I love my S600 but it is expensive to maintain.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 713
Likes: 214
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
If you can fix your own car and have a star diagnostic system and you can get the price down to $6K, that would be a good deal provided the car is in excellent condition with all of the options you want. I bought a 2007 4 years ago with 184K miles for $10K and still have it.
Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
And I'll say this... Never... EVER believe a single word you hear about who previously owned a car, or what it was used for. You know, every single beat up POS on your local used car lot was owned by a little old lady who only used it for highway trips to see her grandkids, right?
If it was owned and used by a dealership, then my guess would be it was used as a loaner, parts runner, or whatever. It most certainly was not the boss' pampered pride and joy. Not a 2007. So it's just a 15 year old car (not 14; it was likely built in 2006 and certainly more than 14 years ago) with high mileage and not a stellar reputation for graceful, trouble-free aging. @vettebk is correct, buy it only if you are OK with spending at least another $5K on repairs during your first year as you figure out what was neglected and/or worn out by previous owners.
If it was owned and used by a dealership, then my guess would be it was used as a loaner, parts runner, or whatever. It most certainly was not the boss' pampered pride and joy. Not a 2007. So it's just a 15 year old car (not 14; it was likely built in 2006 and certainly more than 14 years ago) with high mileage and not a stellar reputation for graceful, trouble-free aging. @vettebk is correct, buy it only if you are OK with spending at least another $5K on repairs during your first year as you figure out what was neglected and/or worn out by previous owners.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Let me add to the discussion from a different point of view. Life is too short and precious to deny oneself the little pleasures in life. Like those that driving an sclass can bring. So if OP wants it then he should.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 671
Likes: 288
From: Omaha, NE
2007 S600
@MBCO is correct, and I didn't mean for my post to sound negative. The cars are wonderful, just don't expect a cheap ownership experience, and certainly don't expect this (or ANY) used car to live up to its billing from the person trying to sell it to you. Eyes wide open... it doesn't matter if it's a 2007 S-class, a '62 VW, a 2015 Toyota, or a two year old Porsche. Unless you're buying it from a very close friend or relative, you have no idea where it's been or how it's been driven and maintained. Caveat emptor. Get a pre-purchase inspection, and certainly (obviously) not by the selling dealer or previous owner. Even with that, be prepared for the next thing or three that's going to break.
The reward will be in the driving of it. Just don't think of it as a $9K car, think of it as a $20K car that you get to pay for in installments of unknown size and timing.
The reward will be in the driving of it. Just don't think of it as a $9K car, think of it as a $20K car that you get to pay for in installments of unknown size and timing.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 713
Likes: 214
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
Let me add to the discussion from a different point of view. Life is too short and precious to deny oneself the little pleasures in life. Like those that driving an sclass can bring. So if OP wants it then he should.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
s550
Let me add to the discussion from a different point of view. Life is too short and precious to deny oneself the little pleasures in life. Like those that driving an sclass can bring. So if OP wants it then he should.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Getting a PPI hopefully at another dealer will give him the baseline. Be sure it includes the VMI (inventories of all parts replaced on the car and date and mileage). These cars like new parts so be prepared for it. On my 2012 W221 I spent 1500 on motor and transmission mounts, 1000 on control arms in 2 years 14,000 miles. Replaced 2 speed sensors diy. This expenditure is on a 1 owner dealer maintained car, I have the records and VMI.
You will need to maintain the fluids and filters as prescribed in the owners manual. If maintenance is proper, there is no reason 250k plus can be achieved without engine and transmission replacement. These bodies and interiors are high quality and last.
Good luck and keep us posted.
@MBCO is correct, and I didn't mean for my post to sound negative. The cars are wonderful, just don't expect a cheap ownership experience, and certainly don't expect this (or ANY) used car to live up to its billing from the person trying to sell it to you. Eyes wide open... it doesn't matter if it's a 2007 S-class, a '62 VW, a 2015 Toyota, or a two year old Porsche. Unless you're buying it from a very close friend or relative, you have no idea where it's been or how it's been driven and maintained. Caveat emptor. Get a pre-purchase inspection, and certainly (obviously) not by the selling dealer or previous owner. Even with that, be prepared for the next thing or three that's going to break.
The reward will be in the driving of it. Just don't think of it as a $9K car, think of it as a $20K car that you get to pay for in installments of unknown size and timing.
The reward will be in the driving of it. Just don't think of it as a $9K car, think of it as a $20K car that you get to pay for in installments of unknown size and timing.
It's not a primary mode of transportation and is just for something fun, so I thought this particular car could be interesting. I think I'll move forward with the PPI to see what they uncover.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 713
Likes: 214
From: Brooklyn, NY
2007 S550 4Matic 2013 S550 Base
Hey folks -- really appreciate the input and perspectives here. The S550 is a nod to a stepfather who I no longer can see or communicate with because he got me into cars and really loved the S class. This is what's driving my desire to at least experience something like this. I don't see myself owning this for a very long time but just want to know what its like and I do appreciate the perspective of being prepared for another 5K in repairs in the year of ownership. That's to be expected and makes sense as a "long-term" cost of ownership with repair installments.
It's not a primary mode of transportation and is just for something fun, so I thought this particular car could be interesting. I think I'll move forward with the PPI to see what they uncover.
It's not a primary mode of transportation and is just for something fun, so I thought this particular car could be interesting. I think I'll move forward with the PPI to see what they uncover.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Hey folks -- really appreciate the input and perspectives here. The S550 is a nod to a stepfather who I no longer can see or communicate with because he got me into cars and really loved the S class. This is what's driving my desire to at least experience something like this. I don't see myself owning this for a very long time but just want to know what its like and I do appreciate the perspective of being prepared for another 5K in repairs in the year of ownership. That's to be expected and makes sense as a "long-term" cost of ownership with repair installments.
It's not a primary mode of transportation and is just for something fun, so I thought this particular car could be interesting. I think I'll move forward with the PPI to see what they uncover.
It's not a primary mode of transportation and is just for something fun, so I thought this particular car could be interesting. I think I'll move forward with the PPI to see what they uncover.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 43
Likes: 16
From: The Hague. the Netherlands
'03 s350
Did I miss a memo or something on the 550? An s with 150k miles is high mileage and should not even be considered? I would definitely go check it out and do a good ppi with star read out. Then again I would always go check out at least 4 or 5 cars of the same model and never get the first one you see.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 520
Likes: 203
From: Scottsdale AZ
2015 SL550 & 2012 S550 4matic
Agree with all posts here. Definitely look around. Plenty of W221 with that mileage around. Make sure you love the colors and equipment and options. Many times a very well appointed with options comes around and non MB dealers don't know the difference . I got lucky and found a designo paint and interior with bang and olufsen sound among other goodies that msrp total 130k. 98k was base price w221 in 2012. GM dealer priced very close to the base model so my good fortune.
have you run your vin at lastvin.com it will give you the build sheet on the car.
ps. Easy Phil tip of the mechanic hat to you on the motor mounts replace on the street. Hopefully the weather cooperated.
have you run your vin at lastvin.com it will give you the build sheet on the car.
ps. Easy Phil tip of the mechanic hat to you on the motor mounts replace on the street. Hopefully the weather cooperated.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 12
Likes: 7
2010 S450
Hi everyone - I am looking into a used S550 for occasional weekend driving / errands and have come across an 2007 S550 that was a corporate car for a dealer in TX. It was sold at auction to another dealer, where it is for sale right now. The price is around 9K for ~150K miles, which I know, is probably not a great idea but after reviewing the Carfax, maintenance appears to be spot-on and I'm assuming that it, being a Corporate car, may possibly make it be well-maintained? Although my gut would tell me any corporate car is likely to be beat on.
The VIN lookup has showed this does not have the engine code for the problematic engine drive shaft issues of the early 2007 models, so this makes the car feel attractive. Honestly, this is more of a weekend toy than a necessary mode of transportation, so I feel this could possibly work.
I'm not located near the dealer that has this vehicle and I am planning on a PPI to take place in a week or so but wanted the opinions of those on this sub. Should I run away or could it be worthwhile to look into this more?
The VIN lookup has showed this does not have the engine code for the problematic engine drive shaft issues of the early 2007 models, so this makes the car feel attractive. Honestly, this is more of a weekend toy than a necessary mode of transportation, so I feel this could possibly work.
I'm not located near the dealer that has this vehicle and I am planning on a PPI to take place in a week or so but wanted the opinions of those on this sub. Should I run away or could it be worthwhile to look into this more?
An example of this with my car would be when I had to change the power steering harness due to some serious issues I had. All in all took me about 2 days to take apart my interior as the harness goes from the front right corner of the car, through the interior, and out to the front SAM. I'd imagine dealer would charge me at least 1000$ for the labour not to mention diagnostics, while the part only cost 120$. And I do drive a 2010 S450 (canadian model) with high mileage. All the current problems in my car are all electrical.
