To the OP, I think the assessment below is spot on. You are paying a premium for the low miles. This wouldn't be my choice. You can get better spec'd cars with more miles and save a lot of $$$. At this pricepoint, I would even consider an S63 or the V12's. However, I think you should take advantage of Carvana's return policy and try it out for a baseline.
Quote:
Originally Posted by S_W222
At that price point, I think you can find better optioned cars. It’s low mileage, but the seats and overall condition look (normal) and not (brand-new) as you’d expect for 9K miles. Nothing excites me in that car other than the nice history (maybe that’s all you care about). Good buy but wouldn’t be my choice. In 2025, you can get a really VERY well equipped W222 facelift even for lower than that price point if you are okay with ~20K miles range. You are paying premium for anything below 15K miles.
My kids had no problem with the rear seats and no recline. In my 580 with the reclining seats nobody ever adjusts them anyways.
In any event if my kids are complaining about no reclining rear seats I gotta toughen them up lol. The 23 Pacifica lost the heated rear seats our 2020 Pacifica had which they did complain about, now they know when they grow up and buy their own **** they can have all the luxury they want!
That's an old chestnut that needs to die. It's not true in all cases, and let's face it - miles are miles.
A retired owner may not put more than a few thousand per year on a car. I know I don't on several of mine. Yet they get regular use and exceptional maintenance.
Give me a low mile car ANY day.
I certainly agree. My 2019 SL450 with 4,500 miles, all lovingly clocked my yours truly:
I certainly agree. My 2019 SL450 with 4,500 miles, all lovingly clocked my yours truly:
Photos during last service:
Just look at this… attention to detail, metal clamps, or thick, or rigid plastics otherwise, it’s aesthetically pleasing even in areas that nobody other than the mechanic would notice.From 2014 to 2019, I refer to this period as Mbenz’s GOLDEN ERA (and it reminds me of the 90s too), when Mbenz truly elevated their game and set exceptionally high standards for a few select models. You sit in some of these selected models, you hear no creaks, no rattles, solid panels, and cabins that you’re proud to pickup business guests in. It’s unfortunate that they took the opposite approach later on, OR perhaps the bar was set way too high that everything has since show a decline in quality for better profits.
I've ridden in the back plenty on trips, so it's important for me. We tested the S560 (without recline) recently and I felt a bit cramped, the LS460L was much more comfortable.
Today I was in an i7 and an iX. The standard i7 has a fantastic rear seat.
It is, and everything you said is spot on. And wow, people are sharing life listens on a simple silly topic, so let me share mine then. Unlike others, I couldn’t care less about (driving people around) or the (occasional rider) as the only excuse for making the case different and spec’ing recliners and nice rear options… that doesn’t move the needle for someone like me. The people I actually care about are my kids, especially the ones out of child seats, because they’re the ones riding with me from time to time, and they are the people I care about for very simple things like these. Letting them enjoy a trip with a recliner or heated seats is a pretty simple way to make those moments better for a family when it’s possible. There are FAR better lessons and values to teach them about life when they ask for too much, far better listens to make sure they grow to a mature man and not being narcissistic instead of just toughening them up if they ask for a comfy or heated seat as am spec’ing my car. When the extra spend is relatively* small for someone’s budget and you’re not choosing between two different options, I would rather enjoy the car to the max and let my family enjoy it too. My wife also loves taking one of the rear seats on long road trips, reclining with massage on and watching a show or movie for 30 minutes or more. Those are the kinds of experiences you don’t really “get” on paper… you have to live them to understand or value them. In the end, again, to each his own. There are multiple ways for someone to enjoy his time or spec his car and budget what he can afford or want in options.
My wife says the rear seats in my car (recline W&C package, but no massage or calf rest) are the best seats in any car she's ever been in, and better than every sofa in the house.
Rear screens on the other hand...ZERO use.
My wife says the rear seats in my car (recline W&C package, but no massage or calf rest) are the best seats in any car she's ever been in, and better than every sofa in the house.
Rear screens on the other hand...ZERO use.
I agree with her, 100% : )
I thought from our discussion that you also had the calf reset though. It’s really cool and relaxing.
Given the ludicrous amount of space in the back of my S63, it would have been nice for the seats to have a little more recline angle. They are very comfortable (so I have been told by family and friends), but they are a little too upright for really long distance travel. Same issue with my old LS460 actually. My LS430 had the Ultra Lux package with the reclining rear seats (and massage, and fridge) and man, were those a treat.
Given the ludicrous amount of space in the back of my S63, it would have been nice for the seats to have a little more recline angle. They are very comfortable (so I have been told by family and friends), but they are a little too upright for really long distance travel. Same issue with my old LS460 actually. My LS430 had the Ultra Lux package with the reclining rear seats (and massage, and fridge) and man, were those a treat.
My LS430, at that time, felt like a timeless car that I can keep for 100 years. The Ultra Lux is great but massage seats weren’t that functional to me.
Wish if I had kept that car. They are selling for CRAZY money on BAT and C&B. The very low mileage are selling for $60K and 50-60K miles and good examples are selling for $30K.
Check last week’s LS340 on BAT. $30K for a 60K miles ones!
My LS430, at that time, felt like a timeless car that I can keep for 100 years. The Ultra Lux is great but massage seats weren’t that functional to me.
Wish if I had kept that car. They are selling for CRAZY money on BAT and C&B. The very low mileage are selling for $60K and 50-60K miles and good examples are selling for $30K.
Check last week’s LS340 on BAT. $30K for a 60K miles ones!
Yes. Even though I am totally enamored with electric drive now, I can honestly say that I truly miss my LS sedans, especially my 1997 LS400. The cars were so relatively simple, yet they did virtually everything perfectly, at least for their time. I can still remember the truly sensational Nakamichi audio system that was just SO simple to use, but produced fabulous sound quality. And the air suspension delivered a great ride as I commuted between L.A. and Orange County back then. The LS’s were perfect commuter cars. Full size, matching spare in the trunk! And the cars were just so affordable. The Lexus service departments—at least back then—would do virtually ANYTHING to please you.
As for massage seats, the units in my 2013 S550 (those who don’t know, the last year of the W221) seemed to be much better than those in any of the W222 or W223 cars I had. The system in my current BMW I7 puts them all to shame. I use it virtually every time I drive the car and it is spectacular. Even my wife, who never cared for the massage in any of my previous cars, loves the system in the BMW.
The LSs were great cars. I never loved our LS430, it was a great solid car but frumpy looking and too much of an MB knockoff. Our 98 LS400 though was beautiful, instantly recognizable for what it was, incredibly high quality. Nothing I have had takes miles like that old LS400. 150k miles on it and it drove like it was brand new. I see nice ones come up for sale from time to time and I am always tempted. If I had a 3 car garage I might get one.
Yes. Even though I am totally enamored with electric drive now, I can honestly say that I truly miss my LS sedans, especially my 1997 LS400. The cars were so relatively simple, yet they did virtually everything perfectly, at least for their time. I can still remember the truly sensational Nakamichi audio system that was just SO simple to use, but produced fabulous sound quality. And the air suspension delivered a great ride as I commuted between L.A. and Orange County back then. The LS’s were perfect commuter cars. Full size, matching spare in the trunk! And the cars were just so affordable. The Lexus service departments—at least back then—would do virtually ANYTHING to please you.
As for massage seats, the units in my 2013 S550 (those who don’t know, the last year of the W221) seemed to be much better than those in any of the W222 or W223 cars I had. The system in my current BMW I7 puts them all to shame. I use it virtually every time I drive the car and it is spectacular. Even my wife, who never cared for the massage in any of my previous cars, loves the system in the BMW.
^^^this.
this was as much a part of the great relationship we had with our 1994 ES 300, as much as the quality and reliability of that vehicle. It took 100,000 miles like it was nothing. And due to our neglect and laziness, we never serviced many things on that car and when the transmission died, the dealer just replaced the trans and a bunch of other components, 50,000 miles out of warranty without any question, apologized (!!!) for our inconvenience (more fairly our stupidity), and they offered us a loaner and lunch and just went out of their way to make us comfortable
Yeah Lexus service changed a lot. Having been a customer of theirs from 1998-2020, Lexus service of the 90s and early 2000s was heads and shoulders better than what I was getting towards the end.
Honestly my experience with Mercedes has been better than it was with Lexus the last 10 years or so. I had my S580 in for a creak from the front structure and they filled it up with gas just to be nice. I was blown away.
Well Steve,
I still service my LS 460 to the Lexus dealership close to me, my S560 is also serviced to one of the two MB dealers close to me ( don't ask ask me why I choose one versus the other ) I'm happy for you that your MB experience is flawless but is not my case, unfortunately !
Well Steve,
I still service my LS 460 to the Lexus dealership close to me, my S560 is also serviced to one of the two MB dealers close to me ( don't ask ask me why I choose one versus the other ) I'm happy for you that your MB experience is flawless but is not my case, unfortunately !
Wouldn't call it "flawless", there are frustrations with MB too. This is so variable from dealer to dealer, dealers are all independent businesses and really that matters more than the manufacturer the dealer represents.
You know what brand I have overall had the best dealer experience with? Chrysler. Seriously, no dealer has ever cared more about solving my issues than my Chrysler dealer.
Well Steve,
I still service my LS 460 to the Lexus dealership close to me, my S560 is also serviced to one of the two MB dealers close to me ( don't ask ask me why I choose one versus the other ) I'm happy for you that your MB experience is flawless but is not my case, unfortunately !
There are 3 large Mbenz dealerships, 15 min from each other, and they are the closest dealers to me. I tried them all. They do the job, but nothing was impressive. They always gave me hard time arguing on whether something is covered under warranty or not, as they refuse to commit to anything until they have run the work order through their system (after the diagnosis is done), even for the most obvious items. My experience with other brands is different (you feel the confidence and they assure you before the work is done at least based on photos or verbal descriptions that something will be covered for sure and they they will help me out). Meanwhile Mbenz dealers want me always to sign papers and disclaimers before the work is done). Even the loaners… I have to sign papers unlike my experience with BMW which seems to be smoother. All Mbenz dealers have limited amount of miles allowed on the loaner. The experience is “fine” but not what I expect from a leading german brand. They strictly follow the rules, but it’s just too much. Lincoln used to come pick up my Navigator Black Label for free from home, service it, and bring it back to me. I sign NOTHING, all through the app. AND, they leave a loaner for me in my driveway.. My local bmw dealer offers the same for free.
MB is annoying about warranty coverage, but so is Lexus. Lexus had become the kings of "its operating as designed". It goes back to how the manufacturer sticks dealers with the cost of repairs if they don't really prove why something is an issue. Chrysler, oddly enough, has been the most accommodating and I have never had to "prove" something is wrong like I have to do with MB and had to do with Lexus towards the end.
Given the ludicrous amount of space in the back of my S63, it would have been nice for the seats to have a little more recline angle. They are very comfortable (so I have been told by family and friends), but they are a little too upright for really long distance travel. Same issue with my old LS460 actually. My LS430 had the Ultra Lux package with the reclining rear seats (and massage, and fridge) and man, were those a treat.
I really don't understand this complaint. If you want to ride like a gangsta, do it in the front seat. The back seats recline to the maximum amount that can so that you are still adequately protected during a front end collision (assuming you care about safety) so that the seatbelts can do their job properly and not harm the occupants. Why do you think plane seats only recline a few inches and that they have to be returned to upright position during takeoff and landing?
There's also this little thing about space infringement. These S-classes are really long cars (actually longer than my old 3 row GL550 and our Honda Odyssey). If you're going to have the back seats recline even more, you need to lengthen the car. Those rear seat packages (I have one) already impede on trunk space, of which this car seems to be lacking in for its size.
I really don't understand this complaint. If you want to ride like a gangsta, do it in the front seat. The back seats recline to the maximum amount that can so that you are still adequately protected during a front end collision (assuming you care about safety) so that the seatbelts can do their job properly and not harm the occupants. Why do you think plane seats only recline a few inches and that they have to be returned to upright position during takeoff and landing?
There's also this little thing about space infringement. These S-classes are really long cars (actually longer than my old 3 row GL550 and our Honda Odyssey). If you're going to have the back seats recline even more, you need to lengthen the car. Those rear seat packages (I have one) already impede on trunk space, of which this car seems to be lacking in for its size.
You're missing the point by a wide margin. First off no one is looking to ride like a gansta. If you actually understood how the rear seats recline in an LS430 you would not have made your ill-informed comments. They don't actually recline into the trunk - the bottom of the seat slides *forward* which gives a slightly better recline angle to the rear seatback. That's all I am looking for here. There is plenty of legroom to sacrifice in the back of the S class. All they had to do was mount the back seat bottom a little farther forward which would have increased the lean angle of the seatback.
And airtline seats...really ? You think maybe the bean counters filling the planes ever more full with aggravated passengers has anything to do with the seatback angle ? LOL
You know that airplanes have fully reclining seats in Business and higher classes for overseas flights right ? All of which has zero to do with the rear seat recline angle on luxury autos.
You're missing the point by a wide margin. First off no one is looking to ride like a gansta. If you actually understood how the rear seats recline in an LS430 you would not have made your ill-informed comments. They don't actually recline into the trunk - the bottom of the seat slides *forward* which gives a slightly better recline angle to the rear seatback. That's all I am looking for here. There is plenty of legroom to sacrifice in the back of the S class. All they had to do was mount the back seat bottom a little farther forward which would have increased the lean angle of the seatback.
And airtline seats...really ? You think maybe the bean counters filling the planes ever more full with aggravated passengers has anything to do with the seatback angle ? LOL
You know that airplanes have fully reclining seats in Business and higher classes for overseas flights right ? All of which has zero to do with the rear seat recline angle on luxury autos.
Stay in your lane man...
After your rude comments, I decided to go try out the back seats in my car. Amazingly after 5 years, I don't think I had ever been in the back seat except for when I was cleaning the interior. And they certainly have never been in the fully reclined positions. Holy schnikes!!! Those seats recline a bunch and it's extremely comfortable back there. Combined with those super soft pillows, it seems like a great place to take a nap. Anybody who would complain about not being able to get comfortable back there for a long trip must have a silver spoon up their **** as they'd have to be accustomed to being chauffeured around in RR's or Maybachs.
I had a 2001 LS430 with the ultra luxury package that had reclining seats. I don't ever remember those seats reclining as much as these and they certainly weren't as comfortable. Interestingly those seats had a massage/rumble feature in the back but no massage in the front.
