2006 S65 or 2007 E63
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
2006 S65 or 2007 E63
Hi,
I just had a baby girl and need a sedan. I can get a 2006 S65 for a very similar price to the new 2007 E63. My question to all the 2006 S65 owners is how do you like your cars? Do they seem too big or do they drive tight? I know the S65 is faster and more luxurious then the E63 but I think the E63 will handle better and still be very fast. What would you all do? The nice thing about the E63 is it is would be brand new. How could I pass up a car that just one year ago was over $180K and is now only about $100K? All opinions and help are welcomed. Do you owners think the S65 is too boxy looking?
Thanks.
I just had a baby girl and need a sedan. I can get a 2006 S65 for a very similar price to the new 2007 E63. My question to all the 2006 S65 owners is how do you like your cars? Do they seem too big or do they drive tight? I know the S65 is faster and more luxurious then the E63 but I think the E63 will handle better and still be very fast. What would you all do? The nice thing about the E63 is it is would be brand new. How could I pass up a car that just one year ago was over $180K and is now only about $100K? All opinions and help are welcomed. Do you owners think the S65 is too boxy looking?
Thanks.
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Are you trading in the SL? If so, you have to decide whether you will miss the handling or the torque more. The E63 will certainly handle better, but the power of the 65 is something that is addictive. The S65 handles better than it has any right to, BTW. Except on very aggressive and hard cornering, you won't notice much understeer. I found this pretty amazing. The improvement in this department from my S55 was a very pleasant surprise.
In many other respects an S-class is a superior experience to an E-class. The comfort level on a long trip has to be experienced to be believed. And that applies to any rear-seat passengers as well. The trim level is also first-class. Everything is leather or polished wood. Not a hint of plastic unless you open the glove compartment.
I had the exact same choice a couple of months ago. When I was able to get a brand new S65 for the same price as an E63, it seemed insane to get caught up in "new model" mania and not jump. I don't know what the opposite of buyers' remorse is called, but I can't believe I contemplated going a different route!
In many other respects an S-class is a superior experience to an E-class. The comfort level on a long trip has to be experienced to be believed. And that applies to any rear-seat passengers as well. The trim level is also first-class. Everything is leather or polished wood. Not a hint of plastic unless you open the glove compartment.
I had the exact same choice a couple of months ago. When I was able to get a brand new S65 for the same price as an E63, it seemed insane to get caught up in "new model" mania and not jump. I don't know what the opposite of buyers' remorse is called, but I can't believe I contemplated going a different route!
ON PROBATION
Joined: Jun 2005
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Take the S-Class as it really is a better car all-around; and sounds like it will be a better choice for you all-the-way-around, as well....
That's my don't-know-you and off-the-cuff advice to you.
Take the S65, and enjoy!
That's my don't-know-you and off-the-cuff advice to you.
Take the S65, and enjoy!
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SL65 AMG
I would say hands down s65, I like the new e63 dont get me wrong but if they do release a new e63 tt the value on the na e63 will drop like the 2002
s55. Also how many s65's are out there? You are getting a car that has taken its biggest hit already so you cant go wrong. Now the power....oh that sweet v12tt power need I say any more!!!
s55. Also how many s65's are out there? You are getting a car that has taken its biggest hit already so you cant go wrong. Now the power....oh that sweet v12tt power need I say any more!!!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Are you trading in the SL? If so, you have to decide whether you will miss the handling or the torque more. The E63 will certainly handle better, but the power of the 65 is something that is addictive. The S65 handles better than it has any right to, BTW. Except on very aggressive and hard cornering, you won't notice much understeer. I found this pretty amazing. The improvement in this department from my S55 was a very pleasant surprise.
In many other respects an S-class is a superior experience to an E-class. The comfort level on a long trip has to be experienced to be believed. And that applies to any rear-seat passengers as well. The trim level is also first-class. Everything is leather or polished wood. Not a hint of plastic unless you open the glove compartment.
I had the exact same choice a couple of months ago. When I was able to get a brand new S65 for the same price as an E63, it seemed insane to get caught up in "new model" mania and not jump. I don't know what the opposite of buyers' remorse is called, but I can't believe I contemplated going a different route!
In many other respects an S-class is a superior experience to an E-class. The comfort level on a long trip has to be experienced to be believed. And that applies to any rear-seat passengers as well. The trim level is also first-class. Everything is leather or polished wood. Not a hint of plastic unless you open the glove compartment.
I had the exact same choice a couple of months ago. When I was able to get a brand new S65 for the same price as an E63, it seemed insane to get caught up in "new model" mania and not jump. I don't know what the opposite of buyers' remorse is called, but I can't believe I contemplated going a different route!
I can get the S65 for $102K with 8K miles. Fully optioned out with distronic, parktronic, etc.. Silver/Ash. What do you think? Too much or OK?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
I would say hands down s65, I like the new e63 dont get me wrong but if they do release a new e63 tt the value on the na e63 will drop like the 2002
s55. Also how many s65's are out there? You are getting a car that has taken its biggest hit already so you cant go wrong. Now the power....oh that sweet v12tt power need I say any more!!!
s55. Also how many s65's are out there? You are getting a car that has taken its biggest hit already so you cant go wrong. Now the power....oh that sweet v12tt power need I say any more!!!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Other than that, it sounds like a good deal. I paid $8K more for 8K fewer miles
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 165
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
E63 = more fun to drive
S65 = more fun to own
S55 = couldn't decide which was better
If you're going to get an S65, and you're concerned about the economics of it, wait until January 1 to buy one. There will be an impact on price once we hit the new year. It's not going to be huge, but it will be felt, and the inventory of S65's will increase as '07 S65s become more readily available. In my opinion, the sound of the exhaust alone is enough reason to buy the S65 over the E63.
$102,000 for a loaded S65 with 8k miles is good, not insane. $94-96 would be insane at this point in time. That's basically what they are going for at auction right now. Cars with 20k+ mileage are going for high 80's at Manheim. High mileage and paintwork...mid 80's. The car only has 5 options I think, so they're all pretty "loaded". VCS, Distronic (why buy a 604hp car to put it on cruise control), 4 Place Seating (will kill your resale), Heated/Ventilated Rear Seats, Sirius. I think that's all for $$ options. Parktronic delete is free.
S65 = more fun to own
S55 = couldn't decide which was better
If you're going to get an S65, and you're concerned about the economics of it, wait until January 1 to buy one. There will be an impact on price once we hit the new year. It's not going to be huge, but it will be felt, and the inventory of S65's will increase as '07 S65s become more readily available. In my opinion, the sound of the exhaust alone is enough reason to buy the S65 over the E63.
$102,000 for a loaded S65 with 8k miles is good, not insane. $94-96 would be insane at this point in time. That's basically what they are going for at auction right now. Cars with 20k+ mileage are going for high 80's at Manheim. High mileage and paintwork...mid 80's. The car only has 5 options I think, so they're all pretty "loaded". VCS, Distronic (why buy a 604hp car to put it on cruise control), 4 Place Seating (will kill your resale), Heated/Ventilated Rear Seats, Sirius. I think that's all for $$ options. Parktronic delete is free.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
The car only has 5 options I think, so they're all pretty "loaded". VCS, Distronic (why buy a 604hp car to put it on cruise control), 4 Place Seating (will kill your resale), Heated/Ventilated Rear Seats, Sirius. I think that's all for $$ options. Parktronic delete is free.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 577
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From: South Florida
2007 S65, 2005 Nissan Armada
I have an e55 and I would trade it for an S65 in a heartbeat if it wasn't going to cost anything. The 65 is an incredible car I can't even imagine considering the e63 over it.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 12
From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
E63 = more fun to drive
S65 = more fun to own
S55 = couldn't decide which was better
If you're going to get an S65, and you're concerned about the economics of it, wait until January 1 to buy one. There will be an impact on price once we hit the new year. It's not going to be huge, but it will be felt, and the inventory of S65's will increase as '07 S65s become more readily available. In my opinion, the sound of the exhaust alone is enough reason to buy the S65 over the E63.
$102,000 for a loaded S65 with 8k miles is good, not insane. $94-96 would be insane at this point in time. That's basically what they are going for at auction right now. Cars with 20k+ mileage are going for high 80's at Manheim. High mileage and paintwork...mid 80's. The car only has 5 options I think, so they're all pretty "loaded". VCS, Distronic (why buy a 604hp car to put it on cruise control), 4 Place Seating (will kill your resale), Heated/Ventilated Rear Seats, Sirius. I think that's all for $$ options. Parktronic delete is free.
S65 = more fun to own
S55 = couldn't decide which was better
If you're going to get an S65, and you're concerned about the economics of it, wait until January 1 to buy one. There will be an impact on price once we hit the new year. It's not going to be huge, but it will be felt, and the inventory of S65's will increase as '07 S65s become more readily available. In my opinion, the sound of the exhaust alone is enough reason to buy the S65 over the E63.
$102,000 for a loaded S65 with 8k miles is good, not insane. $94-96 would be insane at this point in time. That's basically what they are going for at auction right now. Cars with 20k+ mileage are going for high 80's at Manheim. High mileage and paintwork...mid 80's. The car only has 5 options I think, so they're all pretty "loaded". VCS, Distronic (why buy a 604hp car to put it on cruise control), 4 Place Seating (will kill your resale), Heated/Ventilated Rear Seats, Sirius. I think that's all for $$ options. Parktronic delete is free.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,278
Likes: 377
From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Four-place seating (code 224) is an option on S-class cars that replaces the rear bench seat with two buckets. They have most of the capabilities of the front seats (including some that are extra-cost options on top of the code 224 at $4,250 on an S65). Four-place seating is the only configuration available on CL cars, and is one reason they depreciate so quickly. While these rear seats are the ultimate in comfort, you can't carry a third person in the back. This eliminates the configuration for a lot of potential buyers.
Not many S65s were built with four-place seating, but I encountered one when I was doing my search.
Not many S65s were built with four-place seating, but I encountered one when I was doing my search.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Four-place seating (code 224) is an option on S-class cars that replaces the rear bench seat with two buckets. They have most of the capabilities of the front seats (including some that are extra-cost options on top of the code 224 at $4,250 on an S65). Four-place seating is the only configuration available on CL cars, and is one reason they depreciate so quickly. While these rear seats are the ultimate in comfort, you can't carry a third person in the back. This eliminates the configuration for a lot of potential buyers.
Not many S65s were built with four-place seating, but I encountered one when I was doing my search.
Not many S65s were built with four-place seating, but I encountered one when I was doing my search.
Also thanks to everyone else who posted. I appreciate it!!!!!
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 165
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
France, be wary of Straight Line Automotive Group. I'm assuming that's the S65 you've been looking at. I know that the black one they have and the silver one they used to have both have had paint work. Be afraid...be very afraid. Caveat Emptor.
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
He told me the silver/charcol one he sold had paint work but he assured me the silver/ash one was clean. I would never buy the car without a good inspection anyways but thank you for the heads up!! Do you know if this guy Jeremy is dishonest? The have a 100% rating on e-bay.
Last edited by france2112; Nov 17, 2006 at 02:31 PM.
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
Okay...here's what I can tell you...I do NOT know if this particular car was painted. I DO know that the other ones he had were painted. Birds of a feather.
Last edited by peebs1; Nov 17, 2006 at 02:59 PM.
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
There's another guy in Indiana that has two of them...Keith I think is his name at TriStar Select. Seems like a good guy. I'd chat with him about Straight Line and take it with a grain of salt since they're competitors. I've spoken with Keith a good bit in my search for an S65 and I tend to trust him, but I agree that you should definitely get a prepurchase inspection from local MB and get full detail from them on the services performed on the car to date.
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
I'm going to pick up my car at the MB dealer tomorrow and I'll have them run a Netstar on that VIN to see what shows up. I'll post tomorrow with what I find. Netstar, fyi, is MB's internal system that will show every recorded service on that vehicle. e.g. the black opal S65 at Luxury Motors had the auto transmission replaced at 8k miles. Good stuff to know!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
I'm going to pick up my car at the MB dealer tomorrow and I'll have them run a Netstar on that VIN to see what shows up. I'll post tomorrow with what I find. Netstar, fyi, is MB's internal system that will show every recorded service on that vehicle. e.g. the black opal S65 at Luxury Motors had the auto transmission replaced at 8k miles. Good stuff to know!
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 165
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From: Alexandria, VA
S55 AMG '06
Netstar report on that car came up clean, with the same issues that you had reported. Looks clean. Oh, the guy at Tristar Select I told you about...his name is Sean Klingle. Good luck with the S65 and let us know how it turns out.
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Let me ask you what you would do. The car at Straight line is $102K with 8K miles and loaded minus the vented rear seats. Tristar has 2 cars. The silver is $96K with 14K miles and loaded minus the distronic. The Black is $95K with 20K miles and loaded minus the vented rear seats. I'm not sure about the VCS phone system on any of them? Anyway which do you think is the best deal? I like the silver from Straight Line but $102K is a bit high compared to the others. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
