Hi everyone, I'm struggling with the decision between getting a new S63 or a used 2005 S55. I know this is largely a personal preference issue with regard to new vs used, how much depreciation hit I'm willing to bear, etc. but I was hoping to hear some opinions. A 2005 S55 with 30-50K miles seems to be available for $60-70K, and it looks like an S63 the way I'd get it optioned will run ~$140K. Of course, the S55 lacks many of the nice options that could be had on the S63 (Distronic Plus, Night Vision, etc.), but one that stood out to me (since I will be using this as a family car quite often) is the lack of adjustable and heated/vented rear seats. So, the S63 is clearly nicer all around, but is it worth 2x the price? I don't need the new vehicle right away; how long would I need to wait until there are good deals on used S63s? Also, any opinions on how well maintained used S-class AMG's normally are? I've always been a stickler about maintenance (synthetic oil change every 3K, etc.) and have gotten excellent life from my vehicles. But this is my first luxury vehicle so I'm not sure how long I'll want to keep it...help! Any opinions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you're someone that has to have the latest thing in the market and don't mind taking a big hit in resale after a couple years or plan on keeping the car for a LONG time...then get the S63

...or you could get an 05-06 S55 and still have money left over to buy another car like an 05 SL55 for 70-80 all for around the same price as a new S63

 

Exactly what I was going to say.

Or he can get the S55 AMG and with the extra $, maybe a Porsche Carerra C2?

 

I would hope most S55s would be maintained pretty much by the book. I doubt you'll find any with 3k mile oil changes -- most owners would consider that a waste. The factory recommendation of 10k is very reasonable considering the life of Mobil 1 when used with the fleece filter.

Personally, I think the W220 S65s are the great bargains in this area. With a little bit of luck and perseverance you might find a new 2006 for $110K or less or a nice used one for high $80s. The math was simple for me.

 

Yeah you could do that as well....if you're willing to spend around 80-90...get a 05-06 S65 and still have enough money left for a SL55 or a porsche as chucky suggested...and still be in the same ballpark as a new S63

 

Thanks guys for the comments! I'll definitely give a closer look to the S65s as mentioned.

If I were to get a used vehicle, I probably wouldn't put the extra $ toward another car (and if I did, it would be a GL550 -- once they're out -- for the wife).

I guess the question, in a way, boils down to -- would I WANT to keep this vehicle a long time? Again, I know this is a personal decision, but some of you that have had high-perf luxury cars must have opinions. I could definitely see myself wanting to hang on to something like a Porsche for a very long time -- after it stops being the hot new car, it goes through a period of just being an old Porsche, but then reemerges as a classic Porsche (eventually). But I'm just not sure if that applies to an S-class. After some number of years (5-6? 8-9? I don't know!) goes by, does it just become an old car, lacking the relative luxury and modern styling that it used to have? Or will it still be a car I'd really want to own?

 

like most cars, it probably will become an old car - a very fast one, but alas an old one... i had an '05 s55 and loved everything about it - loved the looks, loved the sound, LOVED the acceleration, loved the seats - it was a great car...

you might want to get one of those or suck it up for another 20-30 and get the s65 if there is a screaming deal you can find... i would think the s65 would more likely become a classic than an s55 and will probably hold its value better over time now that they have been hammered down from the stratosphere...

in any event - no bad news no matter which way you go... just remember to enjoy the ride and congratulations on whatever you do!!!

 

My '06 S55 has adjustable and heated/ventilated rear seats, so that shouldn't weigh into your decision...you don't need the S63 for that. The S55 even has the option of 4 place seating which adds a rear center console and drive dynamic seats in the rear. As for staying power, I'd say it's a car you'll want to hold onto for a long time. I think the S63 wouldn't have that same staying power with me because of the quirky I-drive wannabe system that I think will be quickly phased out and refined with a more functional system. i.e., I see changes down the pike for MB with regard to Navigation function, Phone system, and i-drive knockoff...and this, for me, would make me regret spending all the extra money for a technology that's going to change quickly. I don't feel as bad about the new goodies that I'm missing b/c I got such a bargain on mine. Just my opinion. S65 is truly a screamer and another good consideration. Oh, and you should be looking late 50's to early 60s for '05 S55 with that kind of mileage. '06 S55 can be had for mid-late 60s with higher mileage.

 

Good point -- I did notice that the 06's have the nice rear seating option available, but I don't think the 05's do -- can anyone confirm? And all of the good deals (right now at least) seem to be on 05's.

 

Just pick up an 2006 S65 for 85k Boom you got the 605 hp and all the comfort of the S class ..That seems more reasonable. The new 600 is HOT however. S63 is sick, but yeah is it worth 140k, You may be able to get a slightly used 2007 65 for 150-160

 

I'm pretty sure you're right...the '05 doesn't have rear seating option or heated/ventilated rear seats. There are just more '05s out there, but the deals are there for an '06 if you do your homework. Tristarselect has a black '06 with high mileage that can probably be had for early to mid 60s. Looks beautiful and pretty loaded. It only lacks distronic and 4 place seating, though it does have heated/ventilated rear seats. My '06 is for sale, but my mileage is too low for you and my price is too high. Don't bother with distronic or distronic plus...why would you put a 500hp car on cruise control??? If you really want to use it, buy an S550 and save yourself that $$$. I am interested to hear from S55 and S65 owners about their use of distronic...do you REALLY use it?

 

Oh, and you're not going to find an S65 for $85 yet. I've seen a couple out there in that range, but they've had body work. It's another 4-6 months before the S65 enters the $80s realm. I can honestly say that I've checked autotrader, cars.com, ebay, yahoo, and manheim virtually every day for the past year tracking the S55 and S65 (I need a life) and they just simply aren't selling for that cheap right now. As a matter of fact, the S65 has actually gone up in value slightly in the past couple of months due to the poor sale of the '07 S65, reduced inventory of used S65s, and traditional seasonal price variance.

 

If you are looking for a nice, low mileage '03 S55 I will have one available in late June just before my S63 is due. Only 16,000 miles today and will be at about 18,000 when ready. It is Pewter with black leather and options include the separate rear heating/cooling and heated/cooled front seats as well as the voice operated phone. It is pretty much perfect and I can email photos taken 2-wks ago.

All service solely through the local dealer with oil changes every year, in spite of only a few thousand miles a year, including the last one, just last week. Always hand washed & waxed by me, never smoked in, no food or drinks permitted and rarely driven in inclement weather when I use my G55.

Kelly Blue Book rates it at $66K dealer resale and $60K private sale. I'm looking for $59K. Email dharrar@larmon.com if interested.

 

i have a 03 S55 and was wondering if i should get used 07 S600. it has all the options, few miles, can be ecu chipped for more power, less than S63 price and new body style and upgrades. what would S63 offer that would be better for more money than S600.

 

I wanted to thank you all again for your inputs but also provide a quick update.

Yesterday, I finally was able to drive one of the wonderful AMG S-classes -- specifically, a 2006 S65. It was fully loaded, with all of the goodies, and IMHO nicely priced as a CPO with 30K miles for approx $100K. The car certainly has power -- at all speeds...it's just amazing. But to be honest, this isn't the car for me (or the wife right now. It feels big and ponderous, especially on twisty backroads (I know, what do I expect, it's a huge and heavy car) but even more importantly, it just didn't "feel" right -- even at rest just sitting in it. We both agree that at some point in the future we may well revisit the S-class, but we've decided to pass for now.

While at the dealership, we both did drive an 04 CLK55, which we both liked. Plenty of power, much more nimble, and it just felt like a better match for us. So, we're now investigating 04-06 CLK55s or perhaps a new 07 CLK63, which I think we'd be able to have a lot of fun with. For completeness, I want to compare it to the M6 as well.

Again, thx all, and enjoy these wonderfully powerful cars you all have!

 

scott...you can get CLK55's for a reallllly good price, they were discounting them like none other when the 05-06 were New since not many wanted them....So you'll get a "steal" on one for sure.

 

ok i love when you post your sig is great lollol

 

I just gave up my '05 S55.
Forget about what the bluebook value says.
The car value tanked significantly.

I purchased mine new for $122k+.
All options except Distronic...useless at the time.
Bluebook priced it anywhere from 75k to 89k.

I tried selling it myself...and got a bunch of jokers.
Long story short...I traded it in with only 17k miles and got $64k for it.
I lost about $60k for owning it for about 2 1/2 years.
But then again...I got my use and had my fun.
Did I take a hit? Yes and No.
EVERYBODY TAKES A HIT.
If you want to play then you have to pay.
Work hard...play hard.
Otherwise...ride a bicycle.

The next person that buys it will probably keep it for a couple of years and by that time...it'll probably be worth about $25k.

So if you think about it...taking a hit as a first owner of about $60k or second owner at about $35k....at the end of the day....we were happy and got our use.

Back to the question of S63 vs S55.

I love the supercharged engine!
Especially having owned an '02 S55 naturally aspirated engine, I was reluctant to purchase a naturally aspirated S63.
What happens if they turbocharge or supercharge again?
btw...I lost about $65k on my '02
at the end of the day...there's no price to my happiness!
i'll loose more if I kicked the bucket with regrets and did not live a happy life.

Other thing is...the S55 has more torque than the S63 so wtf????
At the end...I couldn't resist and bought a S63 for various reasons.

1) the S63 enterior is like night and day compared to the S55. After sitting and driving a S65 (since a S63) was not available, getting back into my S55 felt like I just got into a Honda Accord.

2) the new generation S class is just amazing.

3) the S63 has more horse power which will make a difference in the high end but lower torque which tells me that the S55 will be faster in the low end.
somehow....the 0-60 stats remain the same at 4.6 sec.
whether true or not is another thread.

I test drove a CLS63 and it was not too bad.

The S55 is a great car!
The S63 is an amazing car!

Do what makes you happy!

Good Luck!