vdubpower

i was wondering around my local dealer today... my dads w140 S500 is going to be going into retirement soon, 188000 miles ... and i think it is time to move on to the next model.

we were looking at a new S550 with sport package . its nice and would soon him fine...but then we came across a 06 S65 which had only 21000 miles and a cost of around 70K.

very intriguing because my dad really likes my Mothers W220 S500, so i figure the S65 would soemthing he could get used to and not have to worry about all the Idrive type things with the W221

bottom line, what are some of the pitfalls , benefits of this car. versus buying a w221

i drove a S63 W221, very nice but for 150000 is too much to pay. especially when i wont be driving it everyday.

much thanks

Quadcammer

Benefits:

Hugely fast for a big car, yet refined, quiet and comfortable
Seem to be fairly reliable for that model year
Leather everywhere
good handling for its size and great brakes
Should have a lot of options (although I have found that 65 cars are often optioned weird)
AMG appearance package turns it into a great looking car, that is a bit more "smooth" than the 221
Maintenance costs shouldn't be much higher than a s500

Cons:
Gas mileage...gallons per mile, not miles per gallon especially when on it
ABC suspension can have leaky hoses and failing pumps...which are heartstoppingly expensive
Engine and associated parts are expensive as hell, as are brake parts
$70k for an old body style could be off putting
depreciation, even when buying at $70k is staggering
exhaust can be a bit loud if you're not into that sort of thing

TMC M5

I think you can get a low mileage W220 S65 for alot lower than $70K. The other ABC issues can be mitigated with a very good aftermarket warranty to cover you past the manufacturer's warranty. That should cost below $3,500 from a good warranty company (including $0 deductible). As you said, the replacement of brakes can be expensive. But hey, if you want to play...you have got to pay.

Tom

Quadcammer

Tom, I agree they can be purchased well below 70k, but thats the figure he used, so I ran with it. I forgot to mention that he should negotiate the price.

Not many insurance companies will cover ABC, especially if something like a leak takes out the pump. Since I don't have ABC, I didn't look for those types of inclusions when I bought the Chrysler warranty. Maybe they cover it? I'm not sure.

You absolutely must pay to play. Don't think I was talking bad about the 65 cars. I think they are great, but some people forget that they are repairing and servicing a $185k vehicle, not a $50k vehicle.

TMC M5

They do cover it.

Tom

whoover

BTW, the ABC design problems are gone by 2006. Of course, anything can break and ABC parts are expensive so the warranty is a must. But mine has been wonderfully reliable.

It's no Prius, but gas isn't that bad. It gets a little better mileage than an S600, and its solid 17 MPG at 120 MPH on the highway is better than I ever expected.

Do be prepared to carry oil and add a quart every 2,000 miles. This freaks some people out, but is typical for this car driven with spirit.

It's the best car I ever owned.

vdubpower

thanks, im gonna have my pops drive it tommorow, along with a w221. we will see what he thinks

the other car that i put in the mmix was the quatroporte

ive never even sat in one but it seems like that might of something of interest

vdubpower

my dad drives a good 18000-20000 miles a yr, mostly southern cali frwy, so he does need it reliable. we tend to buy cars and use them till they are done. (dont know if the 85 500sel will ever be done)
i wonder if this c ar was a forum members , its at Flethcher, its pewter with dark amg wheels

cheez80

never mind, i saw that it is the one at fletcher. i was thinking about that one too -- best thing is the late in-service date, so it's like you're getting another year or two of warranty for free! the salesperson let me know that if i offered low 60's, they'd be willing to sell. something to let you dad know

vdubpower

what do you mean by late in service date?

yeah i was wondering what a good start point price would be. i suppose if we got that car for 60ish, thats 35grand saving on a s550 w221,

35g spending cash for servicing, LOL

what are opinions on Mercs aftermarket warrentess,

i found the car fax on this car, ive never really read thru one so im not sure what to interpret from it

but here it is

http://http://www.carfax.com/Vehicle...NG79J86A480991

03MBAMGs

I have an 03 S55 and the depreciation on these cars is awful. I have a bumper to bumper warranty with a $100 deductible and wouldn't have bought the car without one. The shift control module has gone out twice @ $500 each, I paid $100 the first time and the second was covered under a parts warranty. A valve in the ABC was replaced and it was a $3K job that only cost me $100. FYI, mine only has 33K miles on it. I love love love the car though.

cheez80

i think the in-service date dictates when the warranty starts.

from another website: "this is the day that the vehicle was first put on the road by the original owner."

essentially, the mid-2007 in-service date on this car is good, since the warranty started in mid-2007, instead of late 2005-early 2006 like many of the s65's that are out there for sale.

aznflightfreak

I say screw the old W220. Get the new W221. I have a W221 S63 AMG and I love it! Even not a AMG model that **** looks executive. The W220 S65 looks like any other old W220. Plus the service on that **** will slap you. LOL Just tellin you the truth. Get a brand new W221 S550 and that **** will rock your world.

Reckless

The S550 is a boring, pretty car. The new version has some nice features and I prefer its styling now (took some time). It's nice to look at but has nothing on the V12TT. The V12TT separates the men from the boys. I'd get another W220 600/65 before getting another W221. I prefer the handling more on the W220 also. The S550 feels like a boat to me.

Oxygen

You sound like a fool. Any possible way to throw in some more curses?

aznflightfreak

Sorry about the curse words OXYGEN. I'll make sure I don't do it again.
Anyways, I agree some parts that the S65 is a step above. Its a W220 S65 and service will be quite expsensive. Even if you have warrenty, Mercedes will try some way to make you pay for stuff. Just be sure to get the tire protection if you get the S65 because its well worth it. I got a nail that shreaded my S63 tires and I was covered with the warrenty. But keep in mind you wont get that much money back if you decide to sell it. Remember as time goes on cars wear and break down.

asg

I had that exact same car and loved it. Lots of fun to drive. If your not careful, you can easily replace the rear tires every 8,000 miles.

No Problems with mine.

$70,000 sounds expensive, check prices. Make sure it hasn't had any body work.

Try and get a warranty.

Autoscope

I agree, I think you can find one for alittle cheaper. You could even find a CL65 for that price. The CL would be a nice buy becuase you already have the S-class in your family. The CL is basically a 2 door S-Class!

cheez80

did your father end up buying that one? i stopped by the dealership to make an offer, but it was sold this weekend

Busa196

I replace the rear tires on my S65 every 4-5k miles and I drive the hell out of it- the guys at Discount Tire literally laugh everytime I pull into their shop. I always get the "You again?? Already??" It's big, comfortable, reliable, faster than 85% of all other street cars and looks killer (IMO). It's the best purchase I've ever made, no regrets what so ever here. A warranty is a must and be prepared to spend some money on tires and brakes. Trust me, you'll have no regrets