boardboy330

I have a 2007 S550 4Matic with 178K miles, Black with Grey interior. P1 and P3. I have heated and cooled reclining rear seats. I do not have Nightvision or Adaptive Cruise Control. To my knowledge, I have all other options. I also have DVDs in the headrests, Subwoofer in a custom box, Radar built in, Remote Start, 20" wheels all aftermarket.

Yesterday driving to work I was detoured as there was an accident. My GPS took me down a wash out road I have been down 100 times. This time the road under the water was very much washed out and the car flooded out half way through. The car shut down in the water and still will not start. I believe it is just the starter and or alternator - however, with the damage to the front bumper, those two items and the crack in the windshield I believe it will be deemed a total loss. As much as I LOVE this car, I don't think even if I fixed these items I should keep it as other items may pop up over time.

My question is, what do I buy now? Obviously newer than 2007. I live in the Metro DC area (Frederick, MD) and I would prefer AWD but I have a Ford pickup if things get that bad. I want to stay under $20K (I can afford more, but see no need to pay more than $400/mo for a commuter car) as I put 50K miles a year on it. I cannot find the rear seat options is anything but the S63's I have seen. Should I go S63 or suck it up on the rear seat options and get an S550? Are there good or bad years to get? I heard (and could be wrong) 2010 was the last year for N/A motor and better than the newer.

I drive, ALOT. But, the reason for the S550 instead of an E350 would be size. I am 6'3" and I am far more comfortable in the S class. Additionally, when the family goes places, we take my car (all adults). My wife drives an E320 CDI daily and while tighter, I like the MPGs. Should I go with the S350 Bluetec or are they a pig? I drove a GL350 Bluetec a while ago and was far from impressed with the power.

Honestly, not sure what things I need to think about or questions I should be asking - hope others can help me focus.

boardboy330

Insurance stated total loss. Virginia has a law that any water damage over $3500 is total loss. While the car looks fine (albeit dirty) I lose my baby. Been looking at other S550's and S63's this afternoon.

boardboy330

Removed all the aftermarket stuff and wheels from the car (back to stock). They are coming to flatbed it away today. I am still deciding on what to get...an S550 or S63. I test drove a newer E350 this weekend and it's too tight with legroom to be a reasonable replacement. Any suggestions on years or S550 vs S63 would be appreciated.

A_ZMAN7

Lesson learned , dont go down any road, detour or not that puts you under water.

My question to you is if you're getting another car do you plan to pay cash? Or finance it?
Afaik most banks only loan back so far , so if paying cash I'd be looking at another 07-10 S550 for 5-12k

boardboy330

They are cutting a check for $14K. I found a 2012 Designo S550 and put a deposit on it, the dealership (MB Dealer) sold it to another person 8 hours later. Looks like I will wait a few weeks to find the right car.

dlafever

Designo is the way to go if you want rear seat goodies. I have everything in the rear seats except for massage (V12 only) and my family loves it.

Sal_Monella

They sold it after you put a deposit on it?

boardboy330

Yes. I offered a $500 deposit, gave them my credit card. That was about 11am. I got a call around 8:30pm stating they just sold the car to someone else. This was a MB Dealership not some shady outfit.

Sal_Monella

Sounds like you're better off not having to do business with those clowns.
I'd of asked the Sales Mgr, "So I'm thinking about starting my own business and was wondering what the glass deductible is for these big *** windows out front? If you lost one a month for a year or so would your premium go up or would you just eat the cost?"

boardboy330

LOL, Yeah, I stayed away. I am replacing my car and also buying my wife a car. They lost out on 2 sales instead of one. I am taking my time now. I think I want to focus on a Designo car.