Must Stop Looking At Mercedes

"JR1" (type35bugatti)
09/22/2015 at 13:21 • Filed to: Mercedes

I know it is bad for me and my wallet but it is an addiction that plagues my very soul. I might be buying a commuter car next summer and these S Classes are just so intriguing.

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Help me Oppo you are my only hope

DISCUSSION (77)

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:26

I’ll help you. Do it.(but maybe not that one. Also, that interior shot is a stock photo. I would look for a S500 at least. Same rough maintenance costs.)

Raymundo > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:28

I really do not understand how many people in the world absolutely fail at writing when it comes to Craigslist.

JGrabowMSt > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:30

Needs more V12.

Sam > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:32

It’s not a bad idea, but you’re looking at the wrong one (which is also 99% a scam).

Kinja'd!!!

W126 Coupe/Sedan is best S-Class. Also probably the most reliable.

Dunnik > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:33

I certainly get the appeal of the S-Class. If you want to know what cars will have on them in 25 years, buy a new one today.

But you should know better than to buy one from 2003. The nadir of MB’s reliability. There’s a reason why cars from this era are so cheap, and why buddy wants to trade for the next generation model.

So if you must have one, pony up more cash to get the W221 or get the older W140. Or, better yet, the W126.

Kinja'd!!!

Raymundo > Raymundo
09/22/2015 at 13:35

I mean

Germain of east

Kinja'd!!!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:41

I’d go for an older, lower mileage one if I were you. W126 is actually a solid choice.

random001 > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:42

Buy it. Come take me for a ride.

Textured Soy Protein > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:44

The first picture in the post is not the same car as the other pictures.

Beware any craigslist seller who says “it has a small spot of rust in this one place which I can fix for $200 but if you buy the car I’ll fix it for free.”

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 13:56

whoa

STOP IT

go buy an American Luxo-Barge like you damn well know you belong in.

JRapp: now as good as new again > JR1
09/22/2015 at 14:04

With high end German cars of that era, a used one is only marginally cheaper at the end of the day than a new one, even if the actual price difference is huge. Keep in mind that at the very least you’d be looking at $100 oil changes a couple times a year, plus whatever else regular maintenance needs to be done. And this is not a car you can take to Oil Can Henrys for a $30 special. Plus, with a 140K mile S-Class, the showcase of all of the most advanced technology crammed into the same car, stuff is bound to break.

That said, I looked at used S-Classes and CLS’s a few years back, and eventually ended up with a big Audi, which was more fun to drive. But of course the inevitable happened, and the Audi 4.2L ate itself from inside out, as appropriate for these engines.

Moral of the story, if you’re looking at a Luxury Car that’s now less than a quarter of the price, you can’t affortd said Luxury Car.

For $6k though yea, it’s damn tempting. That may be cheap enough to just sell it for scrap when it dies.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1
09/22/2015 at 14:04

Owned an ‘87 300D, and drove a 190D. I think the latter would make an excellent commuter.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/22/2015 at 14:12

Umm no. Even if I fixed everything that needed everything doing, $25,000<$185,000. There are $300 services every 10,000 miles, and that includes full fluid changes. Learn before you speak.

pjhusa > JR1
09/22/2015 at 14:14

get an ML

and you'll be kool

JRapp: now as good as new again > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:03

First off, you don’t want to go 10k miles between oil changes. That’s way too long. Did that once in my Audi just to see what the oil looks like, as that was the manufacturers recommended interval. Never again.

Really though, my experience comes from a $60k Audi that I got for $18k. It was one small thing after another. Granted, it never amounted to $60k, but that’s the point. I could not afford a $60 car at the time, or really even a $40k car, so several $2k to $4k repairs, plus the final quote for $10 that sealed the deal.

Also, with $300 service every.. say 6k miles.. that still adds up. And you will never get away with the $300. It’s always more like $500 because there’s always little things - this from having experience with a C-Class from the same era. With the S-Class having more fancy gadets, there will be more to break.

Live and learn though. I had the same thoughts for the first few years of the Audi ownership. It seemed like it wasn’t hat bad. Now, I put reliability ahead of flashiness.

As I said though, at $6k, this is damn tempting. It is a nice car for that price, assuming there’s no looming catastrophes that the previous owner isn’t disclosing. With the price being that low, it may offset some of that logic, especially if you’re comfortable doing your most of your own work on it.

Learn before you speak.

And lets keep the personal attacks to a minimum here.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 15:09

I can get you a deal on a solid classy 1994 Mercury Grand Marquis if you want.

You can join the Mercury club.

(only 65k miles!)

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/22/2015 at 15:10

I meant no malice, I’m just saying that the service prices on a S class isn’t that bad ( ironically enough, my S600 is in the shop right now) and I should probably have clarified, there are two 10,000 mile services, staggered every 5,000 miles.

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:36

You don’t have to change the oil until 10k roles around? That is outstanding.

JR1 > Raymundo
09/22/2015 at 15:38

Kinja'd!!!

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1
09/22/2015 at 15:39

No, I should have clarified. There are two 10,000 mile services staggered every 5000 miles

JR1 > Dunnik
09/22/2015 at 15:40

I feel like waiting until a W221 S600 is cheaper would be the ideal outcome.

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:41

I wonder how much the insurance on one of these would be for a 21 year old?

JR1 > Sam
09/22/2015 at 15:41

I adore the W126 sedan!

JR1 > Textured Soy Protein
09/22/2015 at 15:41

I would definitely not buy that specific car but it was just an example of an S-Class that I would lust after.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 15:42

Those Grand Marquis actually look really good for the era.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 15:43

Ugh but I want a corner carver/ luxury car. When was the last time Americans made a good combo of both?!

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan
09/22/2015 at 15:44

My problem with something that old though is how safe is it for a DD? I know it is good for the era but I imagine it is horrible by todays standards.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/22/2015 at 15:45

I love the look of a W126 but like I said elsewhere on this comment thread I doubt it is very safe in a crash.

JR1 > JGrabowMSt
09/22/2015 at 15:46

Honestly if I bought an S-Class I would wait until I could get a V12 S-Class

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1
09/22/2015 at 15:47

Well I’m upper 20s and its around $200 a month

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:47

Suddenly it sounds more expensive when my truck is maybe 50 dollars for the same amount of time.

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:47

But my truck is also a piece of shit compared to an S-Class

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 15:50

That is not bad at all. But I think insurance is higher for people under 25

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 15:52

And it was maintained by my dad, who is a phenomenal mechanic (my grandpa’s car, garaged its whole northern life) I think I could get him to let go of it for $2000 for you

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 15:53

CTSV! Hahahahaha, obviously a budget concern.

What about a Lincoln Mark VIII?

You could always do work on it to make it turn a little better...

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 15:58

I need something that gets good highway gas mileage. I am guessing the Marquis does not fit the bill.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 15:59

It is actually in the back of my mind as a possibility but I think the gas mileage is a little low for what I am looking for.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:04

The late 80s early 90s were the last really solid Mercs before the quality went to shit for a decade or so. If the car is in decent shape and safe, it should be good. It will have at least 1 airbag and ABS.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:04

Really!?

1998 Lincoln Mark VIIILuxury vehicle

Engine : 4.6L V8

Horsepower : 280 to 290 HP

MPG : 17 city / 26 highway

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:08

What’s your requirement? The Grand Marq should be mid 20s

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:14

Keep in mind that 200 is for a 500 hp V-12

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:17

I’ve seen a few S55’s under $10k....

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JRapp: now as good as new again
09/22/2015 at 16:23

You can easily do 10k services on these without issue. Mercedes engines rarely fail. They’ve been doing it this way since the 90’s and it’s worked out quite well. The biggest issue comes from using cheap oil and filters. There is actually a huge difference in quality from a Mercedes filter to even a non-MB Mann filter.

Also, early 2000’s C classes were built kind of shitty, it isn’t a good comparison. Personally I would still avoid a 220 S up to about 05 (depending on cost and needs), but the facelifted models are surprisingly reliable.

From my experience, Audi’s are about twice as dangerous to own as Mercedes.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan
09/22/2015 at 16:24

That isn’t that bad. I forgot Merc came out with ABS

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 16:25

I am surprised it is that high. I thought it would be lower. Wow!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:25

Mercedes has been doing 10k services since the 90’s with practically no issues. And whatever issues have happened were almost entirely due to sub-par oil and filter quality (cheapo aftermarket and jiffy lube crap).

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 16:25

Mid 20s isn’t bad actually. I want 25+ on highway

JR1 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 16:26

That is a good point. It is probably lower for the V8

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/22/2015 at 16:26

Now that would be interesting. And no ABC problem is there?

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/22/2015 at 16:27

From what I understand if taken care of they are reliable it is just expensive maintenance for say the S55

Steve in Manhattan > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:29

W124 had it from day 1 - the 190 got it ... mid-80s? I agree with Mr. Regular about the car’s looks - very organized and understated. And if you wanted to go a little crazy, you could find a 16-valve Cosworth 190.

Steve in Manhattan > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches
09/22/2015 at 16:31

Running synthetic oil?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:32

that’s why I’m like, what are you looking for out of a sport luxury car?!

Late 90’s American RWD V8 at 26 mpg is pretty freaking solid if you ask me.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan
09/22/2015 at 16:32

If the Cose was in my price range I would be all over it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:32

now where’s your mpg? haha

Steve in Manhattan > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/22/2015 at 16:35

W124 is the last of the really solid E-class cars - mine was pretty reliable. Replaced lots of window motors, however.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 16:35

It is incredibly solid. That is why it moved up on my short list of cars to look at. Also on there is a STS V8/V6, CTS, and maybe a gen 1 Lincoln MKZ just because I like the looks. Firebird would be cool but I think the one I would want with an LS1 is out of my price range

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 16:36

Haha I wouldn’t be buying an S-Class this summer. But V12 > MPG every day of the week

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:39

I like the STS V8, all CTS’s and obviously like the 1st gen MKZ (don’t forget to search Zephyr, same car different badge).

Reason the MKZ’s are cool is they get the 3.5L V6, Milan’s only get the 3.0. Ford Fusion Sport also got the 3.5L. I wanted an MKZ but it wasn’t in budget at the time.

Firebirds are awesome WS6 even better.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 16:42

The Zephyr had only a 3.0 V6 the MKZ upgraded to the 3.5 from what I have seen. The Firebird is awesome but of all the cars with high insurance the muscle car would be the worst.

Steve in Manhattan > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:44

Yeah - I suppose the low production number means people will pay for them.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Steve in Manhattan
09/22/2015 at 16:48

Yes but I should probably have clarified, there are two 10,000 mile services, staggered every 5,000 miles.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/22/2015 at 16:48

Ooo ok

And the insurance is a pain in the ass because mercury is dead, i pay more on insurance for the 07 Milan V6 with almost 100k miles on it than I do on my wife’s 08 Jeep Commander V6 4x4 with only 70k miles on it.

JR1 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/22/2015 at 17:16

Because the brand is dead you pay more? When it is essentially the same as a Ford? How stupid that would make me mad.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
09/22/2015 at 17:17

It’s a bit of a bank vault.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/22/2015 at 17:20

For the era it was but how does it compare to a modern car?

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
09/22/2015 at 17:23

You’ll be fine. Probably.

It’s at least as safe, if not safer than an S-10.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/22/2015 at 17:28

Yeah my S-10 is a rolling death trap. But I want to move up the safety ladder not stay the same haha

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
09/22/2015 at 17:31

A 126 is up the ladder.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1
09/22/2015 at 21:09

Lol. Either ABC or Airmatic. Can’t remember if they came with both, but I know they came with ABC.

JR1 > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/22/2015 at 22:11

Isn’t it sad a car form the 80’s is likely more safe than a truck from 2000?

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/22/2015 at 22:11

Ugh rough.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1
09/22/2015 at 22:13

Yeah, but if you budget for a $15k car and buy one for $10k no big deal. As long as you know what you’re in for and can handle it.

JR1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
09/22/2015 at 22:16

It seems to me to by a 10k Merc you should be able to afford a 20k car. 10k for a wonderful car and 10k the unseen maintenance.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > JR1
09/22/2015 at 22:20

Yeah and no.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JR1
09/22/2015 at 22:44

Depends on the car and the condition it’s in when you get it. $10k in work is abnormal but certainly not unheard of (talking full dealer retail here).

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JR1
09/23/2015 at 09:12

“harder to find body parts in an accident”

Which is crap because when I got rear ended the body shop called up LKQ and they said 1 rear bumper cover for a 1st gen milan, see you in 20 minutes.

It’s not a lot more, but I do pay more. And the only justification I can get is the lack of Mercury existing.