So for the last year I have been watching Cadillac CTS-V's, with the intention of buying one around the 2010 and newer model year. But about 2 months ago I had a customer come in to the dealership to buy a used RV and he wanted to trade in a 2003 Merc S55 with low miles. Looked at it and though it was pretty sweet. We told him no at that time because we just don't take cars too often. But that thing has kept creeping back into my mind. And they are available stupid cheap for something that lays down 500hp and rides a family of 4 damn comfortably. Am I nuts for even pondering these things. $10,000 CND buys one with good service records, and 140,000miles
That year with that many miles around here is only worth around 6K. Mercedes are expensive to maintain, and are not particularly reliable.
I wouldn't touch it personally. Looks like a big boat, and can be troublesome. Like the dude where MB was charging $57,000USD to replace the AMG engine, so he did the rebuild himself. https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/car-technology/a26695/diy-engine-rebuild-saves-57000/
Also if it has the air ride suspension, they're a fortune to repair and go out often. Get a Lexus LS430...you won't regret it.
Run, run fast and far. The 2002-2003 models without the supercharger are a little more friendly towards an enthusiast that doesn't mind working on his piece of shit every weekend if you must have one. At least the engine and transmission is bulletproof on those.
But, 500hp!!! LS430 is like 300-350. And power everything, including rear reclining seats. And found even more for like $5000 canadian. That less than $3900USD.
Yup. My Dad pondered for a moment about getting an older W221 s-class until he talked to a mechanic that he trusted, who told him to run. They are great cars when they work, but if something breaks you're going to be in a world of hurt that may far exceed your initial investment.
That being said, one day I do aspire to own a really well-kept W126 560SEL..........maintenance be damned.
Yeah, the LS is not brutally fast, but it's got plenty of go for me. The '07+ 460L has the rear reclining seats (heated/cooled, massage)
My dad had a minty black 560SEL back when I was in college. Few cars are as pleasurable to cruise in. I borrowed it a few times when he needed my pickup truck, and I swear the trim that would want to get chauffeured around in that car.....almost too easy.
NO NO NO And NO means NO. That generation S55 with ABC suspension is beyond garbage. Drivetrain is fine, but that suspension! So many headaches.....
I have one of those I'd sell, 2008 Lexus 460L. What a GREAT car, still looks great and is extraordinarily comfortable, plenty of power, back seat areas is awesome with a fridge, seat heating/cooliong, electric window shades, it is like a limo. Why would we sell it? Because LA traffic, and it doesn't have the stop-and-go adaptive cruise control. Now that I have that on my new car, I can't go back to not having it anymore. The 460L has adaptive cruise, but only down to 25 mph, fine for highway use in flowing traffic but won't handle stop and go.
Guess I will just keep watching for a CTS-V then. Be awesome to find a wagon with the 6spd manual. But I have no plans to spend $50g's on one.