RXGS

iTrader: (2)

So today I got an offer to trade my car +$500 for a 2002 mercedes s430 black/black with 112k and amg package from Maryland for my 2002 SD GS300 silver/black with 102k. My car has an all new front suspension(everything from strits to ball joints), new brakes all around, bluetooth/iPhone connectivity, timing belt has been changed, has full dealer service history since new, and just about every option besides navi/ML. I was wondering if anyone has any input on this? I know the w220s reliability was questionable, but is it really that bad? I've always liked the w220 but I'm not sure if im willing to make the jump. Any input would be great.

RamAirRckt

Considering nearly all Mercedes rust, I don't think I would. And those are the "Chrysler years", everyone I know says to avoid Mercedes in those years. Hence they are going so cheap now

I drove a S500 prototype and did some work on them at one point (we did the cell phone for them) and i love the cars, fantastic ride. But the price is so low nowdays I would question the reliability and the cost to repair them.

The 302 hp 5.0L V8 is a blast, and the 4.3L is the smaller brother.

Just be cautious, save $ for repairs. It isn't a cheap car to have long term. Most people I know that have them also say they would NEVER have a BMW or Mercedes without a warranty/extended warranty.

mccrimmon

iTrader: (2)

If it was me, I would decline the offer. What exactly is it that you want that your current GS300 doesn't have? If it's more power you want, I would look into a GS430. I would also be asking, "Why is it that the MB owner wants to move into a Lexus?" Maybe the extra power isn't worth the extra headache to him? Good luck either way!

DosyBoy

iTrader: (1)

I would pass bro

Lukas99GS

There's a reason those are so cheap, I mean those cars were a good 20-30k more than an ls430 when new, yet an ls430 with the same miles still costs more.

brainsurge

get a gs430 if you want more power, but don't step down to a merc.

JLAWS

Take a look at the Benz forum compared to Lexus.
Comparing Flagship vs Flagship no comparison in reliability
I bought a Benz last year (2004 E500) and kept it only for 5 months. Went on the Market after 1 month, took 4 months sell for 90% of what paid for.

http://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220-16/

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls430-158/

MattyG

I love those cars. Very nice drool worthy styling, ride and interior. But I don't have a few thousand sitting in the bank account that I would need to fix potential problems. Even the MB forums complain about em.

Like the other folks are saying - nice cars, crappy reliability. There is usually a reason why someone goes over to Lexus after owning one these. And I find they're the same price or even cheaper than my GS430, that's quite a price drop over 13 years.

And your SD has all sorts of possibilities, like a GTE conversion for the dollars you'd spend fixing routine problems on the MB.

This guy is a MB tech and shop owner he's got some interesting albeit biased advice:

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

So I test drove it today and while it rose nice, and had the navigation (which is outdated) the only thing I really liked about it was the styling. It wasn't as nearly solid as w140s I drove and didn't have the same Teutonic German feeling as my family's w126. Needless to say I am sticking with my GS. The power thing isn't a huge thing to me, but I do love how smooth and linear te power band is on the GS300, not only that I've put so much money keeping it in tip top shape, it would kind of be a mistake to pay for it and not keep the car for a while. Thanks for the input.