if it made it to 120k already, it probably won't cost a whole lot to maintain.
at this point, you're not going to do oil changes at the stealer.


of course, look at the previous owner's maintenance papers.



the benz would probably have cheaper insurance. it's more beat up and worth less.

edit: in fact, i just did a quote on both of these cars. Benz insurance is 60% cheaper.. That's up $1600 savings per year in socal.


and the benz isn't too bad. only looks a little worse than a new Avalon.

 

Def go with the GS.

Less problems (obviously ) and those 2000 S class are starting to get dated now, I think they were just before the face-lift!

 

Asking a question like this on a GS forum, well, you're asking GS fans. Post this in an S500 forum, and you'll get S500 fans suggesting to buy that car.

As a Mercedes owner for 24+ years now, I'd stay away from anything MB after 1998. Their legendary quality went way downhill after the Daimler/Chrysler merger. I think there's much better value in other marques now, which is why it took me 2 years of on-and-off research to finally settle on a Lexus.

In the MB fan world, there's a saying that goes something like this---there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

who wants to drive that old body s5000 when the s550 is just so damn sexy!
Go with the GS. At least you would be driving the latest body Lexus GS !
Be up to date! MAN!

 

it's your money..........

if i were buying a beater, i'd make sure #1- it's mechanically sound.

the benz won't explode, or have an axle fall off. It might have pesky warning lights blinking, but for a 10 year old car, would you even bother to fix it?.....

 

you'll be happier in the GS

 

I think that the repair bills on the benz could easily catch up to you.

 

That S500 might be half the price of the GS but if you get the S..maintenace alone and electrical problems will cost you almost double the GS!!

 

get the GS. An old high end benz can be a night mare