Has anyone gone from a SC 430 to a Mercedes, or vice versa?
I have an 08 Pebble Beach with 80k miles.
Thinking about either a 17 Mercedes S550 Cabriolet, or 18-19 E400/450 Cabriolet. I just don't think a SL will have enough room - this is our third car, but we use the back seat when we go to the lake, date night, etc.
I love the hard top, and love my car, but the tech and - newness - of the others is so enticing!
Convince me to keep my car, or move on!
Just hanging out in the garage... not even aware of what could be happening
Sometimes we just have to scratch that itch. The grass is always greener on the other side. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Take your pick.
You could always try to find one to rent for a few days. Trip to Vegas or someplace along those lines that might carry a car like that for rental. I see some gorgeous Mercedes and BMW's too. But I would never OWN one because reliabilty is important to me. Plus cost of maintenance and insurance.
I own two Lexus. One is a 97 LS400. Still a fantastic car with 267K miles. The 02 SC. Almost finished getting her where I want with 115K miles. These cars will continue to run virtually trouble free for years. So it sounds to me like your just getting a little bored. Life is short. You have no good, logical reason to get rid of the SC. Its a fantastic car. Period. But you should also enjoy life. So, enjoy it in whichever way makes you happy and be damned what anyone thinks.
I’ve owned a couple Mercedes, my wife has had two Mercedes in a row and my Father in Law “only” drives Mercedes.
I’ll share my experiences with you.
Cons of Lexus vs. Mercedes.
- Lexus will never be as exciting or as “sexy” as a Mercedes. It will never handle as sharp and it won’t provoke as many emotions.
- That’s it, the only negative.
Cons of Mercedes:
They break constantly:
- My CLS55 AMG, in the one year of ownership... rebuilt transmission, replaced all four corners of suspension, replaced two of the 4 window regulators, replaced the alternator, the front seats broke (never fixed these), two of the wheels cracked and had to be replaced, the supercharger clutch went bad and had to be replaced, then finally... the valve seals went and I was looking at an $8k bill... goodbye Mercedes.
- My wife’s last Mercedes (2009 C300), plagued with electrical gremlins, AC went bad prematurely, and alternator went bad... sold the car... all before 100k miles.
- My wife’s current Mercedes (2014 C250), only owned 1yr (currently @30k miles). Has some valve seal leaks already (puff of white smoke on startup), already similar electrical issues as the 2009 (bulbs blowing out regularly, battery dying often etc). Not sure how long we’ll keep this one.
- FIL Mercedes (2017 Cls400): Super sexy car! But it regularly won’t start. Almost once per month he will call me saying he’s out somewhere and can’t leave because the car just won’t turn on, no lights, nothing. Has sent it back to the dealer multiple times, they provide him with a loaner while they look it over... never once fixed it... they claim everything looks fine and they can’t replicate the issue.
In summary: Lexus is a little more plain but Mercedes is a giant Pain!
- I will never own another Mercedes, but I do recommend Lexus to almost anyone I meet who’s looking to buy a car.
If you don’t mind to pay the high price for the MB or the ridiculous cost of repair and maintenance then go ahead. If I were you, I would get a Lexus LS if space is a requirement. My two cents.
If you don’t mind to pay the high price for the MB or the ridiculous cost of repair and maintenance then go ahead. If I were you, I would get a Lexus LS if space is a requirement. My two cents.
Oh Oh Oh! A new LS500! In RED! Rollng art Baby! LOL. Or, he can get that Mercedes. 🥴 LOL.
Has anyone gone from a SC 430 to a Mercedes, or vice versa?
I have an 08 Pebble Beach with 80k miles.
Thinking about either a 17 Mercedes S550 Cabriolet, or 18-19 E400/450 Cabriolet. I just don't think a SL will have enough room - this is our third car, but we use the back seat when we go to the lake, date night, etc.
I love the hard top, and love my car, but the tech and - newness - of the others is so enticing!
Convince me to keep my car, or move on!
Just hanging out in the garage... not even aware of what could be happening
Save your money and upgrade the SC. Maybe a nice set of coilovers and some new wheels. If you are looking for a different color you can always do a wrap. Lots of options as mentioned. Merc's reliability is pretty terrible. It's not difficult to make the SC handle like a proper sports car.
Sometimes Toyota/Lexus owners tend to be lulled into a sense of worry-free ownership. Then they buy other makes and remember what a PITA car repairs entail: being stranded/being towed; being taken advantage of by repair shops; having to rent loaners; having monkeys messing with their highly sophisticated engines and electronics!
MB's are much improved over the unreliable junk they were peddling in the 90's and 00's, but they still aren't close to the best in the business, namely Toyota/Lexus. Check Consumer Reports reliability data before taking the plunge. If you are OK with a less reliable brand, go for it!
Aargh! You guys are reinforcing what I know in my heart of hearts! I'll update when we decide!
Good luck! If you’ve got the money and expect the repairs, Mercedes are some of the best cars to drive. It’ll change your outlook on how good a car can be.
I agree with the others, if it is mainly tech you are concerned about, upgrade the electronics and make it new to you again. You can also upgrade the suspension and exhaust and wheels. But if you are truly just looking for something entirely different, that will only last short term. In that case, maybe follow GmanSC's suggestion of an LS.
Oh Oh Oh. LOL. If the tech of the LS500 doesn't grab you with its twin turbo 3.5L 6 cylinder, then the LC500 maybe? Come on! Your allowed to want something else, but you have to be able to do more than just look at it! LMAO!
Had a Mercedes S 430 - it really was the nicest car we ever owned, and I loved it - until it was time for maintenance. My sister and friend would laugh at me as I talked to either on my way to the dealer for an "oil change" - how much, $300, or $500?
Wouldn't want the sedan, as much as I Iove it, because we will not give up the convertible. Hm. If I get more garage space, that might be an option.
We have the convertible, a 2019 Lincoln Navigator L Black Label, and a 2015 Toyota Tundra 1794.
Thinking we will keep it - mostly for the reliability factor. Changed the timing belt last year, so really no big maintenance items to speak of. (knock wood).
If you really want a German sports car get an Audi. Their reliability is now pretty decent. Still expensive to fix but not insane. 2nd is BMW and 3rd is Mercedes.
