I'm stumped here guys. I'm looking at an 1998 S420 with 60000 miles and park-tronic, priced at about $19000. Seems to be a good deal in my area. But my first choice is the 1998 S500. However, it has 86000 miles but the price is the same. Now I'm coming out of a full size SUV so i figure the S420 would give me more relief at the pump. So my question is S420 lacking in power vs. the S500? Should the 26000 miles be an issue? My goal was to own a S500 one day but the S420 seems to be more economical.
Don't they both have V8's? Mileage shouldn't be that different. The 320 has a 6 banger that gets better mileage than the 8's. I get 19/26 MPG with my 320 and it has plenty of pep for me (my drag racing days are over).
As far as the odometer, if you plan to keep it until the wheels fall off, the 26K shouldn't be an issue.
In my opinion, you can get the better condion one. Of course, the HP will be a little different, but I would choose the one with better condition since HP will not be that much difference. You want to pick the one that you can enjoy more, instead of the machenic enjoy more.[:D]
I've had a '94 S420 for about 2 years now. Recently, as I've driven along in a city environment, I've wished for just a little more power, just a little more umph. Just maybe...that S500 has that just a little extra the S420 lacks.
i made one mistake. the S420 is a 1997 and the S500 is a 1998. I'll check the harness, a/c, rear windows, and everything else i have learned here before i choose. but i'm leaning towards the S500 cause it's a year newer. miles don't seem to be an issue, more concern is the condition of the car. plus i always wanted a S500. i want to blow the doors off thoses impala's and mirada's if need be. i'm in detroit you know?
I have a 98 S500 with 65k. I have driven the 320 (underpowered in my opinion) and the 420. If you want power, the S500 is it. But, I would suggest you look at the condition and use that as the basis for your decision. I know of at least two S500's that have +200k. One has 274k and runs like new, so don't let a few miles difference put you off too much.
Upkeep on these cars isn't for the faint of heart. I don't think the 98 is known for a bad wiring harnesses, but the windows, door-closers, and air-conditioning are commonly problem items that will cost you $$$ to fix (especially the air). Choose the one in the best condition.
the two cars i am looking at are about five hours away but i just came from my local benz lot and drove a 1997 S420 with 84k miles, only $17000. it may just have enough power. i won't decide for sure until i drive the S500 (they didn't have one). the S420 is nice and smooth, plently of power, the pedal was stiff so it took a little pressure to launch it. the saleman tried to get me to go faster but that would have distracted form listening for rattles and such. the rims were not in the best shape but with the midwest winters, it's easy to see why. had a crack in the drivers seat too. other than that everything was clean. checked out the warranties while i was there and it had more loops holes than a few. didn't cover struts either. "this is covered but only if caused by the failure of the components mention above" was used alot.
Linear Mode
