Looking @ a 2000 S430 w/ 85k for $24,500....I'm nervous b/c of the problems seen on here..Help - Benzworld.org

khelms_98 · 01-31-2006, 08:47 PM

I've always wanted an S-class and I've actually found an immaculate S430 w/ 85k miles and the person is asking $24,500 for it. Carfax is EXTREMELY clean, serviced very regularly, NO problems to mention of as of right now. So in saying that, after hearing the horror stories on here, I'm absolutely horrified at the thought of purchasing this gorgeous vehicle and then having everything I've read about go wrong. The dealer, who only deals in Mercedes, Lexus, BMW, Audi, and the like, says that he can get me a warranty good for an additional 100k or until 2008 for about $1100; however, he wasn't sure if that covered that suspension, but he said it covered all drivetrain parts. That would give me at least a piece of mind, but I'm still nervous since reading some of the stories on here. It has the rear sunscreen, Xenon headlights w/ washer, massaging seats, so it sounds pretty loaded and the price seems good. The dealer said that he sold about twenty S-classes last year and has had only one come back with suspension trouble and that was an S55 w/ ABC, which he said seemed more problematic than the standard Airmatic. Should I bite the bullet and hope for the best or stick w/ my gas-guzzler SUV which hasn't gone without its trouble, but it's never left me stranded either. What do you guys think? I'm sort of at that point where I don't want to miss this fabulous opportunity, but I don't want to trade my pretty much problem-free SUV for my dream car that only gives me trouble day in and day out. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE be honest; don't be afraid to say "DON'T BUY IT." Thanks.

Famous CLK · 01-31-2006, 10:36 PM

well i just bought an 00 s500, and unless you have great income, stay away is my only advice. i bought mine private party from someone who kept PERFECT records. if ANYTHING was not 100 percent, no matter how small, they had it fixed. well the first three days i had it, my cd changer and phone stopped working, and now i have no sound out of my stereo. fiber optic problem. Oh, and when driving i'd had the airmatic light, all in the first three days of owning the car. after reading, they seem like almost common problems. so yeah, like any other used luxury car, expect to have alot of little bs go wrong with it, that adds up to a lot of money. haha. sorry about my bad luck.

ajm0623 · 02-01-2006, 05:36 AM

"DON'T BUY IT."

run away! run away!

too many issues with 00-03 v220s. consider only 04+ even though it will cost you more upfront. one can argue that the repair bills for 00-03 would be less than the difference in price between said model years and 04+ model years - but given the headaches and frustrations others have had with 00-03 - ain't worth it in my opinion. and opinions, i assume, is what you are looking for by coming to this board.

run away! run away!

khelms_98 · 02-01-2006, 09:25 AM

Thanks for the response you guys. I think I'll take your advice and pass on this one even though it's my dream car. Thanks again.

bbh · 02-03-2006, 11:06 AM

While I agree that a 2004 or later model is better, I think with an extended warranty you would be ok. The price sounds quite reasonable.

I have had a 2000 S500 for about 4 months now and so far, so good. I purchased an extended warranty and am just enjoying the heck out of the car.

Remember, it is rare that you see a string of posts about good experiences or no problems with these cars. Only the guys with problems vent. That's not to suggest that first year models aren't more problematic, but realistically, these teething problems don't affect everybody. Perhaps you will be one of the good stories.

I say "go for it".

lloyds · 02-03-2006, 12:02 PM

I also say GO FOR IT. I've had my 2000 S430 since last June and apart from some minor problems which I managed to fix myself, with basic machanical knowleage and help from the guys on this forum, the car has been a dream. The main things to have are a full and detailed service record with all receipts for jobs done, and the best comprehensive extended warranty that you can get out of the dealer.The price of parts are not the biggest killer with these cars, but the cost of labour to work on them.

khelms_98 · 02-04-2006, 09:59 AM

Thanks for the response guys. I haven't completely stopped thinking about the S430, especially since I've had some positive feedback. I agree that, although many love their S-class, many only post when there's a problem; I've seen that on the forum for my current SUV. Once I find out if the extended warranty covers the suspension, I might consider going for the S430 even more so. I can sell my SUV for about $20,000 which would bring my "out the door" balance to around $6,000 including the extended warranty. But thanks again for the input, I really appreciate it all.

ajm0623 · 02-04-2006, 11:46 AM

run away! run away!

Jayhawk · 02-04-2006, 01:20 PM

Bought mine new, and still love it! If people check service records and don't like what they see they should stay away, or quit bitching about it after the fact.

wcbaird · 02-07-2006, 07:58 PM

2000 S430's are running through the auction at $22k for clean low miles to $18K for clean ones with high miles. The one you are looking at would be an $18K car. I've had a couple of problems with the suspension but it seems if you replace the relay every year, you're probably OK. I would try to negotiate a lower price and get the warranty. Speaking of warranties, you need to read the fine print because a lot of them cap how much they pay out per year. Few cover electronics so you need to study carefully.