Sorry to hear of your loss Detcomm. I am also a relatively new first time owner of a 2000 S430. There was a bit of rust on my trunk lid but the dealer I bought it from fixed the rust before I would buy the car. I felt they did an excellent job on the paint/rust repair.
As some of the other posters have noted, I am also concerned with the air matic suspension. It rides fantastic, but if it breaks down,
Yikes!!
Otherwise, I love this car!! I had always been a truck guy and this caliber of luxury, even on a nine year old car is almost breathtaking!
I recently sat in a brand new Dodge at a Home Show and was disappointed by the plastic and cheap cloth seats. That car cost 10 grand more than my Benz cost! 
Would you be willing to reveal how much you lost selling your car after only 3 months of ownership? I have wondered what would happen if I were in a similar situation, and I had to bail my car... :crybaby2:
Good Luck,
Harfend
As some of the other posters have noted, I am also concerned with the air matic suspension. It rides fantastic, but if it breaks down,
Otherwise, I love this car!! I had always been a truck guy and this caliber of luxury, even on a nine year old car is almost breathtaking!
Would you be willing to reveal how much you lost selling your car after only 3 months of ownership? I have wondered what would happen if I were in a similar situation, and I had to bail my car... :crybaby2:
Good Luck,
Harfend