[7Midgets]

Hi Guys
I have decided I want a higher end vehicle for my next car,. If I am going to drop $30,000 cash on a car I want the goodies. I have decided between a 2007 S550 45K miles for $29,300 private sale with Premium package 3 or a 2008 Lexus LS460 with exec package for $29950 with 66k miles.

I would love to save and get an even older MB but the horror stories on repairs do seem much higher in numbers than in the older Lexus and more expensive as well.

Reading both forums It seems Mercedes are much more problem prone and expensive to repair than the Lexus. Most say they would not own a MB after the warranty ran out. I would not buy a VSC on either. I like the MB styling better but I don't want to end up living in the shop. Seems the Lexus has a bigger resale market as well. They both ride and feel great.

Knowing this is a MB forum I know where your hearts are. Are you willing to put up with more repairs for the badge or do you really think the car is better built.
I will say one thing I like about the Lexus is it is not as pretentious. In my driveway no one is going to think I have money with a Lexus. I currently drive an Infiniti and its a great car but I don't like their sedans and the dealer is farther away.

 

[Kajtek1]

Thanks to those myth you can buy MB way cheaper than comparable Lexus (if they are comparable)
So thank to those guys who spread the rumors.
S is prestigious class and will definitely cost to operate, the E I am using is cheaper to own than Yugo

 

[7Midgets]

Thanks to those myth you can buy MB way cheaper than comparable Lexus (if they are comparable)
So thank to those guys who spread the rumors.
S is prestigious class and will definitely cost to operate, the E I am using is cheaper to own than Yugo

Yes they are comparable. Although the Lexus rides a tad softer. As far as creature comforts they are equals.

I don't think guys posting in these forums are posting myths.....These are real issues.

W169 A-Class - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

I think its reasonable to assume MB will cost more to own than a Lexus.
I don't understand how an $85,000 automobile could have so many issues.
I get people will pay for "pretension" or "prestige". But both vehicles are usually owned by auto connoisseurs and are considered "prestigious" The Lexus is less "in your face" prestige though. I will admit that.

But there is nothing prestigious about a old model car regardless of the badge. Its almost as if the owner wants people to think he is wealthy but hopes they don't find out they are driving an old MB with 60K on it.
This is scary to read...

I currently have 55k mi on my '07. Tranny was just replaced, With engine mounts. And fueling up started to become a nightmare(charcoal filter clogged). Cost of repairs is just absurd. I have always had a MB in my garage. But this one is a money pit. Have $6k in repairs in the last few years. Does this continue or slowly decreases? What are you high mileage guys doing?

Not sure if to keep it or sell it for something else.

 

[Kajtek1]

This is turning into psychology. I never owned Lexus by my family drives top end Toyotas for long years and I get to drive them when they go to airport.
The other story is that at the time when I was taking our new ML320 for skiing, my ski buddy bought new Nissan Pathfinder and was giving me a ride.
My impression become that raising the voice while talking to others inside Toyota, or Nissans is absolutely normal - in Mercedes this will trigger a complain.
While Toyota bottoming up on freeway bump is normal - Mercedes will go back to a dealer with complain.
While using a knee or hand push to close door on Toyota or Nissan is as normal as breathing- need for 2 fingers to close Mercedes door will make warranty order.
With $150/hr labor rate at MB, I was getting $220 quote for replacing light bulb in the cluster, so sure if you plan to take MB to a dealer, you will need big check book.
So the things are not as equal as they might appear, but what else is new?
Good luck on your choice this way, or the other. I might buy a Lexus at some time just for try, but isn't lower end Lexus the trimmed up Avalon I already know?

 

[7Midgets]

This is turning into psychology. I never owned Lexus by my family drives top end Toyotas for long years and I get to drive them when they go to airport.
The other story is that at the time when I was taking our new ML320 for skiing, my ski buddy bought new Nissan Pathfinder and was giving me a ride.
My impression become that raising the voice while talking to others inside Toyota, or Nissans is absolutely normal - in Mercedes this will trigger a complain.
While Toyota bottoming up on freeway bump is normal - Mercedes will go back to a dealer with complain.
While using a knee or hand push to close door on Toyota or Nissan is as normal as breathing- need for 2 fingers to close Mercedes door will make warranty order.
With $150/hr labor rate at MB, I was getting $220 quote for replacing light bulb in the cluster, so sure if you plan to take MB to a dealer, you will need big check book.
So the things are not as equal as they might appear, but what else is new?
Good luck on your choice this way, or the other. I might buy a Lexus at some time just for try, but isn't lower end Lexus the trimmed up Avalon I already know?

YEah a lower end Lexus is an Avalon with upgraded tech. The LS is a whole other beast. There is am independent MB/BMW shop here and I would not make a move without talking to them. Of course they will paint a bright picture but at least costs of ownership will be somewhat revealed.

My brother has a 2013 LS450 and its a beauty, My Nieces husband drives the 2013 S550. ITs nice as well. Both are new cars. I would never consider leasing or buying new.

Around $30,000 is my cap. If I can drive an $80K car for $30,000 (with $10K on the side) for maintenance and repairs I think thats a better bargain than a new loaded Ford Escape

What I **** about Lexus is understated pretension. MB screams pretension and I don't like to attract that kind of notice. That is what I love about the Infiniti. All the luxury without the feeling of guilt pulling up next to a bad luck poor family in an old Chevy. And that in a $30,000 used luxury car.

 

[Kajtek1]

I take it we do have different principals in car ownership.
You want to spend $30,000 and have something that looks cheap.
I am spending $5000 on something that looks expensive
On the other hand where I live, about every 2nd household has Mercedes.
It is usually housekeeper who arrive in Lexus.

 

[7Midgets]

I take it we do have different principals in car ownership.
You want to spend $30,000 and have something that looks cheap.
I am spending $5000 on something that looks expensive
On the other hand where I live, about every 2nd household has Mercedes.
It is usually housekeeper who arrive in Lexus.

That is exactly the "attitude" I don't want to be associated with. In that case I 'd prefer to be the housekeeper with the Lexus.

These are not "principles". These are "value systems" I guess it depends on who one is trying to impress. Someone who does not know a Rolex from a Seiko will not be impressed. ONly those who know the differences are those whose value systems are in the realm of keeping up with the Jones" who will know a car is 6 years old anyway! Which makes one look even more foolish because they know you are likely driving an older luxury car for appearances.
At some point even a new Buick has to be a better driving experience than a 10 year old Mercedes or even Lexus. In tech gizmos alone.

Exactly what I want to avoid and what the higher end Japanese cars provide I guess.