Advice on buying/owning a Mercedes

[Stealth Stalker]

So, I'm thinking about buying a Mercedes. But I'm not a car nut. I don't know or care anything about high performance, horsepower, and all that cam-head nonsense. I just want a nice car, and have always liked the Mercedes. But I don't really know a lot about them currently.

I'd appreciate any information on the pros and cons, good and bad, etc... of the Mercedes line-up. Any models or model years that I should specifically avoid for any reason? The things I care most about are, in no particular order:

Ride comfort
Reliability
Luxury comfort
Mileage

The ability to blow anybody away on the road or on the dyno is of no interest to me. As long as I have the power to pass slow pokes without throwing a rod, that's enough for me, so a six cylinder sounds ideal.

The C class looks like what I want. I don't have a family, so room isn't a huge deal. Although, I like the M class SUV too, and am looking at those also.

So, any opinions on any models, any engines, or any other recommendations or advice regarding Mercedes driving or ownership at all is truly appreciated!

[ThE_JOkeR]

Don't buy any of the ugly ones!!!!!


lol sorry for the useless post..., but its true. they have some damn ugly ones and some pretty damn nice ones.

Ofcourse maintenance is going to be higher unless you do it yourself. You wouldn't want to take it the shop on the corner as they don't see many and makes it more likely they mess something up on yours or don't do something right.

[Stealth Stalker]

Don't buy any of the ugly ones!!!!!

ROFL! Nothing useless about that advice!

I probably won't buy anything older than an 06, and they all look pretty decent right now. Although, I do wonder how easy it will be to black out all that chrome in the grille!

Good point about the maintenance. I have wondered how important it is to go to "authorised" MB shops. I've got an excellent mechanic shop that I have years of faith in, and I would think they are up to doing the job. But again, this is certainly something I need to consider ahead of time. Thanks!

[JDS]

You've got it all wrong, you need a '99 S420 (or an S320 if you're really dead set on a 6-cylinder). One of the best Benzes EVAR!

Or if you absolutely MUST have an '06 or newer, maybe one of the SLKs.

The new C-class is nice, but unless you get a C63, you'll always be thinking "I shoulda bought the 3-series".

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

Rob,

The current, Oct. 08, Car and Driver has a great article on used rides under $25K and the older E55 AMG was one of them albeit not a late model and MB Dealer Maintenance is expensive, it is a great used ride. If you want newer, used C55's are a great car as were the C32 but they ate Superchargers every 50-60K miles once out of Warranty so MB went to a normally aspirated V8 ala the C55 and now the C63.

Cliff - C55

[Loiosh]

I'm a fan of the S-class. If Mercedes didn't have such terrible reliability issues, especially in their electrical systems, it would be something I'd research more.

But in terms of ride, anything in the S-class is the sexiest ride you can have. It just feels so nice on the road. For anything less, I'd go straight across the street to the Lexus dealer and suggest you try out a Lexus GS350 / GS460. We were test driving bimmers (3, 5-series), Lexuies and Mercedes this weekend to help a friend pick up a car. The 2008 GS is one of the most refined cars I've ever been in, but it's no S.

Make sure, if you're looking for used cars, that you get one was serviced 100% at the dealer. I do not know about Mercedes, but you can take any Lexus VIN to your Lexus dealer and they can pull up the entire service history for that car. Most of the problems in buying used cars come when you purchase a car that was not properly maintained.

[Laser-InterceptorUSA]

Loiosh has added a great thought! I have always run what are called VMI's (Vehicle Maintenance Inquiry) through my service writer and my MB Dealership. This is simple and is done using the VIN of the car you are thinking of buying and while it ONLY shows recorded services done at all MB Dealerships the car has ever been to, it does NOT show any other service done elsewhere. Most dealerships may not be willing to do this for you as the Service Writer has to make the effort for you and may or may not be willing to do so especially if you are not already a service customer and if you are not buying the car from them.

Cliff - C55

[swarga]

So, I'm thinking about buying a Mercedes. But I'm not a car nut. I don't know or care anything about high performance, horsepower, and all that cam-head nonsense. I just want a nice car, and have always liked the Mercedes. But I don't really know a lot about them currently.

Forget Mercedes; IMHO, you'd be happier with a Lexus. They're every bit as luxurious, cost less, have better build quality, and are more reliable than any German marque.

[Retaliation]

The new C class has really grown on me. I didn't like the huge Benz logo in the grill when it first came out but I guess after seeing them everywhere for awhile I changed my mind. I think the C300 is even pretty reasonably priced new. And I'm guessing you don't need the 4matic all wheel drive in Texas.

[nomore55]

We've owned quite a few. We've got two in the garage right now. The BMW is a better "young person's" car. The Benz is more of a cruiser, the BMW is clearly a sports sedan. (We've had them, too).

Audi has some nice products, may be worth your consideration.

I think you should figure out who would service the car in your area and determine how good or bad their reputation is, Mr. Stealth.