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Help Wanted to buy an S Class Merc (00 to 04).

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  • 08-06-2010 7:47pm
    #1
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭


    I have decided to buy a Merc S Class. This came about when after looking for some weeks for a decent BMW 7 Series I suddenly noticed they didn't look quite as nice to me! I guess you could say I went off them, if you know what I mean! So I found myself looking at the Merc S Class and I think they would suit me just fine and at a better price than most of the 7 series I saw as well which would also be a welcome thing in the present climate. It can be anything from a 320d to a 600 as I would do little miles in it and would not be put off by small MPG figures. I would prefer a facelift version (2003) but would look at a decent 2000-2002 and possibly could go up as far as a 2004. My budget is €10,000 which I would stretch a bit for a really good one. If you know where there is one at a good price, ie a recession bargain then please let me know. All help and comments would be greatly appreciated.
    Caddyman:)


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    #2
    mickdw
    Registered Users Posts: 23,293 ✭✭✭✭mickdw


    The facelift versions are supposed to much more trouble free so that would be the way to go. If you are not doing much mileage, get yourself a 500 or 600... What a car.


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    #3
    Eric Cartman
    Registered Users Posts: 26,282 ✭✭✭✭Eric Cartman


    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/S-500L/201009197102509/advert?channel=CARS

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/320-%28HIG/200952196302931/advert?channel=CARS&featuredListingClickThru=true

    lovely cars, for low mileage id say go for the 500, the tax is no different on them anyway


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    #4
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    mickdw wrote: »
    The facelift versions are supposed to much more trouble free so that would be the way to go. If you are not doing much mileage, get yourself a 500 or 600... What a car.

    Thanks mickdw thats the sort of info that I didn't hear before!

    I thought the facelift version was only cosmetic and I was judging it by its looks alone!


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    #5
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    Eric Cartman wrote: »
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Mercedes-Benz/S-Class/S-500L/201009197102509/advert?channel=CARS


    lovely cars, for low mileage id say go for the 500, the tax is no different on them anyway

    Thanks for the link above to the S500lwb, that is one I did not see before.

    I can't make out the colour, mettalic red it says but it certainly does not look red to me more black or dark maroon!! Anyway thanks for the link.


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    #6
    fonecrusher1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,700 ✭✭✭fonecrusher1


    Some car alright. The ultimate luxury 4door tourer.

    Lucky man.


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    #7
    GTE
    Registered Users Posts: 3,911 ✭✭✭GTE


    It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

    Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.


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    #8
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    bbk wrote: »
    It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

    Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

    What about an a8 op.

    bbk the car is roughy 100k euro new give or take 20k for more or less toys.


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    #9
    Eric Cartman
    Registered Users Posts: 26,282 ✭✭✭✭Eric Cartman


    bbk wrote: »
    It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

    Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

    they depreciate fast because paying motor tax over 500 euro is like killing babies to irish people, we just dont want to do it under any circumstances so theres not a lot of appeal for these beasts


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    #10
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    bbk wrote: »
    It seems to me like mad money for one of those, cheap that is.

    Do they depreciate or would this be a normal price for such a car? Im not too familiar with it.

    I agree wholeheartedly, thats why I am going to buy one if I can. I have looked on the UK car sites but they are looking more for them in Sterling than they are looking for them here in €uro not to mention VRT and transporting them over or the cost of staying a few nights while you search etc so I think that these cars might even go up in value soon by a couple of grand as has happened with some big price cars these past 6-8 months, this recession is making some people sell in a panic!


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    #11
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    Eric Cartman wrote: »
    they depreciate fast because paying motor tax over 500 euro is like killing babies to irish people, we just dont want to do it under any circumstances so theres not a lot of appeal for these beasts

    You are 100% right, its like a big petrol engine, many people in Ireland think anything over 1.6lt is for the birds not to mention that it should be diesel for a start! Try and tell them that a big car will give more MPG if fitted with a bigger engine and they will laugh at you.......
    I am still thinking about that S500L!!!!!!!!!!


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    #12
    Eric Cartman
    Registered Users Posts: 26,282 ✭✭✭✭Eric Cartman


    Caddyman wrote: »
    You are 100% right, its like a big petrol engine, many people in Ireland think anything over 1.6lt is for the birds not to mention that it should be diesel for a start! Try and tell them that a big car will give more MPG if fitted with a bigger engine and they will laugh at you.......
    I am still thinking about that S500L!!!!!!!!!!

    indeed, all the better for bargains from the educated minority then :D (once your not selling that is)

    the s500 is a beast , the ultimate 'luxobarge'


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    #13
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    SARASON wrote: »
    What about an a8 op.

    bbk the car is roughy 100k euro new give or take 20k for more or less toys.

    I havent looked at any on the web but I don't have a "feeling" for them, I find them a bit bland! I know they are a great car so would not rule them out but it would have to be a fantastic deal to get me to purchase.
    Thanks for the suggestion in any event!


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    #14
    rugbyman
    Registered Users Posts: 1,783 ✭✭✭rugbyman


    Magnificent Beasts,
    go for it Caddyman.
    Big motors are bargains ,since so many went on the road during the Tiger. they wont be so available in a few years.

    Rugbyman


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    #15
    mumblin deaf ro
    Registered Users Posts: 604 ✭✭✭mumblin deaf ro


    The S class is amazing value all right. The only thing i would worry about would be the expense of repairing a problem, especially in such a tech-laden car.

    Best of luck though. If you get a good one you'll have a great car.


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    #16
    -Corkie-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 10,025 ✭✭✭✭-Corkie-


    Caddyman wrote: »
    I havent looked at any on the web but I don't have a "feeling" for them, I find them a bit bland! I know they are a great car so would not rule them out but it would have to be a fantastic deal to get me to purchase.
    Thanks for the suggestion in any event!

    I know what your saying. I will say be prepared for big bills buying a car like this. Parts are expensive and going to a scrapyard is out of the question. I have a 07 A8 and it can be sore on the wallet when it goes wrong:)


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    #17
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    The S-Class or A8 or way heavier on repairs than the 7, especially after the 100k mils mark. A good looking 7 is a far nicer car IMO if finished right. If you want a complete minter you're gonna pay a bit extra but you can pick up a nice looking 7 these days for small money:

    This ain't bad at all (no mention of NCT though):
    http://www.cbg.ie/Car_Detail.aspx?ID=3798015

    This looks fair mint with very low mileage - not my choice of colour though:
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/7-Series/735-I-E3/201022198249613/advert?channel=CARS

    Another in Donegal:
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/7-Series/740/201019197987924/advert?channel=CARS


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    #18
    v240gltse
    Registered Users Posts: 643 ✭✭✭v240gltse


    hi caddyman,

    really fine cars one day i'll get one . anyways check EVERYTHING electrical and especially the air suspension as they are an horrendous price to repair ( listen out for air sounds at each of the wheels and also the pump) . Also sadly you have to check for rust.

    there is a company in the states that has made a conversion kit over to stand shocks and springs.

    here's a link to the honestjohn review site

    hope it works out for you

    regards

    brendan


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    #19
    Anan1
    Registered Users Posts: 22,818 ✭✭✭✭Anan1


    If it were me i'd go for the 500, if only because the 600 isn't available (AFAIK) in SWB.


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    #20
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    SARASON wrote: »
    I know what your saying. I will say be prepared for big bills buying a car like this. Parts are expensive and going to a scrapyard is out of the question. I have a 07 A8 and it can be sore on the wallet when it goes wrong:)

    I have to tell you that after having a quick look at some A8's I might be persuaded as the 4.2 Quattro I just saw at this link might be worth a drive and its not too far from my price either!
    Thanks again for bringing them to my notice.......

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A8/4.2-QUAT/201017197788889/advert?channel=CARS


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    #21
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    MCMLXXV wrote: »
    The S-Class or A8 or way heavier on repairs than the 7, especially after the 100k mils mark. A good looking 7 is a far nicer car IMO if finished right. If you want a complete minter you're gonna pay a bit extra but you can pick up a nice looking 7 these days for small money:

    I used to have a 97' 735i and it was a lovely car so if i was going to go for a seven it would have to be 02' onwards but I am told that the early ones were troublesome and the 05' onwards facelifted cars are way over my budget but thanks for taking the time to show me those cars, it brought back memories!


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    #22
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    v240gltse wrote: »
    hi caddyman,

    really fine cars one day i'll get one . anyways check EVERYTHING electrical and especially the air suspension as they are an horrendous price to repair ( listen out for air sounds at each of the wheels and also the pump) . Also sadly you have to check for rust.

    there is a company in the states that has made a conversion kit over to stand shocks and springs.

    here's a link to the honestjohn review site

    hope it works out for you

    regards

    brendan

    Thanks for the info on the suspension and the link Brendan, I have been reading it for 30 minutes and am only half way throught it. I spoke to an owner of a 320d today who told me his entire suspension collapsed and it cost the dealer over €3,000 to fix as it was under warrenty so its great to know what to look out for. Lots of important stuff here that I needed to know. I am going to look at 4 or 5 cars in Dublin on friday and will probably see some more in the west as I am doing a motorbike tour this weekend to Galway from Dublin and hope to get in as many cars as possible! Thanks again.
    Caddyman:)


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    #23
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    Anan1 wrote: »
    If it were me i'd go for the 500, if only because the 600 isn't available (AFAIK) in SWB.



    I think you are probably right that the 500 is the better choice but I would still like to have a spin in this one which I think is the only one for sale in Ireland.

    http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/1328287


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    #24
    Voodoomelon
    Registered Users Posts: 9,662 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    I love this era S-class, but hate the interiors, they're so awkward looking or something! Very "un-luxurious" looking, A8 and 7 series are streets ahead.


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    #25
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    rugbyman wrote: »
    Magnificent Beasts,
    go for it Caddyman.
    Big motors are bargains ,since so many went on the road during the Tiger. they wont be so available in a few years.

    Rugbyman

    My thoughts indeed,it won't always be like it is out there now, people will start spending again and thats all it will take to get the ball rolling again!
    All that is missing for a lot of people is confidence..........
    I will keep you posted on how my viewings go at the weekend.
    Thanks for your comments, especially as they mirror my own thoughts!!


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    #26
    Absurdum
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,445 ✭✭✭Absurdum


    Caddyman wrote: »
    I have to tell you that after having a quick look at some A8's I might be persuaded as the 4.2 Quattro I just saw at this link might be worth a drive and its not too far from my price either!
    Thanks again for bringing them to my notice.......

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Audi/A8/4.2-QUAT/201017197788889/advert?channel=CARS

    The mileage is quite low for 3 owners in 7 years, I'd be looking for full, verifiable service history and a full check by someone qualified too. Do a search for that place on here, they don't seem to have too many fans. If it is genuine, it looks like a cracking car at a good price though.

    Would you consider a Lexus LS430? Bulletproof reliability and very comfortable to drive, if you can get over the painful ugliness of it :pac:

    Near budget, low mileage with full Lexus service history:
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/LS430/201021198190835/advert?channel=CARS


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    #27
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    mumblin deaf ro wrote: »
    The S class is amazing value all right. The only thing i would worry about would be the expense of repairing a problem, especially in such a tech-laden car.

    Best of luck though. If you get a good one you'll have a great car.

    I know its always a worry that you will have a big repair to do on a car like this but with the prices as they are at present its a chance I am willing to take.

    Thanks for the vote of confidence!
    Cheers,
    Caddyman:)


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    #28
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    Voodoomelon wrote: »
    I love this era S-class, but hate the interiors, they're so awkward looking or something! Very "un-luxurious" looking, A8 and 7 series are streets ahead.

    I will know more about the interiors when I get to sit in a half dozen cars at the weekend. I am thinking about the A8 but have ruled out the 7 series for the reasons I stated in another reply in this thread but thanks for taking the time to comment.
    I will keep you posted on my progress............


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    #29
    Caddyman
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 282 ✭✭Caddyman


    Absurdum wrote: »
    The mileage is quite low for 3 owners in 7 years, I'd be looking for full, verifiable service history and a full check by someone qualified too. Do a search for that place on here, they don't seem to have too many fans. If it is genuine, it looks like a cracking car at a good price though.

    Would you consider a Lexus LS430? Bulletproof reliability and very comfortable to drive, if you can get over the painful ugliness of it :pac:

    Near budget, low mileage with full Lexus service history:
    http://www.carzone.ie/search/Lexus/LS430/201021198190835/advert?channel=CARS

    Thanks again for the tip, I will do a search and approach carefully!!

    I think the Lexus is another great car but I think I have a few years yet before I would consider them. I am 49 and I don't know anyone under 60 that has one! I could be wrong but I don't think its for me, yet!! Thanks again, I am off to the bed now so hopefully you night owls can continue this in my absence and I will be back to have a look to see what other tips and advise I have received from the good people at Boards.ie!!!!! Thanks and goodnight.


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    #30
    unkel
    Registered Users Posts: 65,037 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    I too had a V8 E38 7-series, Caddyman. Mighty fine car and you know whatever car you'll go for will have to be a V8 petrol at least. An S500 LWB will be a great car to own and drive - do get it checked out by a specialist though!


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    #31
    Voodoomelon
    Registered Users Posts: 9,662 ✭✭✭Voodoomelon


    Caddyman wrote: »
    I will know more about the interiors when I get to sit in a half dozen cars at the weekend. I am thinking about the A8 but have ruled out the 7 series for the reasons I stated in another reply in this thread but thanks for taking the time to comment.
    I will keep you posted on my progress............

    I completely agree, the E65 (02-04) 7 series is rubbish looking, although the facelifted version in 05 is much nicer, but out of budget.

    A case of weighing up the pros and cons methinks. Best of luck anyways, I love big saloon shopping!


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