Which is better a 2004 used Mercedes Benz S500 or a brand new Mercedes Benz C 300?

Question

I am having a tough choice deciding whether or not to get a used S 500 or a brand new C 300. Right now I drive a 1994 S 320 black interior and exterior. It is big and I like that. I mean the new C300 is a good look more technolgy and all but small. I used to associate the C class for ladies but Mercedes changed that with the 08 model. The only thing against the S class is a couple years old. I would get either with black leather and black exterior. They would both be in the same price range. I'm a young guy on the fence. OPINIONS greatly apprectiated.

If I get the S class I will be getting it from Carmax because they have good service. When I say young I am talking about 20 years old.

Answer 1

The S class is a beautiful vehicle. However, it does have an old man's image as does a Lincoln Town Car. Since you stated you were a younger buyer the obvious choice between these two cars is the C. The S class has far more features and is more luxurious. Ironically, the 2004 S500 has less reliability problems than the 2008 C class in initial ownership reliability studies. The S class is the most reliable of all Mercedes models, but that in itself does not say much as Mercedes ranked near the bottom of a recent long term durability and reliability study compared to Lexus and Cadillac which ranked 1st and 2nd place respectively.

After having driven both the new and old S classes, I must say they are stunning vehicles in design and concept and admire the apparent quality and craftsmanship of this vehicle. The same can not be said of the new C class which seems to have been built with numerous cost cutting procedures and bean counters. However, the C class, being a new design will last for 5-6 years before a face lift is due. The 2004 S class is already one model out of date.

If I was in your position shopping in this class, I would consider the Cadillac CTS or Lexus GS. Both are very reliable vehicles and hold fairly good resale values. Perhaps you should take a test drive which may add a fresh perspective to your opinion.

Answer 2

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Which is better a 2004 used Mercedes Benz S500 or a brand new Mercedes Benz C 300?
I am having a tough choice deciding whether or not to get a used S 500 or a brand new C 300. Right now I drive a 1994 S 320 black interior and exterior. It is big and I like that. I mean the new C300 is a good look more technolgy and all but small. I used to associate the C class for ladies but...

Answer 3

2004 Mercedes Benz S500

Answer 4

These cars are apples and oranges. One is a compact sporty sedan. The other is a high end luxury cruiser.

Obviously, the S500 is much more car. It is bigger more luxurious, uses higher quality materials, etc. It costs more than double a C-class when new.

The downside is that it is a used car. Mercedes reliability on the older S-class isn't great. Repair costs for S-class cars are outrageous. Once it is out of warranty it will eat you alive. That is why you can get one for the same price as a new C. You pay for it in repairs.

The new C will probably have its share of problems. ALL new models do -- from Lexus to Ferrari. It is never a wise idea to buy any car in its first model run. That being said, all repairs are free, so it is a convenience issue.

Other things to consider is what you want. If you are used to S-class size, the C will feel claustrophobic. It is longer than the older C, but still very narrow, so elbow room is limited.

The benefit is much better handling. It still isn't a BMW 3, but it handles infinitely better than the barge sized S class. The ride is harsher however.

Lastly, the C is really built for "younger" buys. The S class is a baby boomer car. IT is built for 50+ aged executives, and it has an "old guy" image. A C-class, particularly the more extroverted new C, is more appropriate for a younger guy, and is designed for them in mind (bluetooth, MP3 capability, etc.)

Funny that you used to view the old C "for ladies", since the S Classes are "for old guys," for sure.

Unless you need the room, I'd get the new C. If you do decide on the S, make sure you get one with Starmark Warranty. You will be very sorry otherwise.

Answer 5

2004 Mercedes S500

Answer 6

I would go for an CL 500 2004 if you can find one.
It would have the same technology and luxury as the S 500, but with a young man feel to it. CL is a major head turner. It is a luxury sports coupe, great car.
I would not get the C class. the person who states all new models have bugs is right. and it does have some cheap parts in it, not so typically MB well made.
and also I agree you might test drive the new Cadillac. it seems to be a very good choice and has many gadgets.
have fun shopping.
btw black on black is cool
black with tan leather is sublime

Answer 7

Which ever YOU want, but honestly, think for a moment (Assuming you choose the 2004 s500) your buying a USED car for the price of a new one. And to me, a NEW Mercedes-Benz would turn my head a whole lot quicker than a Mercedes thats almost 4 years old.

Answer 8

Trust me buddy, you cannot go wrong with a pre used executive sedan like the s-class. I had the same issue, except I like Jags. I was deciding between a new x-type and pre owned 2004 XJ, which is the flagship car. I went for the XJ and it is amazing. Best thing I have bought and it actually cost less than the x-type. I say get the S500, you will get more with it than the new c class, which I haven't heard good things about.

Answer 9

No matter which one you choose you will always wonder whether you should have bought the other one. The S500 has a far superior limosine feel and more powerful but will cost more to maintain and if and when something goes wrong that will be the time that you will feel regret. The market will be flooded with C's soon and no one will even glance at your car. I would much prefer the S500 even if it is not the sensible choice. Damn I love that V8

Answer 10

S Class always.They put extra care into them,its usally the lower classes that did have problems between 1992 thru 2004.