Yes

 

That article is 10 months old and is referring to the 00 s class. The 03 has the upgraded interior appointments.

 

I have sat in a '03 S500 and the only noticeable change is the added chrome trim.(similar to the new E). I know they redesign the controls but overall the upgrade doesn't look too significant. I am more impressed by the interior of the new Audi A8. My uncle, who currently owns a '01 S500 feels the same way.

Don't get me wrong, I like the S class and always thought it's one of the most elegant looking sedans I have seen. It's just that at its price level, the quality and reliabity is disappointing, as indicated by all published surveys and reports one can possibly find.

My uncle, a retired physician and a life long Mercedes owner thinks the current generation S class is the worst Mercedes he has ever owned in terms of quality and reliability(He previously own the last generation S500 as well)

The LS430 will have its own face lift and upgrade next model year.

 

Then I guess he should purchase the 300K Maybach...I think they are taking orders for that vehicle as we speak.
As for his current car versues the last one,what he forgot to tell you is that he probably paid less for the newer car than he did the old..much less if you factor in inflation
The new 03 S500 is less than the 1993 S500 was pricewise

The is an LS430 with all wheel drive?..I haven't seen that one

again I say look at the resale value of the car..ESPECIALLY after its 5 years old or more..make that a benchmark...I think it says something about what the public thinks the car is worth

Warren

 

For a 5 year old car, you are talking about resale value of the previous generation S class vs. LS400. Don't forget the Lexus has only been in the luxury market for just over a decade, it has done remarkably well and its reputation has been growing year after year.
Knowing that it's not uncommon for a brand new S class requiring multiple unscheduled trips to the service department in its first year, the thought of a 5 year old S class is not very comforting. I personally will not buy my uncle's car for any price when it is 5 years old. But you can always find people so enamored with the 3 point star that are willing to put up with anything just to own one.
BTW, my uncle told me that this is the first S class he is thinking of selling after the factory warranty has expired. He usually kept his previous Mercedes much longer than that.

As for the Maybach, if I have to pay for it, I'll take the S600 over it any time even if money is no object. I am not a celebrity and don't need to throw away money for a car like that. Besides, the S class looks better.

 

Well knowing what the value of the car is at the end of a period is something that is a major factor in what I buy...

Actually I am talking about an E class versus LS resale ..I think that is more in line becuase the price of the cars was very close when they were new...I don't think an S class is in the same class..much more expensive car both new and on the used market
The E class(V8 variety) was actually less than an LS400 brand new and is now worth more on the used car market..is the star on the hood worth anything?.....it seems that the market thinks so
my .002

Warren

 

I thought we are talking about current S class vs LS430 in this thread ?

There is a thread on New E vs LS430 in Edmunds.com. I have read it and hate to rehash it here.

 

agreed..the point I was trying to make here is that I don't think the S and the LS are comparable cars...apples V oranges
Edmunds was probably right in comparing the E to the LS

don't get me wrong,I think they are both great cars..just very different...and for the money I don't think anyone is expecting to get as S for LS money...

Warren

 

I purchased a LS430 about 2 months ago, after previously owning a MB CLK 430.
I debated on the LS or the E class Mercedes.
I can tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by the differences of MB and Lexus.
The quality and ride of Lexus is much better than my MB. I have had no problems as yet. Over the four years I had the MB, I had numerous problems that were not, or could not be solved. Mercedes was no help. Just the usual excuses. The ride and comfort of the Lexus is far superior. I admit that I have not had an S class, however I cannot imagine the service improving. This is my first Lexus, and I have had three MB's. MB used to have a good reputation for service and quality, however they have really fallen the last few years.
Just my Opinion.
Jim

 

Interesting question. My company owns one each:
2003 LS 430 Ultra, white
2002 MB S430, black
No significance to colors. I think it's all a matter of preference.
Both are super nice cars.

 

but I bet you still got top dollar for the CLK in regards to resale
compare that percentage to the resale of the LS you bought in 4 years..I bet you see a major difference

The CLK actually represents a great value(resale wise)..probably the best benz resale in the cars of the mid to late 90's period


Warren

 

Funny you mentioned resale value. Actually the CLK 430 was leased, but I thought I had some equity in the car when the lease expired. Turned out that the only people wanting to buy it was the Mercedes dealer. When they found out I was going to buy a Lexus, the car was worth a lot less. I tried to sell it elsewere with no luck. All dealers said the CLK didn't sell well. Probably a lie, but that's the way things are.

We'll see when I sell the Lexus.
Jim

 

I agree....trade in values can be an example of "funny money"..never know what the true value is since you are buying another car from the dealer

I think a better example might be to look at the values of a 1998 CLK(or E class) versus an LS 400 of the same age and mileage in the classifieds...another thing I have noticed about the Lexus automobiles....there seems to be a much higher percentage of lease customers in their sales mix...so the percentage of 3-4 year old cars(versus those sold originally) on the market is much higher...and I am sure that has a lot to do with the resale values

Warren

 

I think the reason my trade in value was lower was because the CLK changed models in 2003. The 1998-2002 were the same. I had a 1999. The Lexus LS changed in 01, so the 03 was still the new model. A good comparison would be a four year old LS new model, against a four year old new model Mercedes.
Who knows. Your car is only worth what someone is willing to pay. Also model popularity has a lot to do with the area of the country.

 

I agree ...so a good comparison would be a 1999 LS400 to an 99 E430..both V8's and both sedans...E class(as I recall) was a little less transaction price out the door..but now worth more on the used car market
While I agree that different parts of the country pay different prices the percentage difference between any two given cars is usually the same in the same geographic area
And yes..your car is worth what someone is willing to pay..but using the average transaction prices as your standard making the right investment...seems that most THINK the benz is worth more money.....


Warren