My '91 300E had an MSRP of $48,700 and an invoice price of around $39,900. In those days, Mercedes had a big markup.

I think around 1993 or 1994, Mercedes reduced the markeup to get their MSRP down to compete with the Lexus which was being sold at a loss to get into the market place.

Now Lexus has the big markup. Check out the prices on Edmunds.com.

Still, you can buy a new LS-430 for a lot less than an E500 and a whole lot less than an S-Class.

The S-Class is the better car but the Lexus has a much better reputation for reliability and offers a great buy in this price range.

The problem with Lexus is that there is no excitement at a Lexus dealership.