purchase option
 

Just curious...would you rather have a 1998 S420 with 65K miles for $22,000 or a 1988 560SEL with 55K miles for $7000? Both have been well maintained and are one/two owner cars. I currently have a 1985 380SE and have owned many other Benzs...Thanks for input. Especially curious about mpg and cost to repair both.

I had a 89 560SEL and I love it! For 89-91 model it got updated seats design, new stereo system which interested me the most. the self-level system is still original and it still works great! (and with a strong R12 AC)

I am not sure about the gas mileage for S420, my 560 can do 15-19 city (depends on my right foot) and around 22-25mpg freeway
I dont think it is a super powerful engine coz it has ONLY 240PS, compare with the europe one with 300HP... but the engine has enough power and run very smooth. my engine also burn about 1 quart oil per 3000 miles

i think i am going with the 560sel...i am a "vintage" guy and i have heard about lots of elctronic problems in the 90s vehicles, i.e., "over-engineering"

Have you driven both?

With my driving, my 91 300SE got 16/19mpg, my 95 S420 gets 15/20mpg.

MB aimed the W140 right at me - huge car, softer and lighter than a W126.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Hard call I really like the W140 but the W126 is nice to. Drive both and decide.

I'd have to go with the 560SEL, I could never pass up a flagship of the mercedes fleet. There is just something about the pride they put into those cars. Besides, 98 and beyond is when mercedes begain the profit rather than quality focus. Besides, with the saved money, you can upgrade the engine to euro spec with 300hp...

W140 is lighter than 126?
so my S500 is lighter than my 560SEL?
hmmm....... interesting! I thought W140 are kings of the road, it is huge!!!

Sorry, I meant the W140 feels lighter than the W126. A 5000 pound car doesn't have to feel like a 5000 pound car. The steering of the W140 is more to my taste. I find the steering wheel of the W126 too big but I need the leverage even with power steering. In contrast the W140 is easier to steer without loss of feel (but the W126 doesn't have great feel anyway) but the small wheel hides the fuel gauge. Maybe you don't want to see how quickly it's burning fuel :)

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I love everything about a W126. I am planning to add one to my collection of cars. I will probably buy a 300bhp euro version - I'll import it myself.

The W140 is a strong looking car, but big and heavy and bulky. I find the quality not as great as the W126. I'd still own one ;). I'm scared of the evaporator repair though.

First chice for me would be the W126 and it will not depreciate anymore and 55,000 miles - that's super low mileage. I hope the color is nice.

Good Luck

I have driven both...different rides. The guy selling the S420 locally...just dropped his price $1000. Of course, it was already after I gave a 10% down payment on the 560sel and booked a flight to Miami!!!!

Hmmmmmm.....

Just for kicks, tell the S420 seller that you put a deposit on the 560 and you bought a ticket to Miami. See how much further he'll come down to make the S420 worth your while.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL