quote:

Originally posted by darthfuster:
We've had both Mercedes and BMWs. My perspective is they are fine automobiles, but not economical. You either pay heavily up front new or on the back end used. You have to look at it as more than just stylish transportation. You can get that more economically with any number of Asian imports. It has to be about love of brand and model. Then when it costs more than it's resale value, you don't mind dumping the money. There is a reason used Mercedes/BMW cars are so cheap compared to new.

Between me & my grandmother, we've had 10 MBs (7 for her, 3 for me). And my dad briefly had a non-running 72 280SE.

My 2015 was the most 'problematic' in that it was far more technologically advanced than my 2 1982 diesels.
But, the only expensive 'repairs' I had to do on it were tires.
I got out of it before a big repair fell into my lap, but I miss it often (And doesn't help that a coworker has a twin of it).
I had a nagging battery issue that I never got figured out before selling it & it had developed a 2-3 shift hesitation. Otherwise, the car was amazing, and I got it CPO for 50% of its original MSRP, 3 years old with 16k miles.

Contemporary to your R230, my grandmother had 2 S430s, 2001 & 2005, as mentioned above.
The 2001 was a nice car, but the stereo/NAV/infotainment was really difficult to use, and by today's standards has a very tiny screen.
The 2005 resolved almost all of the complaints (that my dad & I had) of the 2001.
Of the 7 S-class she had, that was one of my favorites (but I didn't have to maintain it).

As long as you have the means to maintain it, and don't go into it expecting Honda Civic reliability, and it checks out with a pre-purchase inspection, go for it.

Well, can't argue with Admiral Ackbar.

I hear y'all. Most info on web clicked with what most said here.

My ability to DIY is largely limited by lack of space. MC, no worries, car, worries.

Found a 2004 Lexus RX 330. Looks and runs like it's a few years old. Top package, 120k miles, 6k. Web results opposite of what folks say of Mercs. Parts very reasonable. Color (beige/tan,light beige leather) is soccer momish but oh well.

Thanks

Love our RX3xx SUV. Amazing durability. The choices to make life easier for the owner abound. There is on our 2010 RX350 a special oil drain routing splash shield so that the oil goes into a drain pan rather than exfoliating all over a subframe rail and making a mess in the driveway.

I also like the Lexus dealer service practices. You feel valued.

Well thats a 180 from the SL, but can't say I've heard anyone complain about their RX

It is just quality Euro cars in general. BMW, M B and Volvo all have very expensive repair and maintenance parts. Maybe just assuming too much but I suspect it may be true of others.

Like others have said,
If you enjoy doing the work yourself and have the $ it might be a fun car, the suspension has been problematic on those, the 5.0 is more reliable than the higher tech 5.5
If you want a reliable luxury ride that won't break the bank in maintenance, I would recommend a Lexus SC430 instead.