Car Advise Needed....

[tesmith2112]

I'm in the market for a new (pre-owned) car. My budget it approx. $65K. I'm looking at a 2012 CLS-550 and 2011 S-Class.

Which is the better buy and why?

[shnxx]

I'm not a fan of either one.
The new S class just came out.
CLS not a fan of its design.

[sherwin]

out of the two, id pick the S class.

but you might want to wait it out because the new S class has been released so prices should have taken a hit

[Dr. Robert]

I vote for the CLS, looks fast just standing still!

[Watchflair]

Easy choice. 2012 cls is a current body vehicle. The s class was redesigned this year. So the cls would be my pick.

[G8RDPM]

What are you looking for?
Family cruiser? Great sedan?
For $65K there is a great selection. Mercedes AMG/BMW M
You could get a great 911 for that $$$

Tell us more!

[S52]

Sounds like you are in the market for a fast sedan... I would look into the MB AMG E63/ CLS63

[tesmith2112]

I've had Infiniti's for the past 10 years. Almost ever model in their line-up; G35, M37, FX35, JX35 (just sold this one). I'm looking for something different and sporty, or large and luxurious (ala S-Class). I think I can get more bang for my buck if I buy pre-owned, 2012 or so. The only problem with that is availability. I want something that is relatively local (100 mile radius). It's hard to find the right pre-owned car without traveling a long distance to get it, or hiring a transport company.

There's a few CLS-550's out there. None with the exact color schemes I'm looking for, but I'm somewhat flexible there. Just nothing white exterior, or light interior. I prefer a darker interior and exterior. I'm not completely sold on Mercedes, I'm just not sure I'm a BMW guy. I do like the Audi A5, but there is nothing local that appeals to me.

At this point, I'm probably going with the CLS-550 or S550.

[Wesley Crusher]

For 65k, I'd definitely be looking at AMG models, even if I had to get a car that was an extra year older. I love the E63.

[accce]

Different cars. No rear room in the cls and lots of blind spots, but it looks better.

[tesmith2112]

Originally Posted by accce

Different cars. No rear room in the cls and lots of blind spots, but it looks better.

That's what I'm thinking too. I'm 42. I feel like I'm too young for an S-Class. What do you think? Is 42 too young?

[AMCK87]

Go for a brand new Audi A7. You won't be disappointed.

[AbsolutelyROLEX!]

Audis are junk, i fix them all the time, one of the worst cars for reliability.
ANY Benz is a good Benz!
I know, been fixing them both for 20 years now, believe me I know!

[gmh1013]

Not a fan of any M-B way to expensive to maintain. I did have a 1990 BMW 325 that was very dependable and drove to almost 160k miles. Now that Im retired I just want to gas and go....Japanese is the only thing I drive now (Toyota or Lexus) or maybe an Infinity

[lig]

Originally Posted by anderl712000

Audis are junk, i fix them all the time, one of the worst cars for reliability.
ANY Benz is a good Benz!
I know, been fixing them both for 20 years now, believe me I know!

Many are good. Not all. The worst new car I've ever owned was a W211 (2003) E320.

Incredibly bad car. Terrible Sensotronic brakes (subsequently discontinued by M-B) pathetic fiber optic implementation, and a transmission that never worked well despite three reflashes/reprogramming attempts.

I had to pull a fuse in the trunk every couple of months to reset the entertainment system among other things. The ML of that era was also a terrible car if not worse.

I was on a first name basis with my SA at the dealership.

My S4 has been near bulletproof in comparison.

To the OP - 42 is a bit young for an S class IMO. An A7 / S7 would be sweet.

[Laszlo]

CLS... for sure. It's beautiful.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by anderl712000

Audis are junk, i fix them all the time, one of the worst cars for reliability.
ANY Benz is a good Benz!
I know, been fixing them both for 20 years now, believe me I know!

I'm sure there are good and bad examples, but in my (limited) experience, Audi is

My friend has been through 2 Audis in the same time that I've had my BMW and there is always something wrong with his car (past and present). His current car was in the shop within the first week of buying it.

My BMW has been great.

[alubin]

Don't really like either but have never been an mb fan. Id look at a new a7 (dont have one but i prefer the look to the mb) or new 535xi (or preowned m5 which could possibly be in the budget). Just got an absolutely amazing deal on the 535xi and its a great drive, much sportier than it appears. If you have to get a benz at your age the S-class is a bit much so I'd vote E63amg.

[GB-man]

Lease a 911 for 24 months and try telling me it wasn't money well spent! I leased mine for 18k miles per year, and negotiated first service into the price for 1100 per month. They can be had for under 1000 per month for lower mileage. Porsche regularly runs generous pull aheads as well, as much as 12 months. Those big luxury cruisers depreciate like rocks anyway. They will cost you nearly as much.

[Coolcamden]

Originally Posted by tesmith2112

I've had Infiniti's for the past 10 years. Almost ever model in their line-up; G35, M37, FX35, JX35 (just sold this one). I'm looking for something different and sporty, or large and luxurious (ala S-Class). I think I can get more bang for my buck if I buy pre-owned, 2012 or so. The only problem with that is availability. I want something that is relatively local (100 mile radius). It's hard to find the right pre-owned car without traveling a long distance to get it, or hiring a transport company.

There's a few CLS-550's out there. None with the exact color schemes I'm looking for, but I'm somewhat flexible there. Just nothing white exterior, or light interior. I prefer a darker interior and exterior. I'm not completely sold on Mercedes, I'm just not sure I'm a BMW guy. I do like the Audi A5, but there is nothing local that appeals to me.

At this point, I'm probably going with the CLS-550 or S550.

The S is BIG and stodgy compared to a CLS. The CLS has shorter wheelbase and is NOT riding on the air suspension the S and CL are.

I own a CLS55 since new and there's nothing compared to it in my mind. I haven't gotten a new car because nothing else on the market has appealed to me that it's better than my car. My brother has an S550 (non AMG of course) and it ride is representative of the old man that he is.

For you, at 42, get a used CLS63, put a new catback system and enjoy it for years.

[samsam]

I have few suggestions. I like the E65 AMG it's a real looker. Also love the BMW 640 sedan, looks great.
And if you want real reliability, you can't go wrong with the new Lexus LS. I have the older one (2008) and never had an issue. Drives and looks great.

[airchitect]

IMHO DO NOT buy either the CLS or S-Class used (unless certified with extended warranty). You are simply asking for a headache when the myriad of high tech gadgetry they have goes wrong. Buy an E-class new (as you seem to like MB) or something like the nice LS posted by SamSam…..

[FiftyTwoEighty]

Originally Posted by tesmith2112

I've had Infiniti's for the past 10 years. Almost ever model in their line-up; G35, M37, FX35, JX35 (just sold this one). I'm looking for something different and sporty, or large and luxurious (ala S-Class). I think I can get more bang for my buck if I buy pre-owned, 2012 or so. The only problem with that is availability. I want something that is relatively local (100 mile radius). It's hard to find the right pre-owned car without traveling a long distance to get it, or hiring a transport company.

There's a few CLS-550's out there. None with the exact color schemes I'm looking for, but I'm somewhat flexible there. Just nothing white exterior, or light interior. I prefer a darker interior and exterior. I'm not completely sold on Mercedes, I'm just not sure I'm a BMW guy. I do like the Audi A5, but there is nothing local that appeals to me.

At this point, I'm probably going with the CLS-550 or S550.

You said you are a BMW guy...I'd hold out for the new m3/m4. And this is coming from a guy that flip flops between Porsche and BMW. I currently own 3 generations of m5s, and had the chance to get up close and personal with the new m4 at Laugna Seca this summer. Personally, I liked it more than the m6 GC. I can't wait to see how the thing drives.

BTW, I'm 43 and had an S-Class as a company car when I was 37. I felt like I was driving Miss Daisy -- automatic transmission and flat torque curve. My 1988 m5 was more fun to drive. Although, I'm trying to convince the Wife to swap her a3 Quattro for an e63 AMG wagon -- honey, more room for the dogs and kids...

[mike@ec]

my choice is neither..

for $65K would be a E63 AMG (naturally aspirated).. but if you really like the CLS body I suggest the CLS55 as Coolcamden suggested

[East Bay Rider]

I can't bring much to this discussion other than the advice of an engineer in my office who drives a Lexus GS:
He says: Lease German, buy Japanese.

[jpl20]

Originally Posted by East Bay Rider

I can't bring much to this discussion other than the advice of an engineer in my office who drives a Lexus GS:
He says: Lease German, buy Japanese.

I might have to agree, I have a German mechanic that pretty much says the same thing, that along with my bubby spending $1500.00 at the dealer for replacement of one power window actuator, (he did it 3x) on his BMW X5.....also I thought the S class was their top of the line where as the C class was more their entry level......

[tesmith2112]

As mentioned before, there's not many choices nearby and I'm not into buying new, or leasing, because I normally get bored at about the 12-14 month mark. I hate being locked into a lease.

I'll probably go with one of these tomorrow.

Obviously I like the low price tag of the E, but the S is pretty sweet.

Which would you guys pick and why?

http://www.cox-motorcars.com/incomin...mg-sport9.html
http://www.cox-motorcars.com/incomin...ec-4matic.html

[Runnin' Rebel]

My next one will be Touareg TDI. I love my gas Touareg, but these TDI ones have some nice power and features. Didn't mean to hijack

[RolexWatcher]

CLS is OK.

Als consider - BMW 6 series 4 door?

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by tesmith2112

As mentioned before, there's not many choices nearby and I'm not into buying new, or leasing, because I normally get bored at about the 12-14 month mark. I hate being locked into a lease.

I'll probably go with one of these tomorrow.

Obviously I like the low price tag of the E, but the S is pretty sweet.

Which would you guys pick and why?

http://www.cox-motorcars.com/incomin...mg-sport9.html
http://www.cox-motorcars.com/incomin...ec-4matic.html

Unless you have an itch to own an s class, which is perfectly fine, I would just get an e class. It was like driving a cloud when I test drove one a few years back when that generation was released. Only problem was it literally felt like a cloud and I wanted something more spirited. I would however stretch for the one with the most factory warranty I could afford. The guy who said lease german, buy japanese hit the nail right on the f ing head. I have leased bmw and porsche, and would do so again in a heartbeat. I would also not blink before buying a cushy lexus for the long run. I came to know the servicemen at my local bmw dealer on a first name basis. Mechanic said to me, 'no worries, you are under warranty. Thats why they call it bmw, break my wallet!