I was playing around with the Auto Trader app the other day, and I noticed that a V or W reg S Class can be had for less than £2k.

Apart from fuel which would obviously be high with such a big engine, are they liable to high running costs?

Repairs if it goes wrong. And that period mercs are known for being crap quality

Rust. Lots of it. I would avoid tbh. I really really wanted one but the suspension fails, the rust is everywhere, the electrics are low quality and did I mention the rust!

As mentioned they rot like mad & quality was bad,i saw one where the spring hanger had rotted off the body!

They may only cost peanuts now, but they will still have the running costs associated with a prestige car just like my A8 does,

My 740i is coming up to an mot at the end of August and although its only done 2k since the last one I'm preparing for a large bill. It needs at least one new tyre, but I'd rather replace all 4 as they will then match. Plus it needs a new maf sensor I think. Hohum, part of the joys of owning a prestige car eh?

As above.... RUST!

If you can write off the 2k without worry and you get one that looks safe for a year or two why not?

Just be prepared to scrap it at short notice.

Thanks for the feedback guys. Might consider it as a toy when the kids are a bit bigger.

Our family had one that one about a 2003/2004 model (not entirely sure due to German plates).

It was an S500 and was lovely. It was actually very tidy and didn't seem to have any rust.

Had all the toys:

Sat-nav

Xenon lights

Auto lights

Auto wipers

TV in the back

Heated and Cooled leather seats

Powered tailgate

Front and rear parking sensors

Adaptive cruise control

And boy did it fly!

phil