1987 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 420 SEL review from North America

The power antenna does not work and it was low on oil, but nothing beyond that. I am concerned about the cost of future maintenance, but will cross that bridge when I come to it. Running premium fuel in the car is also no picnic, but if you want to drive such an elite vehicle there is a price to pay.

This car is a cut above anything that I have owned before. I was beyond fortunate to make the acquaintance of the original owner. He was an 80 year old man, who had been very successful in business and had wanted to purchase a Rolls Royce, but his wife would not let him so he settled at the time for the 420 paying $56,000 in cash for the vehicle. I paid $6500.00 for the car and with the sale of my well used Mazda my price dropped to $5700.00. The car has always been dealer maintained. It is immaculate. I have previously owned a Volvo 940 which was a nice car, but a Mercedes Benz is a wholely different breed of car. I am always looking for these type of deals. I also have my eye on a 1991 Lexus ES 250. The owner of the Lexus bought it in 1992 when it had 18,000 miles on it. She just broke 40,000 in 2003. Whenever I see her I inquire as to when she will sell me her car and go and buy a new one. Now that I have the 420 SEL, It would almost be a step backwards. One final thought, as I was licensing the vehicle the Secretary of State employee indicated that the cost for new license tabs for 2005 would be based on the original purchase price of the car so next year it will cost me $214 to license the vehicle. Thank God that the cost is tax deductible. The State of Michigan certainly has found a good means for generating revenue for itself. It does not seem fair that I should bear that price for what will be an 18 year old vehicle.