Depreciation is a bad thing sometimes, but I guess that depends on what side of the transaction you are. When it comes to used flagship automobiles the only thing greater than the depreciation is the opportunity. In 2006 the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG was one of the most expensive cars on the road with a price tag of close to $170K, untouchable to most. Mercedes-Benz produced the S65 AMG as nothing but an exercise in power. The 6.0L Bi-Turbo V12 produced 604hp, and 738 ft-lbs of torque sending this heavy-weight to 60 mph in the mid 4 second range.
Fast forward 6 years to 2012, what was once the chariot for the rich and famous, is now something attainable by the masses. This beautiful low mileage grey over black S65 for sale in Houston, TX is a great way to get in to a high dollar car for the price of a new C Class.
2006 MERCEDES S65 AMG SEDAN – CARFAX CERTIFIED 1 OWNER VEHICLE – ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PERFORMED AT MERCEDES BENZ OF FRESNO – ONLY 41K ORIGINAL MILES – LOADED WITH ALL POSSIBLE OPTIONS INCLUDING FRONT HEATED & COOLED SEATS – REAR ADJUSTING HEATED SEATS WITH LUMBAR – PDC – 6 CD – SUNSHADES – WALNUT TRIM & MUCH MUCH MORE – AN ABSOLUTE POWERHOUSE OF A MOTOR LAUNCHES THIS SEDAN FROM 0 TO 60 IN 4.2 SECONDS – ORIGINAL MSRP OVER $170K – EXCELLENT CONDITION INSIDE & OUT!!!
This is certainly a lot of car for the money. As Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sedan in 2006 the MSRP of this monster was $169,000, making $38,000 a virtual bargain for such a clean example. With just a tick over 41,000 miles, there is still a lot of life left in this beauty. That life will include long smoky burnouts, $300+ oil changes, and 11 mpg (with a light foot). With all things considered, this is not a cheap car to own, maintain, or fix, but an almost 5000lb car that does 0-60 mph like a Ferrari, that’s a car right up my alley.
If you’re willing to take on the back-end costs of owning and maintaining the former flagship models, they can be had for shockingly cheap up-front money. Then again, remember, there’s a reason for that.
While I like the W220, I don’t get how this luxury locomotive was ever worth 170 large. At less than 1/4 that entry fee, and with only 41K on the clock, it makes a bit more sense. If it’s pretty much all about the power, and if you can live with the hefty back-end expense, this is your answer.
Harrison brings up a good point. At the risk of seeming shallow, here’s the problem: It’s not a W221. And you can buy a low-mileage 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC all day in this price range. And that S550 isn’t the “old model” yet.
This S63 doesn’t handle like a sports car, and you can’t actually use the 600hp on a daily basis. In fact, it doesn’t look much different than thousands of other low-mileage S500’s on the road that you can buy for somewhere in the $20’s. While those other W220’s won’t be cheap to maintain either, the S63 will remind you of how special it is anytime you pull into a gas station or a repair shop.
Larry, this is the S65… the big boy with the V12 not the 63 with the V8.
LarrySeptember 11, 2012
Thanks for that correction, Harrison. You’re quite right. Despite my number issues, it’s cool and powerful and still difficult to make a case for, new or used.
If I had to buy one used, even if the price was the same, I wouldn’t go for the 65… they like to leak oil and the repair cost is sky high.
I’ve driven an 06 S65 about 60 miles and all I can say is it’s like riding in the hand of God… smooth, quiet, powerful… you feel like an immortal when you drive it.
I remember my Mercedes service manager telling me the V12s in these big Benzes are like a heat sink. Versus a V8, there isn’t much room for cooling/heat dissipation and some of them will cook the wiring harness and sundry other plastic parts.
The W220 was never my favorite (that would be the W126), but this engine is gnarly. Any great car out there is never without its faults, no matter how expensive.
I’d rather have an 07.
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If you’re willing to take on the back-end costs of owning and maintaining the former flagship models, they can be had for shockingly cheap up-front money. Then again, remember, there’s a reason for that.
While I like the W220, I don’t get how this luxury locomotive was ever worth 170 large. At less than 1/4 that entry fee, and with only 41K on the clock, it makes a bit more sense. If it’s pretty much all about the power, and if you can live with the hefty back-end expense, this is your answer.
Harrison brings up a good point. At the risk of seeming shallow, here’s the problem: It’s not a W221. And you can buy a low-mileage 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC all day in this price range. And that S550 isn’t the “old model” yet.
This S63 doesn’t handle like a sports car, and you can’t actually use the 600hp on a daily basis. In fact, it doesn’t look much different than thousands of other low-mileage S500’s on the road that you can buy for somewhere in the $20’s. While those other W220’s won’t be cheap to maintain either, the S63 will remind you of how special it is anytime you pull into a gas station or a repair shop.
Larry, this is the S65… the big boy with the V12 not the 63 with the V8.
Thanks for that correction, Harrison. You’re quite right. Despite my number issues, it’s cool and powerful and still difficult to make a case for, new or used.
If I had to buy one used, even if the price was the same, I wouldn’t go for the 65… they like to leak oil and the repair cost is sky high.
I’ve driven an 06 S65 about 60 miles and all I can say is it’s like riding in the hand of God… smooth, quiet, powerful… you feel like an immortal when you drive it.
I remember my Mercedes service manager telling me the V12s in these big Benzes are like a heat sink. Versus a V8, there isn’t much room for cooling/heat dissipation and some of them will cook the wiring harness and sundry other plastic parts.
The W220 was never my favorite (that would be the W126), but this engine is gnarly. Any great car out there is never without its faults, no matter how expensive.