Pursuing Perfection

Photo courtesy Cars & Bids

Park a Lexus next to your S-Class, but let that V12 SL go

Buy: 2001–06 Lexus LS430

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz W126 will forever be my choice as the best S-Class, and I believe it serves as the benchmark for all luxury sedans. That said, the second-generation Lexus LS is the top challenger to that crown.

The LS430 is slightly larger and more luxurious than its LS400 predecessor (another candidate for the GOAT conversation), and the LS430 does everything just a little better. Its 290-hp naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V8 offers plenty of power, and despite high levels of equipment and technology, it is still an “analog” car that is serviceable by most competent independent shops. I prefer base models with standard coil-spring suspensions, but cars with Electronic Modulated Air Suspension ride like you’re driving on a cloud.

Buyers are starting to pay a premium for LS430 examples with the Ultra Premium Package, which came with the air suspension as well as adaptive cruise control, upgraded glass, headlamp washers and parking sensors. Rear-seat occupants got power reclining and massaging seats, rear climate control, and a center armrest containing audio and climate controls and a beverage cooler. Also desirable is the upgraded Mark Levinson sound system, which will satisfy even the most discerning audiophile.

Regardless of its options, the LS430 offers Toyota reliability, silky-smooth drive quality and amazing comfort at an absurdly attractive price point. Clean and well-maintained, low-mileage base models trade in the $10k–$18k range, and the best Ultra Premium cars typically sell for $20k–$30k. Unlike many newer luxury cars, with proper care and maintenance these should pass the 300k-mile mark with ease.

Sell: 1994–2002 Mercedes-Benz SL600

Photo courtesy Bring a Trailer

Why would I recommend selling a car that I absolutely love? Because I value cars that are easily serviceable, and the R129 SL600 V12 is definitely not in that category. These cars must be owned by individuals who have the people, resources and means to keep them in proper working order. Buying one that has not been maintained is a nightmare, as there are fewer and fewer qualified techs these days who have the knowledge and fortitude to work on these highly complex machines.

The engine bay is crammed ridiculously tight with the M120 V12, meaning that even routine maintenance is not easy. Whenever I buy any car with the M120, my mechanic frowns. He has been working on these cars since they were new and is extremely well versed in how to service them. Yet he still abhors performing tasks that should be simple, such as replacing valve-cover gaskets, as the time and work required is three to four times that of a comparable M119 or M113 V8. The V12 models also came standard with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) suspension, which can be costly to service. Factor in the almost-mandatory soft-top hydraulics rebuild and potential HVAC issues, and these expensive cars can become a whole lot more expensive.

The good news if you are an owner is that a growing number of enthusiasts seem to have an insatiable hunger to sample one of these silky-smooth V12-powered cars. I don’t see Mercedes-Benz making a V12 ever again, so supply and demand is on your side. R129 V12s were produced in limited numbers, and prices for even halfway decent examples have been on an uptick. Take advantage of the market’s hunger and move a car that can potentially set you back thousands of dollars in repairs before the inevitable happens on your watch.

Value ranges on an early car (pre-1996) are typically $20k–$45k. The later models are where the collectors are more willing to dig deeper into their pockets. Sport-packaged AMG cars trade at a 30% premium and the sky is literally the limit for the right car with low mileage, impeccable condition and desirable color combination. I hate that I am recommending selling R129 V12s, but outstanding examples need to be cared for by stewards who can give these cars the preservation they deserve.

Hold: 1989–91 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan

Photo courtesy Bring a Trailer

“The Best or Nothing!” These late W126 models are the pinnacle for those seeking classic “Sacco-era” styling with driving quality that still compares well to luxury cars of today. These cars came with an inline-6 (M103) and two variants of the M119 V8, in 4.2-L and 5.6-L displacements. (I am not a fan of the 3.5-liter 1990–91 turbodiesel 350SDL.) Neither of these bulletproof gasoline engines has the horsepower and torque to give you whiplash at full throttle, but owners of these cars love the adequate acceleration and smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic. These autobahn cruisers are right at home at speeds in excess of 100 mph all day long.

Interiors offer exceptional comfort for all four occupants, and the driver has simple amenities that do not distract from enjoying the experience. The later facelifted models also have both driver’s and passenger’s airbags. The flagship 560SEL even has a reclining back seat. These cars were built to a standard and not a price point, with build quality that made Mercedes-Benz a much-heralded luxury brand during this era. Unfortunately, many “improvements” made to the S-Class since have made the car more luxurious and technologically advanced, but at the cost of reliability and long-term-ownership expenditure.

Nice, clean and well-preserved cars can still be purchased in the $15k–$25k range, but do your due diligence. The best examples typically sell in the $25k–$45k range and are worth every penny. Ultra-low-mileage flagship examples in show condition can easily sell for over $45k, and they are still well worth it. Prices are not coming down, so hang on to yours if you have one.