Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) Consumer Reviews
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2003 S430 purchased 2006; good overall value
Chris Hudson, Charlotte, NC, 03/21/2016
updated 10/22/2018
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
46 of 49 people found this review helpful
Driving this car a routine number of miles (in my case about 130,000 mi over 10 years), the residual value of around $2000 in casual-sale value is very thin for what the value actually represents. No news flash here: at that valuation, the car is of far more use and value to me than a sale could bring and I will maintain and hold it so long as that is true. Oct. 2018 update: no significant change; this machine has been a good value long-term and the car keeps doing what one would hope at 228,000 miles- keeping on.
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A comfortable ride, a safe car to be riding in.
Donald, Charlotte Court House, VA, 02/11/2018
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
This car would be very safe in a collision,haven't experienced it . Mileage on the open road driving 72 miles per hour is reasonable at 27 miles a gallon. You will need to use a premium fuel no less than 89 octane. Using the recommended oil in the engine I change it every 6000 miles the oil consumption is zero at that rate. Excellent engine, lot of smooth power. A nice car that you need to maintain to last a long time. I only have 86000 miles on this 2003 S-430. I hope get much more from this car.
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- Performance
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- Comfort
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Farewell to all that
Jersey guy, 04/03/2010
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
28 of 31 people found this review helpful
Owned the car for 3 yrs, bought used at 38,500 mi. Beautifully styled exterior and luxurious, comfy interior -- wonderful to look at and to ride in. However, I have never owned a more problematic Benz (this is my fifth). Most of the issues were electronic defects, most notably gear shift that jammed in "P" because of defective sensor, which took dealer months to figure out; A/C sensor needed replacement after a few yrs; the V-belt broke apart on the highway, causing loss of power; front-end vibration required new engine mount; air suspens. struts replaced; CD remote multi-changer stopped working -- and more. I bid farewell to the car today, more in sorrow than in anger.
S 430 -The greatest
1namil, 09/13/2003
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for 18 months. It is the most perfect automobile I have ever owned.I have searched, ever since I have had it, for an imperfection. I have never found one.I am a senior. I may be just lucky but I dont think so.The ride is the best. I have not changed the wheels from the factory installed. I fear this may change the ride. The GPS Nav.system is outstanding. I am a retired test pilot having used these sysems for many years in large jet aircraft. I first looked at this system with a jaundest eye. But after using it I am extremely impressed with the professional performance.
Sleek, powerful, problematic
Lawman, 07/15/2008
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
21 of 24 people found this review helpful
This is my 5th Benz, but first S-class. The car is beautifully designed and well-appointed. Handling is excellent, comfort is superb. It is one of the greatest highway touring machines ever made. At the same time, there have been irksome quality issues. I have had the car about one year, and in that time have endured five major (and costly) problems. A sensor malfunctioned in the trunk, effectively immobilizing the car. The gear shift assembly jammed in park and had to be replaced. The air seal struts developed a leak and had to be sealed. The V-belt broke during a highway drive, lost all power and the engine promptly overheated. Disappointing. Fuel economy is good, 26 highway.