S class - diesel or petrol?

[NobleLord]

I'm looking to buy an S class with a budget of £20-£25k. It seems that will get me into a 2006/2007 with 40-60k miles. I set out intending to get a 320 diesel, but am now considering an S500 instead. Fuel consumption isn't a massive issue for me as I don't do all that many miles.

So, taking into consideration resale value, reliability and driver experience, would you go for the diesel or petrol? Am I likely to have more problems with the petrol as the miles rack up? Having not driven either yet, is the diesel sluggish?

Thanks in advance,
NL

[tinoproductions]

Diesel is anything but sluggish.
Resale wise you will find it hard shifting the 500 for sure. Even though it would be the more desirable car for a driver, sounds wise etc, also considering the price bracket (sub 20k) you will be reselling to in a few years. The future buyer would be more MPG sensitive I would imagine.

Go S 320CDI would be my advice.
Its no V8, but it ticks all the right boxes.

[996c2]

The following Approved Used S-Class looks like a lot of machine for the money

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

What is the servicing cost like? When are the major servicing due for the S-class - at 48k and 96k miles?

[Allandwf]

Ehhhhhh..... petrol
Diesel ..... cement mixers, tractors!!!

[Ash333]

V8. You've said yourself that you don't do many miles. Buying cars based on what the next owner MIGHT like cannot be in the spirit of PH.