Back in 2003, prices were
Mercedes-Benz S350 $175,900
Mercedes-Benz S350L $190,900
Mercedes-Benz S430 $204,900
Mercedes-Benz S430L $223,900
according to this https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/mercedes-benz/s-class/first-drive-mercedes-benz-refines-s-class/2003-02-19/5163.html
That seems very expensive for that time.
S450 today is about $249,000-258,000
so increased less than inflation.

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.11
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 8/2/2026 8:16 pm, Ozix wrote:

Back in 2003, prices were
Mercedes-Benz S350 $175,900
Mercedes-Benz S350L $190,900
Mercedes-Benz S430 $204,900
Mercedes-Benz S430L $223,900
according to this https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/mercedes-benz/s-class/first-drive- mercedes-benz-refines-s-class/2003-02-19/5163.html
That seems very expensive for that time.
S450 today is about $249,000-258,000
so increased less than inflation.

Don't mention that to Darren, he hasn't a clue on the concept of
inflation - all he can see is the sticker price.

--
Xeno

Nothing astonishes Noddy so much as common sense and plain dealing.
(with apologies to Ralph Waldo Emerson)

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.11
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 8/2/2026 8:16 pm, Ozix wrote:

Back in 2003, prices were
Mercedes-Benz S350 $175,900
Mercedes-Benz S350L $190,900
Mercedes-Benz S430 $204,900
Mercedes-Benz S430L $223,900
according to this https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/mercedes-benz/s-class/first-drive- mercedes-benz-refines-s-class/2003-02-19/5163.html
That seems very expensive for that time.
S450 today is about $249,000-258,000
so increased less than inflation.

Car prices are often difficult to understand, the 2002 C240 I used to
own cost $83k when new, 20 year later a new C Class cost roughly the
same, my current car a 2004 CLK320 cost about $120k when new and you can
buy a new 2026 C Class coupe for less than that now and the new car will
have more performance and a lot more kit.
Prices of just about everything has gone up dramatically yet a new Benz
is cheaper now than they were 20 years ago, I suspect that 20 years ago
they were very much over priced or maybe its just supply and demand.

--
Daryl

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.11
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)

On 9/2/2026 1:17 pm, Daryl wrote:

On 8/2/2026 8:16 pm, Ozix wrote:

Back in 2003, prices were
Mercedes-Benz S350 $175,900
Mercedes-Benz S350L $190,900
Mercedes-Benz S430 $204,900
Mercedes-Benz S430L $223,900
according to this
https://www.goauto.com.au/new-models/mercedes-benz/s-class/first-
drive- mercedes-benz-refines-s-class/2003-02-19/5163.html
That seems very expensive for that time.
S450 today is about $249,000-258,000
so increased less than inflation.

Car prices are often difficult to understand, the 2002 C240 I used to

No they aren't! You just need to broaden *your scope*.

own cost $83k when new, 20 year later a new C Class cost roughly the
same, my current car a 2004 CLK320 cost about $120k when new and you can
buy a new 2026 C Class coupe for less than that now and the new car will have more performance and a lot more kit.
Prices of just about everything has gone up dramatically yet a new Benz
is cheaper now than they were 20 years ago, I suspect that 20 years ago

Manufacturing techniqies have improved over time, as well as where the
various components come from. Benz are no longer sourced only from
Germany and haven't been for a very long time. Think economies of scale.

they were very much over priced or maybe its just supply and demand.

Nope, mostly more efficient/cheaper manufacturing. Robotics certainly
help with more consistent high quality. My wife used to be a Robot
Operator in the OEM car parts industry in Victoria and her primary role
was to ensure tolerances were consistently maintained. Reworks get
expensive so her role was very important.

--
Xeno

Nothing astonishes Noddy so much as common sense and plain dealing.
(with apologies to Ralph Waldo Emerson)

--- PyGate Linux v1.5.11
* Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)