German Car Zone

2-3 years into the production cycle, I suppose. I would like the bugs to be ironed out and I couldn't care less about having 'the latest thing'. I know what I like and that's enough for me.

My dad's E320 CDI is the pre-facelift model and it's working fine.

Well... working fine apart from the ESP glitch last year which the dealer only need to reset the car and ESP was working again. Oh there were some electrical faults such as rear-electric windows that stopped working (luckily they were up), exterior mirrors adjustment also stopped working.

Car is fixed and the share of problems ain't that worrying in 3 years of ownership. Of course a Lexus probably would have been more reliable, but there were no Diesel powered GS back in 2005. I don't think these are serious faults that compromise the integrity and safety of the car; I'm told the W211 built in 2002 and 2003 should be avoided at all costs.

Couldn't have said it better myself, Mike.

I voted FL.
The first year is a no-way for me; thes econd year is better but I prefer the third.
New motors are often offered after 1,5/2 years...

So it's better to still wait a moment and get the FL one. It has a better styling, and you're sure the glitches are out.

But the only real rule for me, it "no first year". If i like the car a lot, I can buy it in its second year without waiting for the FL.

Facelift... preferably 6 months to 1 year after it happens. That's when the car is most solid. But usually, cars are pretty good throughout.

Another vote for new, it has power to turn more heads & lots of wow ...!

Good thread.

I think it depends on the brand and model. There is no hardline rule here IMO.

With Mercedes-Benz if you aren't going to buy during the first model year you're better off waiting until the facelift. Mercedes seems to look, feel, and smell better after the facelift. Not to mention the usual engine and styling changes which almost always improve on the original. Take the SLK for example. Now you get fresher styling and a new engine for the top non-AMG model. Then again you could have bought an SLK55 pre-facelift and you aren't going to miss much on the facelifted model (new front spoiler and steering?). The W221 S-Class is a buy whenever product as is the CL. I wouldn't buy a 2009 model because you know 2010 is going to be the facelift, but a 2008 I'd buy. The facelift for the W211 did wonders, making it a definite post-facelift car. Then on the other hand the CLS' facelift is much more subtle and you really aren't missing much, so it depends on the model with MB.

Pretty much goes the same way with Audi and BMW. Either buy when they first come out or wait until the facelift. I guess my thing would be an engine change more than styling that would bother me, unless the styling changes are dramatic like say with the SL. 7-Series is a most definitely post-FL purchase. M3 isn't. BUY NOW. A8 is an anytime car. Stunning and nearly perfect from day one, facelift makes it perfect. You choose. I'd be happy with any year of A8.

Buying once they're out of production applies in places also. The A8, CLS, SL, and 650i are all going to make great pre-driven cars when the current models go out of production. Even their pre-FL versions do now. Once they've gone out of production though I wouldn't get anything less than a post-FL model, preferably one of the last 2 model years.

A thought, for a little more than a loaded Camry or Accord you could drive a 2004 A8L here in the U.S. You simply can't beat that with a stick. The most sought after SL models will be the post FL models, the first facelift that is, not the second one. Here in the U.S. that means I will be looking for 2007-08 SL550 in 2010.

Overall it greatly depends on the car we're talking about, the brand, and their reputation and practices when it comes to facelifts. Also, depending on how one leases or purchases, you might always wind up with a post-facelift model. You lease a 2007 or 2008 S550 and in 3 years you turn it in for a 2010 or 2011 model, perfect timing.

M

I think its best to buy the car right away once its released. You will be motoring in a new style car for instance and do not need to worry so much about reliability as the warranty is in place.

For me it kind of depends on the model, but I would go with a car or suv based on it's dependability rating of past models. Even a redesign has idiosyncrasies to work out. I'm waiting for GM to work out the kinks in the new Escalade.

But in all practicality I think it is beneficial to buy a vehicle that has proven itself with good reliability ratings at least 3 years into the model.

After one year i'd say...