2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser - One Year Test Update
2001 Mercedes-Benz S500 Sport
Certainly the flagship of our One-Year-Test fleet, this sportified S-Class remains the vehicle of choice when someone has a long, fast trip in the offing. The major commuter catastrophe that occurred since our last update is a broken cupholder: The plastic bits in the armrest-mounted holder assembly separated themselves and no longer hold anything. Major bummer. We had a taillight bulb blow out, which was replaced under warranty, as was a faulty dashboard warning light. If we'd have waited for the computer to tell us an oil change was required, it would've been covered under Mercedes-Benz' scheduled maintenance program. But as the crude looked pretty rude, and we were nearing 9000 miles, we went ahead and had the service done anyway. Nine quarts of Mobil 1, filter, gaskets, labor, a brake inspection, and tax totaled $132.72. Otherwise, no problems, and this thing's presence in our garage is like having a Lear Jet always at the ready.
From The Logbook
"If I were a Blues Brother, I'd want this Benz-in black."
-Matt Stone
| Base price | $78,950 |
| Price as tested | $91,945 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, RWD, |
| | 4-door, 5-pass |
| Engine | 5.0L V-8, SOHC, |
| | 3 valves/cyl |
| Hp @ rpm | 302 @ 5550 |
| Torque @ rpm | 339 @ 3000 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.5 |
| EPA mpg | 16 city/23 highway |
| Total mileage | 12,304 |
| Avg test mpg | 18.8 |
| Problem areas | Broken cupholder |
| Non-warr cost | $132.72 |
| since last update | |