bedler

Hi ive got a chance of buying an 1998 SL60 (18000mls) which has been insurance recovered on a Cat C, the cars electric hood is not working and will need maybe £1000 spent on it, but part from that the cars mint.

Looking for help on whether i should stay away of if this car will prove a decient buy considering i can have it for £11-12k?

Accoring to the seller the car was written off as it was stolen and the hardtop and softtop were removed classifying as body damge. The car has since had both replaced with a panoramic hard top. As mentioned electrics need to be sorted to complete the car.

Can somone please help im not sure A)what this car is worth and B) if its worth buying a car in the accident damaged register.

Thanks in advance.

mebeJOE

In So. Cal. USA, that car would go for about $35,000 U.S. IF it weren't a "salvage" car, which is what we call them here. From what I've seen, a salvage car is usually sold for about half the retail price, and the title will always indicate that it is a restored salvage car.

So, in my area, I think the price would be about right in line. UK pounds 11,000 is about, what $15,000 to $16,000 U.S?

If you really KNOW that there is nothing major wrong with the car, like frame damage or something, and you will keep the car, and you can afford the expensive maintanance, you should probably consider the purchase.

But just because you get a good deal on buying it, you should still consider the maintance expense. It can be expensive! See some of the posts on this board about $900 review mirrors, $300 antenni, $500 oil changes and so forth. Plus, I think you have about 24 spark plugs in the car, and that's, I think, at least $10 a plug when it is time for a change.

That being said, I LOVE LOVE LOVE my beautiful baby. I bought mine used, too, and got a deal. But I am sure glad I make an exceptionally good salary, or she would stay in the garage most of the time.

Bigdot

do it, if i saw this car in the US. i would not hesitate to get it (after my machanic made sure its OK) that car is very nice

Mark

b4mmy

Hi mate... listen, you know the score on insurance write off's in the UK.

You will almost certainly NEVER be able to shift it when the time comes, so if you buy it you will probably have to keep it for good. And have you checked out whether it's insurable or not.... and if it is, how much will it cost! (The insurance on these cars normally, let alone write off's, is a killer). AON do a Classic Car Policy if you can keep the miles down, and don't use it for going to work.

The price is very good. Especially with the options that you mention. But, if I were you I would look at something a little older with a proper service history from a loving owner.

I sort of agree with Mark, but this isn't the sort of car you should buy in the heat of the moment. Think hard about what you want out of the car and get an AA inspection for £50.

Definitely get the inspection!!!!!!

b4mmy

... just realised you didn't say it was written off... but still get the check, and check the cost of the insurance... and then start a 'looking after my baby' savings account.

mebeJOE

See this recent thread for more on buying and maintainance issues.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r129/122618-r129-buying-advise.html

Pigzmickey

Hi Bedler

Are you sure they wrote it off just because of the roof!?! I damaged the front end on my 97 320 and it cost £5k to fix, the insurance paid with no questions. I don't think the roof is much more expensive to replace than £5k, so if it was written off I would guess there are other issues with this car.

Just my opinion!

David Hendy

Just for you to know there is a "mint" Sl60 in this months Mercedes Enthusiast magazine. I think he's asking 18K. If you need the number let me know.
That's the best 129 SL ever made, they only made 50 for the UK market. 4 cam 32 valve 6 litre 119 V-8, same as the '89 Sauber Le Mans car sans turbos. Same motor AMG ran in the CLK that did the loop de loop in the mid '90s. Just bullet proof.
383 hp 420 ft/lbs torque. Faster and lighter than an SL600.


David Hendy
'97 E60RS
Was Bristol, UK
Now NYC

dafi129

I would buy that monster without hesitation,,because of its rarity and fun factor..11K is peanuts for a car that is worth double that at the moment and
for sure more in the future..
Good Sl 60's in Europe go for between Eu 35000/50000..
For repairs ,use a specialist and not MB as it would surely bankrupt you..
But ,as the guys said,you would buy this one to keep and not to resell..
And enjoy playing cat and mouth with Ferrari's and Porsche's

2mbusa

From what I read, you suggest that the damaged top was replaced with a glass top? If that is the case, that may be the reason the electronics for the top do not work. My owners manual states that the two tops are not interchangeable -- you may want to check on this! Good luck, and if you get it, ENJOY!!!!

dafi129

tops are definitely interchangeable,we have cars that had panorama tops fitted that date from 1990 to 1998..no problems whatsoever...straight swap..
The panorama top suits only mild climates as hot sunny climates will grill you
inside the car...

nickg

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18767

presumably its this one??? read the thread - it says all that needs to be said.

mebeJOE

Does anyone know: Did "Bedler" buy the car? Mr. Bedler, please respond. Post pics if you have them, please.