SL-Class (R129) 1990-2002: SL 280, SL 300, SL 320, SL 500, SL 600, SL 60 AMG
View Poll Results: Which would you choose?
Keep the white 1996 SL320 (196,000km)
30.00%
Buy the silver 1994 SL500 (140,000km)
0
0%
Buy the silver 1996 SL600 (96,000km)
70.00%
Buy a Honda S2000
0
0%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 10. You may not vote on this poll

SL/R129: Emotional Quandry...

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Old 01-20-2009, 06:01 AM
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1996 SL320
Emotional Quandry...

I have a 1996 R129 SL320 - I have owned it for 2 years and have been obsessed with it, totally original and beautiful!

The only time I ever suffer buyer's remorse is when I see another R129 with a 500 or 600 on the back - I am looking at a silver 1994 SL500 (140,000 km) and a silver 1996 SL600 (96,000 km). The 600 is 25% more expensive than the 500 but the 500 has approx 40,000 more kms than the 600.

I need assistance because I don't want to be sitting in the 500 hankering after the 600.

I have picked up from previous threads that the 600 is significantly more expensive to run & maintain. It will be in daily use.

I am not a wealthy man but I am passionate about these cars...

Any comments regarding the specific model years and what to look out for/avoid would be greatly appreciated...

Last edited by antonofafrica; 01-20-2009 at 08:22 AM. Reason: Need more specific info
Old 01-22-2009, 08:23 PM
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00 SL-500SOLD,05SL600 SOLD 09 SL550 Silver Arrow
I should have read the pole better before I voted!!!!! I would not buy a 600 unless it was near new!!! I have an'00 SL500 with 44K miles and I LOVE IT!!!! I would LOVE to have a 04-06 SL55, The ONLY thing holding Me back is MONEY!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!
Old 01-24-2009, 03:01 PM
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2006 Aston Martin Vantage
To start off, I would eliminate the SL500 because it has the older style interior and in my opinion, the '96 and up appearance is significantly better.

On to the remaining two... are you a brisk driver or satisfied with the performance of your 320? As for interior equipment, do you want more leather in the car (SL600)? Beside maintenance cost, those are two other options you should consider as well. If you don't want the performance and can deal with less leather appointment, just stick with the 320.

As for the S2000... I have no input so I didn't consider it with my post.
Old 01-26-2009, 01:24 AM
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1996 SL320
Thanks for the help above guys - I believe probably the right answer is to wait for that 'perfect car' to come along... My 320 has been a loyal servant and despite relatively high mileage, still looks brand new inside and out.

Maybe buying some new mags and a new hood would provide the change I need, while retaining 'the devil I know'.

Can anyone out there comment on whether a tan soft top suits a white SL with grey leather??? If anyone has a picture?

PS: The S2000 is no substitute for an SL... Exciting to drive, but nowhere near the prestige and solidity.

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