SL/R129: 1999 Sl500, 143m, Ruh roh?
02-13-2011, 07:08 PM
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1999 Sl500, 143m, Ruh roh?
Hello everyone,
I am brand new here but am looking for a new toy. It doesn't have to be as reliable as a civic but it would be nice to drive it somewhere besides the garage.
I have found a local 1999 Sl500. It appears to be very clean, includes the hardtop and detailed service records. It is competitively priced (for my region) and has decent tires. The carfax checks out.
However, it has 143,000 miles. Is this necessarily cause for alarm? Specifically, what should I be concerned with or check out before committing?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
I am brand new here but am looking for a new toy. It doesn't have to be as reliable as a civic but it would be nice to drive it somewhere besides the garage.
I have found a local 1999 Sl500. It appears to be very clean, includes the hardtop and detailed service records. It is competitively priced (for my region) and has decent tires. The carfax checks out.
However, it has 143,000 miles. Is this necessarily cause for alarm? Specifically, what should I be concerned with or check out before committing?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Andrew
02-19-2011, 11:51 AM
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94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Yes the M119 is solid. What type of driver put on 143K?? 12 years into 144 is 12k/ yr. Was it not driven for 5 years the 20k/year for the last. or has it sat with no mikles for the last 3 or 4 years. rust never sleeps and rubber rot never reverses!
If your dream includes low costs and inexpensive parts and labor you may be on track for a nightmare. If you are a wrench, screwdriver and hammer mechanic then you may have an expensive learning curve.
Jump in you'll have lots for cohorts here!
If your dream includes low costs and inexpensive parts and labor you may be on track for a nightmare. If you are a wrench, screwdriver and hammer mechanic then you may have an expensive learning curve.
Jump in you'll have lots for cohorts here!
02-23-2011, 10:31 AM
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The saga continues. I was a bit spooked about the one with 143K so I jumped on auto trader and found another local car. I'll outline what I know about the two below:
1999, Sl500, 143K,
Very clean, all service records. One owner, local. Rips in the top around the rear windows, small tear in drivers seat leather. Hardtop in great conditions. Runs very well. I will be able to get it for around 8000.
1999, Sl500, 67K
Not as clean, no service records. Carpeting appears to be a little messy, not sure if a good shampooing will help. Missing a few little parts here and there (a button on the stereo, the windshield fluid cap, etc...) which raise a flag in terms of overall care of the car. Did not "feel" as smooth to drive; may have just been idle a little longer.
Dealer was pushy and "doesn't negotiate" on price. Right now asking 11,995.
I don't really want to be throwing around 150s to do PPIs on every car I find. Any advice on which one to sink my teeth into?
Thanks,
Andrew
1999, Sl500, 143K,
Very clean, all service records. One owner, local. Rips in the top around the rear windows, small tear in drivers seat leather. Hardtop in great conditions. Runs very well. I will be able to get it for around 8000.
1999, Sl500, 67K
Not as clean, no service records. Carpeting appears to be a little messy, not sure if a good shampooing will help. Missing a few little parts here and there (a button on the stereo, the windshield fluid cap, etc...) which raise a flag in terms of overall care of the car. Did not "feel" as smooth to drive; may have just been idle a little longer.
Dealer was pushy and "doesn't negotiate" on price. Right now asking 11,995.
I don't really want to be throwing around 150s to do PPIs on every car I find. Any advice on which one to sink my teeth into?
Thanks,
Andrew
