SL/R129: Should I buy this 1999 SL500 185k?
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3
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E500
Should I buy this 1999 SL500 185k?
Hello, I was checking Craigslist and seen a 1999 SL500 that has 185,000 miles. The guy was asking $4000 and negotiated to $2,700. The things he said needed to be fixed was broken hood latch, front bumper needs to be replaced, new exhaust, and driver seat was looking pretty bad.
Should I buy this car with 185k and how long are we talking about lasting before major replaces such as engine or transmission on a 1999 SL500 with 185k can last? What a good value I should pay or should I just leave it alone?
Should I buy this car with 185k and how long are we talking about lasting before major replaces such as engine or transmission on a 1999 SL500 with 185k can last? What a good value I should pay or should I just leave it alone?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 3
From: Bradenton, FL
'87 560SL Sold, '99 SL500 For Keeps
Hello, I was checking Craigslist and seen a 1999 SL500 that has 185,000 miles. The guy was asking $4000 and negotiated to $2,700. The things he said needed to be fixed was broken hood latch, front bumper needs to be replaced, new exhaust, and driver seat was looking pretty bad.
Should I buy this car with 185k and how long are we talking about lasting before major replaces such as engine or transmission on a 1999 SL500 with 185k can last? What a good value I should pay or should I just leave it alone?
Should I buy this car with 185k and how long are we talking about lasting before major replaces such as engine or transmission on a 1999 SL500 with 185k can last? What a good value I should pay or should I just leave it alone?
Others can chime in, but FWIW if I'm that interested in a car, any car, befor falling in love with it or wasting any time, I have it inspected by the local MB independent shop, that if I buy it, I'll be using for services I can't do. This should only run about $100-$125 including an alignment check. The shop can evaluate the car and advise you on what it will take to have it roadworthy and safe. This is the most valuable $100 bucks you'll ever spend.
Good Luck
Bob
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6
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From: Oklahoma
2000 SL600
IMO, the most expensive mercedes you'll ever buy is a cheap one.
Others can chime in, but FWIW if I'm that interested in a car, any car, befor falling in love with it or wasting any time, I have it inspected by the local MB independent shop, that if I buy it, I'll be using for services I can't do. This should only run about $100-$125 including an alignment check. The shop can evaluate the car and advise you on what it will take to have it roadworthy and safe. This is the most valuable $100 bucks you'll ever spend.
Good Luck
Bob
Others can chime in, but FWIW if I'm that interested in a car, any car, befor falling in love with it or wasting any time, I have it inspected by the local MB independent shop, that if I buy it, I'll be using for services I can't do. This should only run about $100-$125 including an alignment check. The shop can evaluate the car and advise you on what it will take to have it roadworthy and safe. This is the most valuable $100 bucks you'll ever spend.
Good Luck
Bob
BJonesFL.....
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1995 SL500 Convertible
Hi notaBM!
I'm just a newbie here and certainly no expert but reading what you just said in describing the things that are wrong with the car, the main thing that I see as a big red flag is that the driver's seat was looking pretty bad. This tells me that someone didn't take very good care of the car and possibly they didn't do the necessary maintenance things on a regular basis as well.
I kinda agree with the "most expensive Mercedes you'll ever buy is a cheap one". I'm sure there are exceptions but this doesn't sound like one of them. Right away, fixing the things you listed, if these were the ONLY things wrong (which I kinda doubt) you are getting up there moneywise.
So...my best advice is keep looking. There are always "deals" out there! If you are wanting an older R129 to fix up....you can always find one. In better condition. The mileage doesn't scare me as much as your description.
Good luck!
I'm just a newbie here and certainly no expert but reading what you just said in describing the things that are wrong with the car, the main thing that I see as a big red flag is that the driver's seat was looking pretty bad. This tells me that someone didn't take very good care of the car and possibly they didn't do the necessary maintenance things on a regular basis as well.
I kinda agree with the "most expensive Mercedes you'll ever buy is a cheap one". I'm sure there are exceptions but this doesn't sound like one of them. Right away, fixing the things you listed, if these were the ONLY things wrong (which I kinda doubt) you are getting up there moneywise.
So...my best advice is keep looking. There are always "deals" out there! If you are wanting an older R129 to fix up....you can always find one. In better condition. The mileage doesn't scare me as much as your description.
Good luck!
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