SL/R129: Looking at buying an SL60
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2015
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Looking for a SL60
Looking at buying an SL60
Hello,
It's been many years since I've been a part of this community, but I come here looking for any guidance you can provide. I currently have the opportunity to purchase a '94 SL 60 with 80,000 miles on it. It's through a friend's girlfriend's father who bought it about two years ago. It has been driven, but not with much frequency. It has been stored in a climate controlled garage. This gentleman has a hobby out of importing grey market cars from Japan and elsewhere, so I know he is trust worthy. I have seen pictures of the car, engine included, and it looks legitimate, although I will hopefully have a VIN in the next few days to confirm. The car is in mint condition given it has 80,000 miles on it. Anyway, what would a fair price for something like this be? (preferably in USD or CAD) My budget isn't huge, but if I can get it for the right price, given that the R129 is one of my favourite SLs, I think it would be worth it. Also, if anyone could offer any insight into maintenance and reliability of these cars, it would be greatly appreciated.
It's been many years since I've been a part of this community, but I come here looking for any guidance you can provide. I currently have the opportunity to purchase a '94 SL 60 with 80,000 miles on it. It's through a friend's girlfriend's father who bought it about two years ago. It has been driven, but not with much frequency. It has been stored in a climate controlled garage. This gentleman has a hobby out of importing grey market cars from Japan and elsewhere, so I know he is trust worthy. I have seen pictures of the car, engine included, and it looks legitimate, although I will hopefully have a VIN in the next few days to confirm. The car is in mint condition given it has 80,000 miles on it. Anyway, what would a fair price for something like this be? (preferably in USD or CAD) My budget isn't huge, but if I can get it for the right price, given that the R129 is one of my favourite SLs, I think it would be worth it. Also, if anyone could offer any insight into maintenance and reliability of these cars, it would be greatly appreciated.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
Likes: 19
From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
I have a Jul 93 build titled 94. All the issues I've repaired and discussed in both forums!
I have no ownership experience with Asian market vehicles. I spend $1-5K per visit for replacement, renewal or modification of various systems. I drive the car about 3,000 miles a year. It is started and driven weekly ( as with a dozen other vehicles ) It has been dependable but often with a CEL. Only during the wiring harness issues ( 1999-2002) has the car been in LHM. I use a heavy weight synthetic lub.
This is not an inexpensive 12 cylinder toy, but that's ok for me.
I have no ownership experience with Asian market vehicles. I spend $1-5K per visit for replacement, renewal or modification of various systems. I drive the car about 3,000 miles a year. It is started and driven weekly ( as with a dozen other vehicles ) It has been dependable but often with a CEL. Only during the wiring harness issues ( 1999-2002) has the car been in LHM. I use a heavy weight synthetic lub.
This is not an inexpensive 12 cylinder toy, but that's ok for me.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 4
From: Yokohama& Tokyo, Japan
1994 AMG E60 (W124); 1997 SL600; & few others that I cannot fit in here
From what you stated, it was not clear to me but if this SL60 is from Japan, you need to check few things.
One, is it an official dealer MB ? Let me backtrack and explain a bit. There are several types of cars here in Japan. First is the official dealer cars. It ought to be a YANASE import or Mercedes Benz Japan import.
Second category would be imports as new by individuals or non-dealer shops.
Third category would be imports as used from Europe and else where.
The best choice would be the first mentioned official dealer imports. You can check this thru paperworks.
In general, these cars are maintained meticulously which should be verified with papers.
I can go on, but would stop here for now.
Good luck with the search.
w/ smiles
Jimmy
PS. My 1997 MB SL600 is a dealer car, bought is used and had only one owner who clocked only 7000km then. Bought it in 1999 and the meter reads around 105,000km.
My other 1994 E60 was ordered/imported new from Germany. Bought her in January of 1996 from the first owner who also only clocked around 6800km then. She is around 94000km now.
One, is it an official dealer MB ? Let me backtrack and explain a bit. There are several types of cars here in Japan. First is the official dealer cars. It ought to be a YANASE import or Mercedes Benz Japan import.
Second category would be imports as new by individuals or non-dealer shops.
Third category would be imports as used from Europe and else where.
The best choice would be the first mentioned official dealer imports. You can check this thru paperworks.
In general, these cars are maintained meticulously which should be verified with papers.
I can go on, but would stop here for now.
Good luck with the search.
w/ smiles
Jimmy
PS. My 1997 MB SL600 is a dealer car, bought is used and had only one owner who clocked only 7000km then. Bought it in 1999 and the meter reads around 105,000km.
My other 1994 E60 was ordered/imported new from Germany. Bought her in January of 1996 from the first owner who also only clocked around 6800km then. She is around 94000km now.
