Doug Gault

10 Months ago I bought a one owner 1996 SL320 with 45,000 miles on the clock as my daily driver. Apart from a few small niggles that I noticed on inspection, it seemed to be a very well cared for car. It has immaculate service records and has been maintained by a indie (but certified) MB mechanic locally.

However, in that 10 months, some pretty major things have popped up.

The Niggles that I fixed immediately were:

• Hood Pad Replaced
• New Tires
• New Lower Valance on front bumper where previous owner had caught it on a curb

But the BIG things that have caught me by surprise have been:

• New Combination Switch, Washer Pump Replaced , New alternator & Battery ($1000)
• New Front Rotors, Disks, Pads and Sensor ($600)
• New Water Pump, Thermostat & Temperature Sensor ($1,110)

And now the AC has gone out and I need $1500 worth of work there.

Am I just throwing good money after bad with this car? Is there much left that can go wrong?

Luckily the Top Hydraulics were all redone in 2016 so that shouldn't be an issue, but I'm starting to get gun-shy and wondering if I should get out from under this car before it drives me to the poor house.

I'd appreciate some advice here.

Thanks

SRHsl600

Since my own relatives don't take my advise, I will try with you!
As a daily driver not a good choice because .... ( you have listed a few but by no means all the on going stuff that a vehicle with age experiences ! ) nothing is cheap on the benz repair journey!
Since I throw money away on toys, and try not to properly account the process I would not support the..." at the right price you will have a money maker" crap
Now as a fun car to drive and head turner you got it!!!

rich8566

It seems to me that you've done a lot already so there really isn't much more to do. I would keep it but I do know that a money drain can be taxing. Best of luck with your decision.