I've been around the other model forums through the evolution of this site, usually looking for info about my E or giving advice (admittedly sometimes curt) about my little C Coupe. Anyway, I always wanted an SL, and I'm ready to move up - even if it is used.

I'm in the market for a good, used SL 500 and I've found a few. Two of them are 2003 (one built in Nov '02, the other is a CPO with 100k warranty, built in March '03) and the third is a CPO 2004 that I have yet to look at (appointment Saturday).
The oldest of the cars has amazingly low mileage and full documentation on CarFax. The March 03 car is still pretty low (36k miles), while the 04 is about average at 29k miles.

The CPO's are both at familiar dealers - both relatively reputable (as far as used car salesmen - er, persons go)

Are there any red flags I should know about for these cars? Any pointers? Things to ask (other than the pre-requisite carfax stuff)?

 

This has been talked about quite a few times....1st off GET A CPO!!!....2nd if you can buy the newest model possible (2005 has the nice big DVD NAV)....3rd get ready to want rims.

 

Invest in an independent mechanic to look over the car, especially if you choose the non-CPO SL.

 

Id stay away from an 03 unless it was dirt cheap..

Get an 05... the Sl depriciates at an ungodly rate. I bet you could find a nice 05 for $63-65.

 

as cy0811 and lorinserbenz both have stated...if you can manage it...get a 2005 Model, they have almost everything the 2007's have give or take a little ...they have the nicer DVD navi screen as well and you can probably get a good deal on one depending on where you're located

 

I bought an '03 about 6 months ago and wish I had gone newer. The car is out of warranty and already I have had a few repairs. I wish I had the DVD NAv system in the '05. I would pay the extra to go '05 if I were you. You would get the bumper to bumper warranty and a much more reliable car.

 

Thank you all for your concise advice and prompt replies. I'll be headed out to look at 05's, but for now I can focus on family and the holidays.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year

 

average auction price on 05's is $56000 to 65,000 (loooow miles).

I think you can get a nice one or $62k or so.

Dunbass_ses like me pay all your depriciation costs lol

 

 

I really have to wonder where you guys are getting these prices from. Go on Ebay....05's are costing 70-75 for a non-sport.

 

Those are retail prices....no one pays retail on used benzes.

 

I believe he was referencing auction or wholesale prices....and i think they are accurate

 

Maybe, but very very few people buy at auction. Those same cars, if bought from a private party or used car place would/will be $70-75.

 

I think high 60s for a nice one with right options, wheels/tires etc..............He is in NJ, i would think that market ought to be soft now?.....

 

Manheim is where I get the prices from..

The Lexus dealer by me as a nice 05 Sl500 non sport for $69 (window sticker).
I am sure they will take less... Its a shame that these cars loose so much value. MB's used to not be that way.. guess when since they discount so much it has screwed the market up.

 

had several. I prefer to buy them with some warranty left, so you can at least run them through the shop. But that being said, I really have not found them to be troublesome, once you check a few of the more common issues. Yes, I agree that on 05 would be nicer, but even at the bottom of the scale, that's at least another $15 grand or so, probably closer to $20k (Fity ish vs 70 ish). I guess I'm saying that I wouldn't just summarily pass on an 03, it would just depend on the history and overall package.

 

thank god I leased mine ...lease ends august 08 with residual of 57k buy out...what do you guys think the price will be in august 2008?

 

Please please please don't get an 03.
Get the newest you can afford, not even kidding.

In the last few weeks, my dads car has been in the shop probably more than I've been in school :o

 

Wow amen to that Blazing, let Mercedes take the risk is a good strategy............. probably low 40s no?.........Mercedes has to have residual Ins, they take a 20k hit every time a sl,cl, or s lease is turned in......thats alot of cars and alot of money

 

I test drove the 04 CPO SL500 yesterday...and then an 05 CPO SL500 at the same dealer. Is it my imagination....or is the 05 suspension tighter with a little more "seat of the pants" ride? I drove the two cars on exactly the same twisty road at pretty much the same speed.

I guess what I'm asking is this: Was there a "sport" update to the suspension?

No difference was mentioned by the salesguy (and I didn't mention it to him) - although he seemed to hold on a little tighter in the 05 - heheh. But it sure feels a lot more "like it should" than the 03's or 04 I drove.

Only a few thousand difference between the 05 and the first 03 (with ridiculously low miles)....hmmm

I better wait until AFTER the holidays - Thanks again for the replies!