SL/R230: Which would you rather have?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Which would you rather have?
A Silver 2005 SL with one year of factory warranty with 14K miles on it or a Black 2003 SL with 3 years of CPO warranty and 40K miles on it. The cost is $14K difference.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Covers everything the original warranty covers. Since they look the same and the 2003 is covered for 3 years for $15K less why wouldn't the 2003 be the better deal??? I know the 2005 has the 7 speed transmission but the 5 speed per the posts on this board is more dependable.
Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 229
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From: East of Athens, GA
Steel Grey 2012 ML350 is wife's
Hey Auraraptor, CPO warranty IS in essence, factory warranty.. none better.
SL2003driver, I've been an '03 owner for 31 months and currently searching for another SL for my Atlanta home. I can tell you that I would NEVER consider another '03 EVEN THOUGH I've been perfectly happy with mine. Too many '05's on the market and it's an upgraded (albeit the same) car.
BTW, there ARE subtle differences between the the '03 and '05. The upgraded command/radio/nav is worth the diff alone IMO, some trim upgrades and you mentioned the tranny. One item you FORGOT to compare is the FUTURE trade in value.
Lastly, most will agree that the small bugs were worked out of the SL by the '05my, although most '03 owners are very happy (me included).
Hold out until Jan thru late Feb since traditionally that's the best time to buy on the east coast.
SL2003driver, I've been an '03 owner for 31 months and currently searching for another SL for my Atlanta home. I can tell you that I would NEVER consider another '03 EVEN THOUGH I've been perfectly happy with mine. Too many '05's on the market and it's an upgraded (albeit the same) car.
BTW, there ARE subtle differences between the the '03 and '05. The upgraded command/radio/nav is worth the diff alone IMO, some trim upgrades and you mentioned the tranny. One item you FORGOT to compare is the FUTURE trade in value.
Lastly, most will agree that the small bugs were worked out of the SL by the '05my, although most '03 owners are very happy (me included).
Hold out until Jan thru late Feb since traditionally that's the best time to buy on the east coast.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Hey Auraraptor, CPO warranty IS in essence, factory warranty.. none better.
SL2003driver, I've been an '03 owner for 31 months and currently searching for another SL for my Atlanta home. I can tell you that I would NEVER consider another '03 EVEN THOUGH I've been perfectly happy with mine. Too many '05's on the market and it's an upgraded (albeit the same) car.
BTW, there ARE subtle differences between the the '03 and '05. The upgraded command/radio/nav is worth the diff alone IMO, some trim upgrades and you mentioned the tranny. One item you FORGOT to compare is the FUTURE trade in value.
Lastly, most will agree that the small bugs were worked out of the SL by the '05my, although most '03 owners are very happy (me included).
Hold out until Jan thru late Feb since traditionally that's the best time to buy on the east coast.
SL2003driver, I've been an '03 owner for 31 months and currently searching for another SL for my Atlanta home. I can tell you that I would NEVER consider another '03 EVEN THOUGH I've been perfectly happy with mine. Too many '05's on the market and it's an upgraded (albeit the same) car.
BTW, there ARE subtle differences between the the '03 and '05. The upgraded command/radio/nav is worth the diff alone IMO, some trim upgrades and you mentioned the tranny. One item you FORGOT to compare is the FUTURE trade in value.
Lastly, most will agree that the small bugs were worked out of the SL by the '05my, although most '03 owners are very happy (me included).
Hold out until Jan thru late Feb since traditionally that's the best time to buy on the east coast.
Thanks, I like your avatar. As a former Marine, Police reserve officer and current concealed carry holder myself
Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
SL500 2003 Designo (sold), SL500 2004, Nissan GT350
I would go for the 2003 w the CPO. I have had some issues w/ my 2003 and the warranty has covered most of them. $14K is a moderate chunk of change, I could do a lot w/ $14K
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Cold Snowy North
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
2005 SL500 Orion Blue Metallic
I would go with the lower miles on the 05 and better Navigation. (The pre 2005 Navigation is about the worst you can find on any car)
I know that "original owners" (per MBUSA website) can extend the warranty on an 05 or later model for a few years. However, it does say "original owners" so I am not sure that applies to someone who buys it second-hand.... It also cost several thousand dollars....
I know that "original owners" (per MBUSA website) can extend the warranty on an 05 or later model for a few years. However, it does say "original owners" so I am not sure that applies to someone who buys it second-hand.... It also cost several thousand dollars....
