SL/R230: WTB a Used SL...Need some advice on what to look for.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 167
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2015 ML350
WTB a Used SL...Need some advice on what to look for.
Hey guys,
So I got an E350 late last year and I really like the car so now that my lease is up on the second car, I was thinking about picking up a used 2003 SL500.
So my question is what should I look for in terms of problems on these cars or just generally what to check when looking at a used SL?
Thanks!!!
So I got an E350 late last year and I really like the car so now that my lease is up on the second car, I was thinking about picking up a used 2003 SL500.
So my question is what should I look for in terms of problems on these cars or just generally what to check when looking at a used SL?
Thanks!!!
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 40
From: Pinehurst, NC
2022 AMG SL 63. 2021 APR stage 1 Audi SQ7.
Hmmmmm
Hey guys,
So I got an E350 late last year and I really like the car so now that my lease is up on the second car, I was thinking about picking up a used 2003 SL500.
So my question is what should I look for in terms of problems on these cars or just generally what to check when looking at a used SL?
Thanks!!!
So I got an E350 late last year and I really like the car so now that my lease is up on the second car, I was thinking about picking up a used 2003 SL500.
So my question is what should I look for in terms of problems on these cars or just generally what to check when looking at a used SL?
Thanks!!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
I'd get to an 04 at least, or an..
05 if I could. My 05 (which is for sale BTW) has been a much, much better car than my 03, and still better than my 04. If you're lucky, you might even be able to get an 05 with some warranty remaining, and decide if you might want to do another warranty (which is much easier to obtain while they are still in). Top creaks are sort of indigenous to all years, remember that 05 and up have the better radio/nav set up (DVD based instead of CD), and 04 up have the 7G trans. I know your budget may not stand this, just my .02. Hope this helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 299
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From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
Not sure what your budget is, but an '05 may definitely be worth the extra $5-10k. For example, here's one that's warrantied through 04/2010.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=249569237
The price is decent (and I'm sure there's room). Obviously, the radio isn't as big a concern to you, but from reading here on the forums, I've gathered that there is a lot of electrical gremlins in the '03/'04s. Also, you may find the 20 months of warranty to be priceless, in the case there is a thing or two wrong with the car. The extra cash outlay may pay for itself!
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=249569237
The price is decent (and I'm sure there's room). Obviously, the radio isn't as big a concern to you, but from reading here on the forums, I've gathered that there is a lot of electrical gremlins in the '03/'04s. Also, you may find the 20 months of warranty to be priceless, in the case there is a thing or two wrong with the car. The extra cash outlay may pay for itself!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
That's REALLY cheap for an 05, but of course...
it's pewter (death on resale) and doesn't have sport package (also very tough on resale). But I still agree, I'd much rather have an 05. And it's not just "the radio", it's the nav, radio, and phone combo. Much, much less sophisticated than the 05.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
True about the sport package. I was able to find a worse color with the sport package for less. 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=249015013
Here's a black one with the sport package:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=247300993
A silver one with the sport package for a few K more:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=247485349
BTW, these are all CPO cars...Add in a bunch more CPO cars in the 48-52k range, and I think it's very reasonable to think you can get a very nice CPO car for $48k or less. There were 374 '05 SL500s for sale on Autotrader alone! Plenty to choose from and deal on...
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=249015013
Here's a black one with the sport package:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=247300993
A silver one with the sport package for a few K more:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=247485349
BTW, these are all CPO cars...Add in a bunch more CPO cars in the 48-52k range, and I think it's very reasonable to think you can get a very nice CPO car for $48k or less. There were 374 '05 SL500s for sale on Autotrader alone! Plenty to choose from and deal on...
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
I don't think that's bad...I'm asking more than that for mine...
although I have more equipment, 20" wheels, and a few more goodies. My warranty is aftermarket, not MB CPO (which I'm not totally sold on). Looks llike high $40's will buy an extremely nice one. Amazing. My car had a $104 window, that over 50% depreciation in less than 40k miles!
I'd never buy a new one (unless my world changed drasitically), but an SL a bunch of car at $45-55ish K.
I'd never buy a new one (unless my world changed drasitically), but an SL a bunch of car at $45-55ish K.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 167
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2015 ML350
hummmm.....i guess i can squeeze out a bit more plus add the cost of an aftermarket warranty and maybe try to get a great deal on an '05 and then that might work....alright i'll take a look around
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 53
From: Georgia
E 63S Wagon Renntech, E55 Renntech, SL65, SL 55 030, ML, bunch of old ones--they come, they go...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
although I have more equipment, 20" wheels, and a few more goodies. My warranty is aftermarket, not MB CPO (which I'm not totally sold on). Looks llike high $40's will buy an extremely nice one. Amazing. My car had a $104 window, that over 50% depreciation in less than 40k miles!
I'd never buy a new one (unless my world changed drasitically), but an SL a bunch of car at $45-55ish K.
I'd never buy a new one (unless my world changed drasitically), but an SL a bunch of car at $45-55ish K.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 691
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From: Southern CA
08 CLS63, Honda Accord, 04 911
Thanks for the replies- I will be in the same market early next year. 04 minimum for me.
Any links to what exactly is included in the sport package in this year, or overall model year link? Is the sport package just bumpers/side skirts?
Any links to what exactly is included in the sport package in this year, or overall model year link? Is the sport package just bumpers/side skirts?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
'06 SL600
I don't know how far back they have this, but here's an example from intellichoice...
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...des-Benz/SL600
click on the "options" link on the left.
http://www.intellichoice.com/reports...des-Benz/SL600
click on the "options" link on the left.
