rmani

Hi guys. I've always loved the SL from 2003+ years and now that they're getting under 30k I'm seriously considering the purchase of one. I'm wondering how reliable they are in the long term. I'm looking at higher mileage cars (70k+ miles) so I'm concerned with things such as the power roof, tranny, and engine motor.

I'm also wondering what you guys think is a fair price to pay for an '03 sl500 with say 70k miles in good shape with a clean title.

Also what about the navigation system? Is the '03 mercedes nav cd based of dvd based? if it is cd based how difficult and expensive would it be to dvd based nav?

Anyone regret getting their SL?

davidsong77

03s are cd's i think, they changed it to dvd around 05??

anyways, do you want to consider 05+?? 03's are somewhat less reliable, and with higher mileage the warranty would be out. i would not buy any car without warranty as it might be pia for problems later on.... and mercedes dealers usually charge an arm and a leg for anything simple..

good luck

rmani

so far only the 03s are on my price range (looking to spend 25-30k)

bobterry99

I would not hesitate to purchase an '03. According to Consumer Reports' used car ratings that are based upon feedback from its readers the '05 is not more reliable than the '03, and I doubt the '04 would be either. I would not be at all concerned about the motor, transmission, or top. I would be concerned about a repair bill for the ABC suspension. The cost for the strut at each wheel cost around $1500, so extensive suspension work would be very expensive. If you have cash to spare for expensive repairs, then I would suppose that your are better off not purchasing a warranty.

rmani

thanks for the input. From what I've been reading there's so much contradictory info out there I don't know what to believe at this point. All I know is I love the car and really want one.

Am I crazy I honestly think they look better with the roof up than down.

davidsong77

lol.. your not crazy i tell you. it does look better when the top is up, and i only put it down to show off once in a while at the red light

M-bENZ

I like that lol

davidsong77

m4xm1l10n

same here!!!!!

Television

This reminds me of a thread somewhere.

"how slow can you drive your SL" so that everyone can see it,,my ex likes it best with the top up

m4xm1l10n

lol man I'm a big fan of the CL for it's coupe looks ,so when the SL came out in 03 it was a must have , i could have both looks. top up for that coupe look, and down to show off .cool thing to have

Television

Me too for the CL what a car, , they do have more problems than the SL

The nice thing about the SL is that you can get out of the sun when its really hot, its like owning two cars really

m4xm1l10n

No doubt about it !!!!!!

mikey100

We have thoroughly enjoyed our SL300, purchased this past June.

It came with 39,000+ miles and was Mercedes "Certified Pre-Owned."

Becuase of the outrageous parts and labor costs for M-B's, we did purchase a factory M-B 2 year warranty. Which gives us a total (from June 2008) of 36 months and up to 100,000 miles.

They have already replaced a right front stut under warranty, as well as a leaking seal on the transmission. Other than that, this has been a JOY to own and drive.

My advice ..... Find a dealer who has a CPO '03 SL500 who will give you a good deal on it. We flew to Philly from Atlanta, and drove the SL500 from a dealer in Atlantic City. The deal $$-wise made this well worthwhile.

Good luck to you, But do not be put off by what others say ....... the 2003 is a fine automobile - as long as you protect yourself with a good, functioning dependable warranty.

Mikey Lulejian
Lake Oconee, GA

Keng1

My 2003 SL was full of problems. Make sure you get the extended warranty. There is a reason why the SL prices drop significantly once they are out of warranty. My fuel pump, electric top, ABC, alarm, a/c have all been replaced on my car. Repairs cost an arm and a leg. Would be cheaper if you didnt bring it to a dealer like I did.

rmani

thanks for the input guys. since i've last checked prices have dropped even further. i'm going to start offering around come early december.

philip12

Hi I am also in NJ, but my brother has a white/stone 2003 SL500 27,000 miles Chrome AMG style wheels, with 2 years remaining on the Daimler warrenty, this car has always been a florida car, never been in salt or snow, in your price range. PM me if you are interested.
Philip