SL/R230: Considering purchasing a long time keeper
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
Considering purchasing a long time keeper
I am considering purchasing a red 2003-2006 SL500, SL600 or SL55.
I have previously leased a 2007 mars red SL550 for 27 months and I drove it for 19,000 miles. I also previously leased a 2009 black SL550 (kept it for 18 months, 8,000 miles). So I'm not new to R230's. Both were great cars and never had mechanical issues, but both were third vehicles. I will note that the 2007's top creaked a lot more than the 2009's top.
I know I am going to miss the convertible once this horrible winter is over, so I am thinking of picking up a used SL to buy and keep long term.
I have never had one these wonderful cars out of warranty and I have always enjoyed them when they were in their new years. Plus, both cars I leased were deep into the model run.
I really like the magma red 2003 cars as they are so beautiful compared to the mars red. However, the 2003 model year kind of scares me since it was the original year. Any insight on buying a 2003? What should I look out for?
Any thoughts on a SL55 or SL600? I assume these are more prone to problems? I only consider those as I feel the SL500 is underpowered compared to the SL550's I was used to.
I know the nav on the 2003-2004 cars is not single disc dvd and is not great but I don't really need nav for this type of car.
Should I wait for new SL to come out and these cars to drop even further?
Please provide any advice on what to look for and what to avoid. Obviously I'd do PPI on any car I bought.
Thanks in advance.
Matt
2010 E550 4-Matic
2010 ML350 Bluetec
I have previously leased a 2007 mars red SL550 for 27 months and I drove it for 19,000 miles. I also previously leased a 2009 black SL550 (kept it for 18 months, 8,000 miles). So I'm not new to R230's. Both were great cars and never had mechanical issues, but both were third vehicles. I will note that the 2007's top creaked a lot more than the 2009's top.
I know I am going to miss the convertible once this horrible winter is over, so I am thinking of picking up a used SL to buy and keep long term.
I have never had one these wonderful cars out of warranty and I have always enjoyed them when they were in their new years. Plus, both cars I leased were deep into the model run.
I really like the magma red 2003 cars as they are so beautiful compared to the mars red. However, the 2003 model year kind of scares me since it was the original year. Any insight on buying a 2003? What should I look out for?
Any thoughts on a SL55 or SL600? I assume these are more prone to problems? I only consider those as I feel the SL500 is underpowered compared to the SL550's I was used to.
I know the nav on the 2003-2004 cars is not single disc dvd and is not great but I don't really need nav for this type of car.
Should I wait for new SL to come out and these cars to drop even further?
Please provide any advice on what to look for and what to avoid. Obviously I'd do PPI on any car I bought.
Thanks in advance.
Matt
2010 E550 4-Matic
2010 ML350 Bluetec
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
2005 SL600 OETuning ECU
I recently purchased an 05 SL600 to be a DD. It had 24k miles and the PO had already purchased an extended warranty to 2014 or 85k.
I love the torque on this monster. Just had an OETuning ECU upgrade and the car is now a real blast to drive.
These cars are about two thirds off original price and a pretty good deal.
I love the torque on this monster. Just had an OETuning ECU upgrade and the car is now a real blast to drive.
These cars are about two thirds off original price and a pretty good deal.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
Wow this site is slow. 236 views and only 1 tangential comment. On Ferrarichat.com I'd get 20 responses in 1 hour. I guess my own research on here of the abc system has caused me to believe a pre-owned Boxster S may be the most reliable 3d car choice for me.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 828
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
SL 500
Having owned a 2004 sl and driving it around 8000 per year, I would recommend u only buy an sl with some type of warranty coverage. As long as abc suspension is the only viable option on these cars, they will require expensive maintenance. Not a question of if, but when.
Secondly, there are numerous other things like pse pump, sensors, to worry about on top of regular maintenance costs to consider.
If u can, purchase an sl which uses traditional brakes ie 2007 and up, and not brake by wire technology. Do some research, there is a glaring reason mb abandoned it those brakes.
you already know the car is a blast to drive, and I agree, but costly to maintain, no secret there. In the end, if u really want one, pull the trigger and enjoy, life is short. I came to the realization that while it was fun to own, it was no fun to have my service advisor's phone number on speed dial
Secondly, there are numerous other things like pse pump, sensors, to worry about on top of regular maintenance costs to consider.
If u can, purchase an sl which uses traditional brakes ie 2007 and up, and not brake by wire technology. Do some research, there is a glaring reason mb abandoned it those brakes.
you already know the car is a blast to drive, and I agree, but costly to maintain, no secret there. In the end, if u really want one, pull the trigger and enjoy, life is short. I came to the realization that while it was fun to own, it was no fun to have my service advisor's phone number on speed dial
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
Thanks for the insight DJAMER, I appreciate your response. I will take your advice and either get one with a warranty or steer clear of an out of warranty R230 that will eventually needed ABC work. Maybe a more simple Boxster is the used car to own out of warranty.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
2005 SL600 OETuning ECU
I agree that having a warranty is very important since the service on a $150k car still costs even if the resale price on the cars themselves have dropped steeply.
However, all cars have weaknesses and Boxsters do as well. The dreaded IMS failure with catestrophic engine damage is well documented so you are not avoiding problems by choosing a different car, only exchanging one set of risks for another. Of course, with Boxsters being less expensive cars, repairs are a bit less expensive, but servicing any Porsche is not cheap. Mechanics do not charge less for their labor for less expensive cars.
My advice is to buy the car you want to drive and take the necessary measures (after market warranties0 to protect yourself. Then enjoy to the max.
However, all cars have weaknesses and Boxsters do as well. The dreaded IMS failure with catestrophic engine damage is well documented so you are not avoiding problems by choosing a different car, only exchanging one set of risks for another. Of course, with Boxsters being less expensive cars, repairs are a bit less expensive, but servicing any Porsche is not cheap. Mechanics do not charge less for their labor for less expensive cars.
My advice is to buy the car you want to drive and take the necessary measures (after market warranties0 to protect yourself. Then enjoy to the max.
