SteveL1

I've been looking for a few months and have not had any luck finding that perfect first SL. Had one lined up just last week only to find that it had a catastrophic transmission issue which is forcing it back on to the auction block. Everything I've looked at locally has either been too expensive or had too many miles for my comfort level. Trying to find a nice clean '03-'05 Sport model in black/light grey or black/stone with under 40,000 miles has been tough. I've seen a few ads on the net out of town but really don't feel secure buying something this expensive sight unseen.

How long did it take you?

ilovemaui1

Took me about two weeks. The car was about a mile from my house. 2003 Magma Red with 35,000 miles. I wasn't looking for red but once I saw it was love at first sight. I looked at a few silver ones but just didn't want another silver car.

3benz4me

It took me about a month to find it and I paid for a few inspections on others before I found it. An 08 with only 3900 miles on it. I simply HAD to get it as it still looked and smelled brand new. Just a note, I bought it January of this year so I think it was quite a find.

Adarah

I was just wondering the same thing - I'm on the lookout as well. Nothing here yet either.

God they're beautiful!

COMEINPEACE

4 MONTHS- and still settled(black 2005) take your time on this car
thought i would share one of my stories-
saw one on the popular car-search sights(private owner)low mileage ,white ,beautiful pics,nice driveway,impressive surroundings,in long island... the owner told me....lol lol...when i wanted to take a peek at it
well now the car is in Portugal,because of tax issues.... all i have to do is wire the money to his account-but dont worry he told me,i wont remove the money until the car is delivered and in front of your house...lol!
lots of unemployed comedians are around i guess!

SteveL1

Tried to look at an '03 SL55 today at lunch but was sadly disappointed to find that the car was not there. Apparently it's owned by one of the sales guys Dad and he only brings the car to the lot when somebody wants to see it. Sales guy called him and he said he would be there in 10 min. 15 min later he calls to say that he could not find the keys. Waste of an hour although I did get a sense that this particular dealer was NOT of the level that I felt comfortable with. Only car on the lot for more than $10-15k was an '06 Corvette that had been ridden hard and put away wet.

Kind of assuming that the kid just put the car on line with a huge mark up just to make a few bucks if someone was gullible enough to pay the asking price. He did not have a clue about the car other than to say that it was the only one in the country that had the McLaren wheels. They are actually Loniser LM6's which might be somewhat rare but not that hard to find. The search continues.

pdjv

Checked pre-owned inventory at eight local dealerships periodically. Finally spotted the SL55 I was looking for - a CPO car in Pewter Silver/Stone Nappa with under 37K miles. The price was at the top of my budget, but I got top dollar for my trade and that made the difference. A bit of back and forth with the dealer over missing trunk stuff and aftermarket wheels, but it's all sorted out and the car is fantastic.

WHTEVO

At least six months for me. Might've been a little longer. But i am glad i waited till i came across the right one i wanted.

Aaron

garymac

I looked for about 3 months. Was really lucky as a 2009 SL500 certified pre owned showed up at a local dealer in early January. January in Ohio is a great time to buy an SL, as most people are thinking more about AWD vehicles. then. It had 19000 miles and was just about perfect. I've had it 5 months and it's exceeded expectations. I've put over 3000 miles on it so far and it's not my daily driver.

woodland59

I looked for around 4 months. I wanted a specific color (steel grey with a cognac interior) with specific equipment and the lowest miles I could fine. I saw one in the beginning of my search, but waited too long to make an offer. I am glad I missed that one because this one had fewer miles. It was 250 miles away, but what a great drive home. Love the car!

teekay1

Took a month or 2 to find the mars red we wanted... have a perfect shape 03 silver for sale now... wish the red was in as good of shape as the silver

SteveL1

Congrat's on the new Mars red SL. So what are you asking for the '03? Have it listed anywhere?

teekay1

YES SIR!!! https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...-sl55-amg.html

davisdbd

I found one by accident on web 1 owner 15 pages of service records direct fro MB servicing dealer 03 sl500 9800 miles, paying 29K arrives Saturday. SO HAPPY!

hilld

Took two years. Found one with 6k miles. The sweetener was at5k it got overdrive pulleys and a newecu and lowered.

blueaudi18

I actually just post a 06 with 52000 mile in the classified if you are interested. Priced to sell too..