LynnBilodeau

Getting the itch for another V12TT car. I THINK I want a 2005-2008 SL65. The additional HP appeals to me, and traditionally, the Roadsters hold their value better than the coupes. However, there are not many SL65's on the market at reasonable prices. Not going to pay $45k for a 10 year old car, even if it did cost $194k new.

As far as reliability goes, I don't think there is an appreciable difference between the 600 and the 65 be it CL or SL. I know the 65 brakes are more expensive than a 600. Most everything else is about the same. Same coils, same ABC, same trans, etc.

I am guessing some of you have (or had) a high mileage V12TT. Did you experience any particular issues that you would attribute to high mileage? Not talking about the usual: abc, coils, motor mounts, etc.
I don't mind replacing the engine at some point in the future (probably get a used motor and build it myself). Same with the trans. I doubt I will drive it more than 3 - 4k miles a year, but you never know. However, say I bought a car with 109k miles on it. Assuming it has been cared for, and assuming I will still have to fix all the usual things over time, any reason to believe the engine/trans would not be reliable until the 150k mile mark? I have a Ferrari project that will consume and estimated four years. That is why I don't want to have to do anything major over that time period.

Any words of wisdom?

Thanks a million for any help.

ItalianJoe1

Nope, mechanically speaking they are quite reliable. Yes the usual v12/abc parts fail but that happens with age anyway regardless of mileage. You will be better off with a well cared for high mileage car, than a neglected lower mileage car.

Friend's dad has an SL65 Black Series for sale, but that's a bit out of the normal price range lol. Only has 8k on it too.

LynnBilodeau

Can anyone tell me if the R230 has plastic fenders like the W215?

FxFormat

My R230 have metal/aluminum fenders, might be aluminum, seems very light. I've seen tons of S600 and S65 with 150K for sale, so i don't think mileage is the issue for the drivetrain, it's everything else lol.

Rudeney

The R230's body is all aluminium, except that the rear fenders are steel and the bumpers are (as on most all cars) plastic.

moretech

There's a white one in Kansas City right now on autotrader for $29k. looks loaded, but I'm no expert here. good luck

moretech

Das Geld 2

The 55 is a better car than the 65

ItalianJoe1

​​​​​​LIES!!!

There is something about the V12 that makes it awesome, but the V8 cars are simpler and more reliable engines. All SLs will have ABC issues though, which sucks.

LynnBilodeau

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Thanks for the heads up. That one has some fugly wheels (apologies to anyone who has chosen the same wheel, including the owner of the car). Looks like the outer rim is painted white?

Might be interested if he saved his original wheels.

I know, it is "easy" to change the wheels. But, it isn't necessarily cheap. I will give him a call tomorrow.

FxFormat

Damn an 07 SL65 with 88K miles for $29,000? That's so cheap, never seen a car depreciate as bad as the SLs do.

LynnBilodeau

CLs are depreciating just as bad. Maybe worse. I am hoping the market has bottomed out on the R230.

moretech

All the SL's are way over depreciated. I still feel you get a lot my wonderful motoring for the dollars..I know the top can be trouble but when it works it is a sight to see!!

moretech