SL/R231: Have You Checked the Value of Your SL Recently?
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
Have You Checked the Value of Your SL Recently?
So, we are getting older and the knees are getting older and the SL is getting a little harder to enter and exit. My wife was big into sports and hurt her knees and has had two knee replacements...
We are just testing the waters a little - nothing definite - but are are debating something a little higher off the ground. But the decision is tough because we love the SL and chicken out when the deal gets close... it is tough.
We bought the SL off an MB lease about 2.5 years ago. We are being offered more than we paid for it. Even through a direct deal to sell to a dealer, it is a little more than we paid. To sell retail ourselves is a good bit more. This made me start researching SL pricing recently.
I do not know if it is just the used car market in general, or the loss of a true iconic SL roadster and we have something unique, or maybe we just bought it at a good price....we did shop a lot and knew it was a good deal 2 1/2 years ago as soon as we saw it. Maybe just a combination of these things.
We did not buy new and take the initial hit. If you bought your SL pre-owned and shopped around for a good price and you have not looked recently, I think you will be surprised what the value is to sell it. Go see what they are selling for if you have not looked.
We are just testing the waters a little - nothing definite - but are are debating something a little higher off the ground. But the decision is tough because we love the SL and chicken out when the deal gets close... it is tough.
We bought the SL off an MB lease about 2.5 years ago. We are being offered more than we paid for it. Even through a direct deal to sell to a dealer, it is a little more than we paid. To sell retail ourselves is a good bit more. This made me start researching SL pricing recently.
I do not know if it is just the used car market in general, or the loss of a true iconic SL roadster and we have something unique, or maybe we just bought it at a good price....we did shop a lot and knew it was a good deal 2 1/2 years ago as soon as we saw it. Maybe just a combination of these things.
We did not buy new and take the initial hit. If you bought your SL pre-owned and shopped around for a good price and you have not looked recently, I think you will be surprised what the value is to sell it. Go see what they are selling for if you have not looked.
Last edited by Panama; Jul 10, 2022 at 01:15 PM.
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Joined: May 2022
Posts: 68
Likes: 32
From: Pachuta, MS
2015 SL400
Sold my 2015 911 last November for about break even money. Literally called the local dealer and had it sold in 20 minutes, they picked it up.
The car market in general is bat**** crazy…the kicker is you sell and then you may overpay for what you buy…. I just bought my SL, but may look into letting go of the GL…
The car market in general is bat**** crazy…the kicker is you sell and then you may overpay for what you buy…. I just bought my SL, but may look into letting go of the GL…
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
I just woke up from a short nap and when I read this threads title I swore it said valves. Guess my old eyes see what they want, because I was like “ we are supposed to be checking our valves regularly? Lol
There does seem to be some higher numbers when looking at selling/trading an SL. Unless you have another car to check it’s offers it’s hard to say if it’s the market, or the SL. Still nice either way.
There does seem to be some higher numbers when looking at selling/trading an SL. Unless you have another car to check it’s offers it’s hard to say if it’s the market, or the SL. Still nice either way.
So, we are getting older and the knees are getting older and the SL is getting a little harder to enter and exit. My wife was big into sports and hurt her knees and has had two knee replacements...
We are just testing the waters a little - nothing definite - but are are debating something a little higher off the ground. But the decision is tough because we love the SL and chicken out when the deal gets close... it is tough.
We bought the SL off an MB lease about 2.5 years ago. We are being offered more than we paid for it. Even through a direct deal to sell to a dealer, it is a little more than we paid. To sell retail ourselves is a good bit more. This made me start researching SL pricing recently.
I do not know if it is just the used car market in general, or the loss of a true iconic SL roadster and we have something unique, or maybe we just bought it at a good price....we did shop a lot and knew it was a good deal 2 1/2 years ago as soon as we saw it. Maybe just a combination of these things.
We did not buy new and take the initial hit. If you bought your SL pre-owned and shopped around for a good price and you have not looked recently, I think you will be surprised what the value is to sell it. Go see what they are selling for if you have not looked.
We are just testing the waters a little - nothing definite - but are are debating something a little higher off the ground. But the decision is tough because we love the SL and chicken out when the deal gets close... it is tough.
We bought the SL off an MB lease about 2.5 years ago. We are being offered more than we paid for it. Even through a direct deal to sell to a dealer, it is a little more than we paid. To sell retail ourselves is a good bit more. This made me start researching SL pricing recently.
I do not know if it is just the used car market in general, or the loss of a true iconic SL roadster and we have something unique, or maybe we just bought it at a good price....we did shop a lot and knew it was a good deal 2 1/2 years ago as soon as we saw it. Maybe just a combination of these things.
We did not buy new and take the initial hit. If you bought your SL pre-owned and shopped around for a good price and you have not looked recently, I think you will be surprised what the value is to sell it. Go see what they are selling for if you have not looked.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Yes, it's a GREAT time to sell but a HORRIBLE time to buy. I thought about trading our X5 for a smaller SUV or a sport sedan but I'm not paying MSRP and ADM as many dealers are charging. Market is CRAZY!
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
There are a lot of reports on YouTube right now that the bubble on car prices has popped and is slowly deflating due to an influx of repo cars. Plus, with gas prices being what they are, I can see people dumping their big V8s for something more fuel efficient. However, not sure how that is affecting high-end stuff like our cars. Still, I would keep a close watch on the used car market and not assume it will be the same six months from now.
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 257
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
There are a lot of reports on YouTube right now that the bubble on car prices has popped and is slowly deflating due to an influx of repo cars. Plus, with gas prices being what they are, I can see people dumping their big V8s for something more fuel efficient. However, not sure how that is affecting high-end stuff like our cars. Still, I would keep a close watch on the used car market and not assume it will be the same six months from now.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Demand for used SLs in CA is likely higher than in other areas of the country other than maybe Florida.
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This is not the case on the R231. Rock solid car but a warranty or certain amount of money set aside for maintenance/repairs is a good move.
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
If I had less miles on mine I would have likely stepped up to a facelift model, because I could have received more for my car. I like to drive and put miles on the cars I purchase and not leave them in a driveway, or a garage to admire, but in doing so the value is not as high as I would like it based on those miles. Its not bad, but just not as good as it could have been. My intention is to keep it for several more years. I really love the car, but I would have had a newer model had the opportunity came up.
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
If I had less miles on mine I would have likely stepped up to a facelift model, because I could have received more for my car. I like to drive and put miles on the cars I purchase and not leave them in a driveway, or a garage to admire, but in doing so the value is not as high as I would like it based on those miles. Its not bad, but just not as good as it could have been. My intention is to keep it for several more years. I really love the car, but I would have had a newer model had the opportunity came up.
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Yeah, I will retire one day. I just have so many things to do prior to that.
To be honest I do not know if the 15 and 16 are identical looking, or not. I have the 15. I do know the look gets a little update a few years after mine. I have always liked the AMG models and almost purchased a R230 AMG from a non MB dealer before my current 400. The terrible salesperson, as well as the issues I heard/felt with the AMG when driving made me pass. I likely would have purchased it had they agreed to fix my issues, but he wouldn't even try. The drivers seat had a missing drivers seat control lever, there were two lights out on the dash HVAC. When you adjusted the temp it clearly showed two lights out. There was also a noise when driving that sounded like a bad shock, or something. All could have been fixed or negotiated away. It was my first time in an SL and it just didn't feel like I thought an SL should. I am very glad that deal didn't work out, because I ended up with a newer R231.(but non AMG)I remember driving the R230 and My car feels much smoother and refined then that one did. The AMG was also a black car and did look sick. As a matter of fact I think I pulled over and took a few pictures of it on the test drive, so I am going to look to see if I still have them in my phone..
To be honest I do not know if the 15 and 16 are identical looking, or not. I have the 15. I do know the look gets a little update a few years after mine. I have always liked the AMG models and almost purchased a R230 AMG from a non MB dealer before my current 400. The terrible salesperson, as well as the issues I heard/felt with the AMG when driving made me pass. I likely would have purchased it had they agreed to fix my issues, but he wouldn't even try. The drivers seat had a missing drivers seat control lever, there were two lights out on the dash HVAC. When you adjusted the temp it clearly showed two lights out. There was also a noise when driving that sounded like a bad shock, or something. All could have been fixed or negotiated away. It was my first time in an SL and it just didn't feel like I thought an SL should. I am very glad that deal didn't work out, because I ended up with a newer R231.(but non AMG)I remember driving the R230 and My car feels much smoother and refined then that one did. The AMG was also a black car and did look sick. As a matter of fact I think I pulled over and took a few pictures of it on the test drive, so I am going to look to see if I still have them in my phone..
I agree. I would be putting a lot more miles on my car if I were not retired. I pretty much drive it every day but just not very far from home unless I go on a little trip, which is rare. I am not sure I would bother moving up to the facelifted model, however, as they are not much quicker and I am happy with the looks of the 2016 model. Having had a lot of faster cars, I may have considered an SL550 as an upgrade, but honestly I do not need the extra power at my age. I rarely bother with Sport Mode which makes the SL400 feel a lot more potent.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Aug 2, 2022 at 06:54 AM.
Thread Starter
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
Actually, today we got an email from the dealer we bought our 2017 from. It was a MB lease and we bought it pre-owned. They want to buy it back. They said they have someone wanting a Brilliant Blue Metallic SL and they are trying to find him one. That part could be BS, but they are really trying to buy it back and that part is not BS.
They do not make an SL roadster anymore. Anybody that says they do needs to look up the definition of roadster.
These cars are selling for 10-15 K more than we paid about 2.5 years ago.
BTW Thatsmydawg.... I love the lines and body of the pre-facelift as well. One of the reasons we ended up with a facelift model was the Brilliant Blue color. My wife saw a new one on the showroom floor that was Brilliant Blue and instantly knew that was the color she had to have. The color was the reason we went 2017 or newer after the facelift.
They do not make an SL roadster anymore. Anybody that says they do needs to look up the definition of roadster.
These cars are selling for 10-15 K more than we paid about 2.5 years ago.
BTW Thatsmydawg.... I love the lines and body of the pre-facelift as well. One of the reasons we ended up with a facelift model was the Brilliant Blue color. My wife saw a new one on the showroom floor that was Brilliant Blue and instantly knew that was the color she had to have. The color was the reason we went 2017 or newer after the facelift.
Last edited by Panama; Aug 1, 2022 at 06:56 PM.
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
The facelift occurred in 2017, so your 2015 would look the same as my 2016. You were wise to pass on the AMG R230 since the R230s appear to have more inherent problems than the later R231. Given the cost of repairs on MB cars, I would be reluctant to buy a used one that was not either a CPO car with a dealer warranty or a very pristine example with receipts.
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From: In the minds of others rent free.
SL 400
Yep.
That R230 was in no way pristine. Honestly I was just caught up at the chance to own my dream car (an SL) and an AMG at that.They were, are almost never for sale in my area of the state. Things happen for a reason and I got my dream car a little while later after passing on the prior.. So glad I didn't buy the R230, but to be honest it looked very sweet. As a matter of fact I wish I could remember where that dealer was, so I could go back there with my R231, but I bet that salesperson doesn't work there now. He was terrible in every way...
That R230 was in no way pristine. Honestly I was just caught up at the chance to own my dream car (an SL) and an AMG at that.They were, are almost never for sale in my area of the state. Things happen for a reason and I got my dream car a little while later after passing on the prior.. So glad I didn't buy the R230, but to be honest it looked very sweet. As a matter of fact I wish I could remember where that dealer was, so I could go back there with my R231, but I bet that salesperson doesn't work there now. He was terrible in every way...
The facelift occurred in 2017, so your 2015 would look the same as my 2016. You were wise to pass on the AMG R230 since the R230s appear to have more inherent problems than the later R231. Given the cost of repairs on MB cars, I would be reluctant to buy a used one that was not either a CPO car with a dealer warranty or a very pristine example with receipts.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Aug 2, 2022 at 12:53 PM.
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From: Pachuta, MS
2015 SL400
I almost pulled the trigger on a r230 Silver Arrow with a bunch of miles, but in pretty good shape…then I ran into the SL400 and it was a done deal…I was really looking for a black/red or grey/red, but wanted the AMG sport wheels, etc. The r231 just was a little nicer, so trigger pulled…black/black and smiles for miles…
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I almost pulled the trigger on a r230 Silver Arrow with a bunch of miles, but in pretty good shape…then I ran into the SL400 and it was a done deal…I was really looking for a black/red or grey/red, but wanted the AMG sport wheels, etc. The r231 just was a little nicer, so trigger pulled…black/black and smiles for miles…
Thread Starter
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2017 SL450, 2017 Ford Expedition, 2007 CLK 550, 2019 Buick Enclave
First, I do not own ABC. Second, not sure I want to.
I have heard and read about some horror stories with bugs and problems and the very high expense to fix them. It would be nice except for that issue. The Brilliant Blue Metallic, MB extended warranty, low miles, and perfect exterior and interior were all LOT more important to us than ABC. They were dealbreakers.....ABC was not. For our intended use, the downsides of ABC were too much to overcome the upside.
I have heard and read about some horror stories with bugs and problems and the very high expense to fix them. It would be nice except for that issue. The Brilliant Blue Metallic, MB extended warranty, low miles, and perfect exterior and interior were all LOT more important to us than ABC. They were dealbreakers.....ABC was not. For our intended use, the downsides of ABC were too much to overcome the upside.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
First, I do not own ABC. Second, not sure I want to.
I have heard and read about some horror stories with bugs and problems and the very high expense to fix them. It would be nice except for that issue. The Brilliant Blue Metallic, MB extended warranty, low miles, and perfect exterior and interior were all LOT more important to us than ABC. They were dealbreakers.....ABC was not. For our intended use, the downsides of ABC were too much to overcome the upside.
I have heard and read about some horror stories with bugs and problems and the very high expense to fix them. It would be nice except for that issue. The Brilliant Blue Metallic, MB extended warranty, low miles, and perfect exterior and interior were all LOT more important to us than ABC. They were dealbreakers.....ABC was not. For our intended use, the downsides of ABC were too much to overcome the upside.
The point I'm making is that the R231 is much prefered over the R230 unless you are a masochist.
Last edited by JettaRed; Aug 3, 2022 at 06:06 PM.
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I've owned my SL for just over 3 years and have driven 10,000 happy and trouble free miles. I decided to self insure after my CPO expired. I had 2 warranty repairs during my 3 years of ownership. The engine and transmission mounts were replaced and also a relay or switch that controls the ventilated seats.
I used the dealer for one A service and used an Indy for a B service. I had a dealer perform a transmission fluid and filter change. I will be using a friend's lift for future oil and filter changes. I also swapped out the brake pads for carbon ceramic low dust pads immediately after purchase. S friend and I performed this job. All in all I'm a happy owner and best of all my wife loves the SL unlike her detest of my C7 Corvette.
I used the dealer for one A service and used an Indy for a B service. I had a dealer perform a transmission fluid and filter change. I will be using a friend's lift for future oil and filter changes. I also swapped out the brake pads for carbon ceramic low dust pads immediately after purchase. S friend and I performed this job. All in all I'm a happy owner and best of all my wife loves the SL unlike her detest of my C7 Corvette.
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95 SL600
Pricey repairs were a given on the older R230 SL and definitely led to the terrible resale values even earlier in their build cycle.
This is not the case on the R231. Rock solid car but a warranty or certain amount of money set aside for maintenance/repairs is a good move.
This is not the case on the R231. Rock solid car but a warranty or certain amount of money set aside for maintenance/repairs is a good move.
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Last edited by Wolfman; Aug 3, 2022 at 05:02 PM.
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95 SL600
Not really. The R231 was in production for 8 years, the R230 for 9. The R231 has virtually no issues to speak of while the R230 had already significant issues a couple of years into production. We purchased a new 2003 SL55 when they came out and replaced it a few years later with a SL600. The first 2 years saw about $25k in warranty repairs... These cars had issues from the get-go and the R230 forum is a reflection of the problems experienced by owners. It's a big forum
