SL/R231: Would You Buy A R231 if it weren't a Convertible?
11-12-2023, 04:55 PM
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Would You Buy A R231 if it weren't a Convertible?
The reason for the question is that I am trying to figure find the most refined Mercedes with the shortest length. I would really like a W222 and may ultimately end up there but the size if it as wasted on me and will be a hassle parking it in my garage. I was looking at an S Coupe yesterday and it is bigger than I prefer and they also had a R231 and I sat in it and it felt really good to me and I really like the shorter length. Don't really need the back seat. This particular car's carfax showed that it had been in an accident so knowing that I wasn't going to buy it I did not test drive it. Not really interested in a convertible and given the choice I would pick a coupe but thinking that the R231 might be the nicest small car regardless. Wondering what others thoughts are in this regard.
TIA
TIA
11-12-2023, 05:40 PM
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Nope!
I can get a convertible anyplace. From this brand, or from another.
It's the combination of being a convertible that can look like a coupe, as well as the other R231 touches.
The R231 is a very special car. Not the fastest, not the slowest, not the most luxurious, or by no means is it the cheapest in the at new price, or build quality. The R231 checks so many boxes and has a unique look, feel and presence that is hard to explain.
I have driven many convertibles and owned numerous Mercedes models, but the amount of looks and nice cars I get in parking lots, or thumbs up while driving far out number any other car I have owned and that includes multiple BMW, Porsche and Land Rover brands.
But besides all that the feeling you get, I get when driving top down is really something.
I can get a convertible anyplace. From this brand, or from another.
It's the combination of being a convertible that can look like a coupe, as well as the other R231 touches.
The R231 is a very special car. Not the fastest, not the slowest, not the most luxurious, or by no means is it the cheapest in the at new price, or build quality. The R231 checks so many boxes and has a unique look, feel and presence that is hard to explain.
I have driven many convertibles and owned numerous Mercedes models, but the amount of looks and nice cars I get in parking lots, or thumbs up while driving far out number any other car I have owned and that includes multiple BMW, Porsche and Land Rover brands.
But besides all that the feeling you get, I get when driving top down is really something.
The reason for the question is that I am trying to figure find the most refined Mercedes with the shortest length. I would really like a W222 and may ultimately end up there but the size if it as wasted on me and will be a hassle parking it in my garage. I was looking at an S Coupe yesterday and it is bigger than I prefer and they also had a R231 and I sat in it and it felt really good to me and I really like the shorter length. Don't really need the back seat. This particular car's carfax showed that it had been in an accident so knowing that I wasn't going to buy it I did not test drive it. Not really interested in a convertible and given the choice I would pick a coupe but thinking that the R231 might be the nicest small car regardless. Wondering what others thoughts are in this regard.
TIA
TIA
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; 11-13-2023 at 06:58 AM.
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11-12-2023, 06:15 PM
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The R231 SL is a capable coupe with the top up and feels solid with a bright green house due to the glass roof. But it is primarily a convertible and thus may not have enough interior space as a dedicated coupe.
Have you tried an outgoing E-Class coupe? There should be cheap deals around on 450's. Or a BMW 8 series coupe?
Have you tried an outgoing E-Class coupe? There should be cheap deals around on 450's. Or a BMW 8 series coupe?
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11-12-2023, 07:33 PM
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The R231 SL is a capable coupe with the top up and feels solid with a bright green house due to the glass roof. But it is primarily a convertible and thus may not have enough interior space as a dedicated coupe.
Have you tried an outgoing E-Class coupe? There should be cheap deals around on 450's. Or a BMW 8 series coupe?
Have you tried an outgoing E-Class coupe? There should be cheap deals around on 450's. Or a BMW 8 series coupe?
I suspect that you are right the R231 trunk space maybe too small for any extended traveling for my wife and I.
The E coupe is a great suggestion and one that I will consider. It does meet my desired length in that it is shorter than my current E Class. I do find the latest iteration with the I6 intriguing. I haven't sat or driven one yet. So if the E Coupe were a more refined car in terms of NVH than the R231 with the top up then that is what I would be inclined to go with. That said again the R231 felt really good and special just sitting in it.
As far as the BMW goes it may be a superior car but I I have been around Mercedes for over 60 years now and I am thinking that this will be my last ICE car and I would like the most refined ICE Mercedes without being too ridiculous relative to my needs.
Last edited by MBNUT1; 11-12-2023 at 07:40 PM.
11-12-2023, 07:36 PM
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Don't want a convertible? Get the AMG GT.
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11-12-2023, 07:42 PM
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Nope!
I can get a convertible anyplace. From this brand, or from another. The R231 is a very special car. Not the fastest, not the slowest, not the most luxurious, or by no means is it the cheapest in the at new price, or build quality. The R231 checks so many boxes and has a unique look, feel and presence that is hard to explain.
I have driven many convertibles and owned numerous Mercedes models, but the amount of looks and nice cars I get in parking lots, or thumbs up while driving far out number any other car I have owned and that includes multiple BMW, Porsche and Land Rover brands.
But besides all that the feeling you get, I get when driving top down is really something.
I can get a convertible anyplace. From this brand, or from another. The R231 is a very special car. Not the fastest, not the slowest, not the most luxurious, or by no means is it the cheapest in the at new price, or build quality. The R231 checks so many boxes and has a unique look, feel and presence that is hard to explain.
I have driven many convertibles and owned numerous Mercedes models, but the amount of looks and nice cars I get in parking lots, or thumbs up while driving far out number any other car I have owned and that includes multiple BMW, Porsche and Land Rover brands.
But besides all that the feeling you get, I get when driving top down is really something.
11-12-2023, 07:43 PM
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Yes that would be perfect if it was GT oriented instead of a ***** out sports car ie rode well and came with the I6. But according to the reviews the R231 is a much better riding car. Looking for touring refinement over sport in the smallest package. Thomas of Autogefuehl said he preferred the R231 over the AMG GT for this reason. The R231 is 182 inches in length. Which is a very nice size in my book.
Last edited by MBNUT1; 11-12-2023 at 07:56 PM.
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11-13-2023, 12:23 AM
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Yes that would be perfect if it was GT oriented instead of a ***** out sports car ie rode well and came with the I6. But according to the reviews the R231 is a much better riding car. Looking for touring refinement over sport in the smallest package. Thomas of Autogefuehl said he preferred the R231 over the AMG GT for this reason. The R231 is 182 inches in length. Which is a very nice size in my book.
Some people have issues getting into and out of the car due to sore opening and bolsters of the performance seats.
11-13-2023, 05:38 AM
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I have owned my 2018 SL550 for 11 mo now, and have put the top down exactly 2 times. Once to observe its operation, and once at the request of my lady friend coming home from an evening dinner date. We kept the windows up, (which, imo is silly looking), and the wind screen up. That's it. I even had my sunroof tinted, as I don't have the magic glass, because it was too bright for me, with the shade closed in the midday FL sun. My car, for all intents and purposes, is a hardtop. As for the car you looked at being in an accident, couldn't you check to see how extensive the repair was. Was quite possibly just a fender bender. Accidents happen. Many paid out of pocket to avoid a carfax report. People buy cars that have been in accidents. Just do your due diligence on that.
11-13-2023, 07:30 AM
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When I bought my 2015 SL400 a couple of years ago, the CarFax said it had had minor cosmetic damage. The repair work had been immaculate; you could not tell without looking for witness marks on bolts.
I have owned cars and been in accidents (deer, truck tractors, etc.) with cosmetic damage. I didn't sell my car because some stupid deer played "chicken" and lost. So, use the prior damage as a negotiation point on the price.
Interesting about Florida. I grew up there and back then the sun must have been much younger because rarely did you see a convertible. A convertible ain't much fun in 95-degree weather while stuck in traffic. Thank goodness it only takes 20 seconds to put the roof up!
I have owned cars and been in accidents (deer, truck tractors, etc.) with cosmetic damage. I didn't sell my car because some stupid deer played "chicken" and lost. So, use the prior damage as a negotiation point on the price.
Interesting about Florida. I grew up there and back then the sun must have been much younger because rarely did you see a convertible. A convertible ain't much fun in 95-degree weather while stuck in traffic. Thank goodness it only takes 20 seconds to put the roof up!
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11-13-2023, 08:14 AM
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On accidents. I agree with the comments above. I am not against ownership of a car that has been properly repaired. My E Class has been hit twice (both minor) . Additionally after I looked at that car and went home and looked on Autotrader many of the R231's I looked at had been in accidents. The real problem I have with purchasing a car that has been in an accident is pricing. I don't know how to discount it such that if I wanted to resell it I would be able to get out of it without taking a beating. To me a car with a clean carfax has a fairly clear market value. A car with an accident history is more of an unknown.
In short if I could buy it for the same price someone else would give me for it I would strongly consider it.
In short if I could buy it for the same price someone else would give me for it I would strongly consider it.
Last edited by MBNUT1; 11-13-2023 at 08:16 AM.
11-13-2023, 09:07 AM
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I never buy a car for it's resale value because I plan on driving it to the point where resale is irrelevant. Meaning, I buy a car because I like it very much and want to keep it as long as I can. If I don't plan on keeping it a long while, I won't buy it.
If people bought cars based on resale values, no one would ever buy a new car, especially not a high-end automobile. I only consider resale values as a measure of popularity of the car, which can be linked to its quality, reliability, etc. If the car was in a minor accident and repaired properly, then I would not let me miss out on a great opportunity. That's why I buy one pre-owned -- let someone else suffer the 50% or more loss after a couple years of babying it.
I am much more concerned about it's maintenance history. There's a 2013 SL550 for sale through the local MB dealer with a little under 50,000 miles (that's 5,000 miles per year). The price is a little under $37,000. But it has an extensive maintenance history having been regularly serviced through the selling dealer in Florida. No accidents. If I were in the market, I'd look seriously at it.
WRT figuring out a price to negotiate on a car with an accident history, decide how much you want to pay for it, all things considered.
If people bought cars based on resale values, no one would ever buy a new car, especially not a high-end automobile. I only consider resale values as a measure of popularity of the car, which can be linked to its quality, reliability, etc. If the car was in a minor accident and repaired properly, then I would not let me miss out on a great opportunity. That's why I buy one pre-owned -- let someone else suffer the 50% or more loss after a couple years of babying it.
I am much more concerned about it's maintenance history. There's a 2013 SL550 for sale through the local MB dealer with a little under 50,000 miles (that's 5,000 miles per year). The price is a little under $37,000. But it has an extensive maintenance history having been regularly serviced through the selling dealer in Florida. No accidents. If I were in the market, I'd look seriously at it.
WRT figuring out a price to negotiate on a car with an accident history, decide how much you want to pay for it, all things considered.
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11-14-2023, 12:23 PM
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I think it depends...
There are less expensive dedicated coupes, so budget wise, it would make more sense to go that route. Also, any time you have a retractable roof, canvas or otherwise, you are a adding a complexity to the car that you really may not use. Convertible Roofs can leak or can get damaged in a myriad of ways.
But to answer your question, If I personally were looking for a coupe in the Mercedes brand, it would be AMG GT or S coupe. Because we all use our cars differently though, wheelbase and overall length isn't one of my criteria's. But the R231 does check my personal boxes, with it's retractable hard top and being a convertible with plenty of performance.
Also, In the used market, R231 SL550 is probably the most bang per buck car you will find.
I will say the non-ABC, R231's are the quite reliable with relatively painless maintenance, so there will be very little cost difference in maintenance between E class and SL.
I think the E class is a good suggestion for your wheelbase/length criteria though...
Good Luck!
There are less expensive dedicated coupes, so budget wise, it would make more sense to go that route. Also, any time you have a retractable roof, canvas or otherwise, you are a adding a complexity to the car that you really may not use. Convertible Roofs can leak or can get damaged in a myriad of ways.
But to answer your question, If I personally were looking for a coupe in the Mercedes brand, it would be AMG GT or S coupe. Because we all use our cars differently though, wheelbase and overall length isn't one of my criteria's. But the R231 does check my personal boxes, with it's retractable hard top and being a convertible with plenty of performance.
Also, In the used market, R231 SL550 is probably the most bang per buck car you will find.
I will say the non-ABC, R231's are the quite reliable with relatively painless maintenance, so there will be very little cost difference in maintenance between E class and SL.
I think the E class is a good suggestion for your wheelbase/length criteria though...
Good Luck!
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11-14-2023, 02:30 PM
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You know, you really need to drive the cars you are looking at first. The SL drives and rides differently from any other class. Certainly different than my C-Class, though my C350 feels more nimble sometimes.
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11-14-2023, 05:15 PM
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I think it depends...
There are less expensive dedicated coupes, so budget wise, it would make more sense to go that route. Also, any time you have a retractable roof, canvas or otherwise, you are a adding a complexity to the car that you really may not use. Convertible Roofs can leak or can get damaged in a myriad of ways.
But to answer your question, If I personally were looking for a coupe in the Mercedes brand, it would be AMG GT or S coupe. Because we all use our cars differently though, wheelbase and overall length isn't one of my criteria's. But the R231 does check my personal boxes, with it's retractable hard top and being a convertible with plenty of performance.
Also, In the used market, R231 SL550 is probably the most bang per buck car you will find.
I will say the non-ABC, R231's are the quite reliable with relatively painless maintenance, so there will be very little cost difference in maintenance between E class and SL.
I think the E class is a good suggestion for your wheelbase/length criteria though...
Good Luck!
There are less expensive dedicated coupes, so budget wise, it would make more sense to go that route. Also, any time you have a retractable roof, canvas or otherwise, you are a adding a complexity to the car that you really may not use. Convertible Roofs can leak or can get damaged in a myriad of ways.
But to answer your question, If I personally were looking for a coupe in the Mercedes brand, it would be AMG GT or S coupe. Because we all use our cars differently though, wheelbase and overall length isn't one of my criteria's. But the R231 does check my personal boxes, with it's retractable hard top and being a convertible with plenty of performance.
Also, In the used market, R231 SL550 is probably the most bang per buck car you will find.
I will say the non-ABC, R231's are the quite reliable with relatively painless maintenance, so there will be very little cost difference in maintenance between E class and SL.
I think the E class is a good suggestion for your wheelbase/length criteria though...
Good Luck!
Last edited by MBNUT1; 11-14-2023 at 05:29 PM.
11-15-2023, 08:11 AM
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Wife drives 2013 SL (ordered with every option except ABC). In ten years with 45000 miles mostly city/grocery getting we have lowered the top twice in sultry hot South Louisiana. I chose it for it visual appeal. She's happy with it. Looked at a new SL with soft top and decided, nah. But, am leaning toward the new GT 55 coming out. Again, the visual appeal and new tech of the GT. But also again, as a city car.
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11-15-2023, 08:40 AM
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That's really interesting you've only lowered the top twice in ten yrs! btw, I saw my first new designed SL yesterday, parked as I slowly drove by. Wasn't bowled over by the design like I thought I would be. The sapphire blue color was absolutely amazing, though I didn't much care for the black soft top. I would prefer a lighter top, if offered.
As for the new GT. Isn't a GT sprung much more firmly than an SL? Not sure I would like the ride. I'm spoiled with my SL in Comfort mode!
As for the new GT. Isn't a GT sprung much more firmly than an SL? Not sure I would like the ride. I'm spoiled with my SL in Comfort mode!
Last edited by Goodwood; 11-15-2023 at 08:45 AM.
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11-15-2023, 10:49 AM
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I just don't get that.
Who buys a convertible and doesn't put the top down and up 100 times the first day, week, weekend , or month of ownership? I put the top down/up at least 4 times the same day I drove it home just to marvel at it's Transforme-rish behavior.To each his own though...
As soon as I read that I was like "something doesn't add up"
Who buys a convertible and doesn't put the top down and up 100 times the first day, week, weekend , or month of ownership? I put the top down/up at least 4 times the same day I drove it home just to marvel at it's Transforme-rish behavior.To each his own though...
As soon as I read that I was like "something doesn't add up"
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; 11-15-2023 at 10:53 AM.
11-16-2023, 08:56 AM
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Any nice day when the temps are around 78-83 degrees, the top goes down. I have no hair, but my wife does. So, with the side windows up and the wind block up in back, there is minimal air blowing around to mess her hair. More than the mid-80s, I want the sky to be overcast. Below 78 and the sky needs to be clear. There have been days when it was too hot to have the top down, though it is a great way to get Near Infrared (NIR) exposure.
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