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Is this a good deal? Any Red Flags? 2017 $40k 52k miles
I'm looking at getting a 2017 SL550 and just been waiting for one at the right price/miles. This seems fair on price but maybe more miles than I would have liked. $40k and 52k miles. I will of course do a PPI but I have a few questions:
Do the service records look good?
Any red flags?
Are the miles too high for this car/model?
Also, is there anything I should look out for when buying from a small potentially shady dealer?
Have someone do a deep dive on the transmission to check everything. At the very least, remove the transmission drain plug and check for any metallic parts in the fluid. Replacement will cost $12,000 +. Ask if you can take the car to a local car wash to check for leaks; if you get any water in either headlight, it is going to cost $4,500 each to replace them. Closely check the entire dashboard for any lifting or bubbles - $4000+ to replace the dash if you are fortunate enough to locate a replacement dash - you will probably need to source a replacement from a junkyard as MB no longer has any replacement dashboards in stock. Be certain to cycle the retractable hard top up and down multiple times.
If this vehicle passes all the above tests, there is an excellent chance you have found a great opportunity, I love my 2017 SL. It is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Don't rush into this, there are always plenty of them coming to the resale market.
I don't think the dealer is too shady, He seems to have some high end automobiles for sale. After doing a little research on the Autotrader, looking at 2017 & 2018's, and assuming this is your price range I think its a good deal for you, and looks to be a very clean SL550. Just go and buy the car and enjoy it. I've been looking at these cars for over forty-five years and from what I see looks great and I wouldn't waste my money on a PPI. The car was bought and serviced in Hilton Head I$land, SC. Lots of money there. Keep us updated. Pics attached of my 2020 SL550, ABC Suspension, Magic Sky Roof, Bang & Olufsen and the $4500 Designo leather interior package. Original MSRP was $136,110.
Is the leather on the doors above the arm rests peeling or do the pictures just look like it? Are the wrinkles on the sides of the seatbacks normal? If so this could be an issue. I would look it over very carefully.
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Originally Posted by BMBLBEE
Is the leather on the doors above the arm rests peeling or do the pictures just look like it? Are the wrinkles on the sides of the seatbacks normal? If so this could be an issue. I would look it over very carefully.
Definitely something going on with the leather on the doors. The leather looks like it is separating from the door panel -- not good. And the seats do look like some BIG people rode in this car for many miles. I would not buy this (or any car) without first physically seeing and driving it.
Have someone do a deep dive on the transmission to check everything. At the very least, remove the transmission drain plug and check for any metallic parts in the fluid. Replacement will cost $12,000 +. Ask if you can take the car to a local car wash to check for leaks; if you get any water in either headlight, it is going to cost $4,500 each to replace them. Closely check the entire dashboard for any lifting or bubbles - $4000+ to replace the dash if you are fortunate enough to locate a replacement dash - you will probably need to source a replacement from a junkyard as MB no longer has any replacement dashboards in stock. Be certain to cycle the retractable hard top up and down multiple times.
If this vehicle passes all the above tests, there is an excellent chance you have found a great opportunity, I love my 2017 SL. It is the most enjoyable car I have ever owned. Don't rush into this, there are always plenty of them coming to the resale market.
Thanks for the details. This is really good info for me cause I'm new to car buying so thank you so much!
Originally Posted by JettaRed
The price is $41,000. Not $40,000.
A PPI is not a waste of money.
Wish we knew what maintenance was actually performed. I don't see any transmission service performed.
That said, the car looks like a good deal. No, the mileage isn't excessive.
Yeah I wish there was a little more info here but I imagine a PPI would reveal whether sevice has been performed?
Originally Posted by BMBLBEE
Is the leather on the doors above the arm rests peeling or do the pictures just look like it? Are the wrinkles on the sides of the seatbacks normal? If so this could be an issue. I would look it over very carefully.
Good find, looks like there is some bubbling on the door and glove box.
Originally Posted by JettaRed
Definitely something going on with the leather on the doors. The leather looks like it is separating from the door panel -- not good. And the seats do look like some BIG people rode in this car for many miles. I would not buy this (or any car) without first physically seeing and driving it.
I'm absolutely going to see it first. Good look on the door panel. Didnt notice that at first.
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