SL/R107: Best for daily driver - 380, 450, 560?
11-28-2023, 09:13 AM
#1
Best for daily driver - 380, 450, 560?
Hi everyone - I had a C300 cabriolet and my wife just got her GLC300. I currently drive a Genesis G90 with the lease expiring in 10 months.
i want to get back to a convertible as a daily driver. Aside from the C300 I’ve also gone the Porsche (tough on my back after 2 hours) route. I’m interested in the classic R107’s but it’s very important the car be comfortable as a daily driver. I put about 12k miles a year on my cars and as I’ve recently moved to the beach in South Carolina I should get a good 8 months of top down driving.
I’d appreciate suggestions along with things to watch for. I don’t mind spending $30k or so along with a few thousand to take care of deferred maintenance.
thanks for the help and have a great holiday season -
i want to get back to a convertible as a daily driver. Aside from the C300 I’ve also gone the Porsche (tough on my back after 2 hours) route. I’m interested in the classic R107’s but it’s very important the car be comfortable as a daily driver. I put about 12k miles a year on my cars and as I’ve recently moved to the beach in South Carolina I should get a good 8 months of top down driving.
I’d appreciate suggestions along with things to watch for. I don’t mind spending $30k or so along with a few thousand to take care of deferred maintenance.
thanks for the help and have a great holiday season -
11-28-2023, 08:18 PM
#2
Member
My opinion... the R129 and/or R230 would make a much better daily driver.
I'm torn as I have all three and I would never consider the R107 as a daily. It's great for the warm evening cruise around town and dash to the beach. Twelve thousand annual miles is not a lot - but, I think the 40-year-old driving characteristics and rudimentary conveniences will wear on you.
You can get a late-year, very low mileage R129 with all updated maintenance (including the soft top hydraulics) for way under $30K. Check out previous sales on Bring-a-Trailer for an idea what can be had for well under your budget.
Again... just my opinion. YMMV
I'm torn as I have all three and I would never consider the R107 as a daily. It's great for the warm evening cruise around town and dash to the beach. Twelve thousand annual miles is not a lot - but, I think the 40-year-old driving characteristics and rudimentary conveniences will wear on you.
You can get a late-year, very low mileage R129 with all updated maintenance (including the soft top hydraulics) for way under $30K. Check out previous sales on Bring-a-Trailer for an idea what can be had for well under your budget.
Again... just my opinion. YMMV
11-28-2023, 09:35 PM
#3
My opinion... the R129 and/or R230 would make a much better daily driver.
I'm torn as I have all three and I would never consider the R107 as a daily. It's great for the warm evening cruise around town and dash to the beach. Twelve thousand annual miles is not a lot - but, I think the 40-year-old driving characteristics and rudimentary conveniences will wear on you.
You can get a late-year, very low mileage R129 with all updated maintenance (including the soft top hydraulics) for way under $30K. Check out previous sales on Bring-a-Trailer for an idea what can be had for well under your budget.
Again... just my opinion. YMMV
I'm torn as I have all three and I would never consider the R107 as a daily. It's great for the warm evening cruise around town and dash to the beach. Twelve thousand annual miles is not a lot - but, I think the 40-year-old driving characteristics and rudimentary conveniences will wear on you.
You can get a late-year, very low mileage R129 with all updated maintenance (including the soft top hydraulics) for way under $30K. Check out previous sales on Bring-a-Trailer for an idea what can be had for well under your budget.
Again... just my opinion. YMMV
11-29-2023, 04:01 AM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
12k per year is what about 250 per week or half a tank...
or 4- hours driving depending on where
If you love the car and she is in good shape any of them would be fine.. in fac I think if you are looking that old just find the best one out there.
Remember lots to check or repair
Everything made from Rubber hoses and bushings etc
so brake lines and fuel lines and vacuum lines etc.
Probably need brakes and wheel bearings if high mileage.
ENgine might need some love.
Which ever have it checked out by someone who knows these cars.
These are great cars and with the top down who needs all the tech stuff when driving? I am sure you know where you are going and who could hear the radio anyways?
or 4- hours driving depending on where
If you love the car and she is in good shape any of them would be fine.. in fac I think if you are looking that old just find the best one out there.
Remember lots to check or repair
Everything made from Rubber hoses and bushings etc
so brake lines and fuel lines and vacuum lines etc.
Probably need brakes and wheel bearings if high mileage.
ENgine might need some love.
Which ever have it checked out by someone who knows these cars.
These are great cars and with the top down who needs all the tech stuff when driving? I am sure you know where you are going and who could hear the radio anyways?
01-01-2024, 07:09 PM
#5
I have an 84 Euro 380SL. Been using as a daily for the past 2 years, except Dec through March here in Northeast... about 6k/yr. It's been super reliable. I did all fresh hoses, belts and fluids when I picked it up 2yrs ago with 60k miles on it. Easy driver.
