SL55/63/65/R230 AMG Question on used SL55's

Apr 4, 2005 | 10:34 PM

spanky

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Joined: Jan 2005

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Question on used SL55's

I'm trying to decide whether to get an used 03 or wait for a bit for the 04's. My budget is around $95k and judging the rate the SL55 depreciates the 04's should be within my price range at the end of the year.

I guess my question is whether the 03's and 04's are pretty much the same car or the 04's has a lot of improvement in term of bug fixes being that the 03's are the first model year of the new design.

Any thoughts along these lines are much appreciated.

D

Apr 4, 2005 | 11:01 PM

WIldcat465

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 433

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From: Phoenix, AZ

2007 CL600

Quote:

Originally Posted by spanky

Although I understand why many are drawn to the 55's growl, these things just hold their value realy well and it may be tough to find an '04 near your price range and I'd shy away from the '03s to avoid 1st year glitches. With that said, you'd have a better chance finding a lower mileage '04 (or wait a bit for a CPO '05) SL600 in your price range. They depreciate depreciate like rocks; however, for me the 600 was the better choice. I'd grow tired of the 55 growling exhaust (althought it's very cool) and nothing can beat the smooth V12. In december, I saw a 3000 mile '04 600 for about $105k, would bought it on the spot, but the silver paint just puts be to sleep. Just a thought.

BTW, the new nav is worth waiting for. Far superior to the old CD-based system.

Apr 5, 2005 | 06:19 PM

PA55AMG

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From: Pittsburgh,pa

2010 Range Rover S/C 2010 Land Rover LR4 HSE Lux Plus 2007 BMW R1200GS

Most of the 04's I have seen, are in the 105-115K range.

Use autotrader.com, and chose any distance. That way you can see cars in the hot spots like CA. and FLA.

I would also recommend skipping the 03's.

Apr 5, 2005 | 11:36 PM

jcanabal

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2003

Posts: 495

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From: Akron, OH

2006 SLK 55 AMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by PA500SL

.
I would also recommend skipping the 03's.

Why? What wrong with '03's?

JMC

Apr 6, 2005 | 12:05 AM

lookatmeeee

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 93

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From: SoCal

SL55, Range Rover S/C '06

I just purchased my SL55 yesterday. Had been searching for about 2 weeks and decided it wasn't worth it for the $105K-$110K for a 2004 since the 2005 new models can be had here in LA for about $3000 under sticker ($120K)...Got an 03 w/ low miles that was delivered late (in February 2004), so the car is only 1 year and 3 months old. You should pay no more than $93-98K for a 2003... I think as long as the car is under warranty and you've seen the vehicle history on it (not a lemon car) you should be fine. Remember, 2002 was the first year for the SL55 as it was released in Europe first. 2003 is actually the 2nd year for the car, and 2004 is the 3rd year..

-Chris